Mccarthy18
New Member
- Joined
- May 2, 2017
- Messages
- 2
I have done some research and have heard it's best to contact your ALO early. However, I am only a sophomore in high school. Is that too soon to email my ALO? I appreciate your comments.
its not a matter of too soon or not. The truth is, you can contact your future ALO now. Just don't be surprised, upset, or disheartened if s/he doesn't reply to you. There are some ALO's who have no problem speaking with future applicants. I myself, I would give them a checklist I wrote up on all the things they can do in preparing for when they are an applicant. And especially what to do in their junior year; so they could actually get the application completed 100% in the summer before their senior year starts.
But there are some ALO's that simply don't have the time, or they prefer to concentrate on the current year's applicants. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
I will tell you one thing for sure. Until you're an actual applicant, there isn't 1 thing that your ALO can help with, tell you, recommend to you, etc. that you can't do RIGHT HERE ON THIS FORUM. Nothing at all. And except for the actual ALO interview and being someone to go to if there's issues or problems with your application and the admissions office, there's very little that your ALO is needed for; vs this forum.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not downplaying the importance of the ALO. They are essential. But remember, I mentioned the information, guidance, knowledge, etc. of the ALO VS THIS FORUM!!! You must realize that only about 1% of ALL APPLICANTS come to THIS FORUM. This forum is a very unique place. There's even ALO's on this forum. As well as current/past applicants; Current/Alumni cadets; parents of applicants/cadets; etc. But the vast majority of applicants will never make it to this website/forum. Matter of fact, I said 1%, but even that is high, considering about half of those inquiring on this forum are usually parents and not the applicants themselves. You will also find that the success/appointment rate of those following and contributing to this forum is also quite high. That's what happens when you get so much knowledge and experience in one place.
So I'm not saying you don't need to contact or be involved with your ALO. Simply pointing out, that you NEED your ALO about 90% LESS than the majority of applicants, because you have this FORUM. "Assuming you stay involved and learn here".
So, contact your ALO if you want. Let him/her know you're a sophomore and are interested in the academy. If they reply.... Great. If they don't..... No big deal. Read all the posts you can here. Start with the search engine in the forum and type in SOPHOMORE. I bet you'll find a lot of information from others exactly in the same boat as you. If you can't find answers to certain questions or concerns, ask us. Someone will reply. Start worrying about an ALO when you're apply for summer seminar in the fall of your junior year. Until then..... you don't need to worry about an ALO.,
So did you get in?!I have done some research and have heard it's best to contact your ALO early. However, I am only a sophomore in high school. Is that too soon to email my ALO? I appreciate your comments.
The official function of the ALO is to assist during the admissions process, but in many cases, they have become a close and trusted confidant. Many ALOs are USAFA graduates with unique perspective and relevant career experience that could serve as a resource for the student for years to come.