<p>My son is anticipating his first initial meeting with his LO. He’s been communicating via email until now. His LO has told him he wants to set up some time to get to know him and go over his plans for the next few years of high school. Any tips? What might be asked? </p>
<p>Thank you in advance! </p>
<p>So far he’s in good standing grade wise- entering sophmore year. All honors courses. Varsity Track and XC and just joined swim and dive. Also in JROTC- NHS, lots of community service, etc. Almost to BlackBelt in 4 divisions. </p>
<p>What year is he going into in HS? Think of it like a job interview becuase that is ultimately what it is. The ALO will be there to guide your son through the process (When can I take my CFA, What classes should I concentrate on to improve my application process, things like that). Some ALO's will be much different and just want to review the resume and give you some brief info about the Academy. Potter had one of each. The summer seminar ALO was great and gave her a lot of encouragement. The one who was there for the admissions package was much different and detached.</p>
<p>I'm not sure if it'll be quite so detailed if he's only going into the 10th grade, but I can tell you a little about my interview for summer seminar. It was really thorough - lasted about 1:45 and I thought it would never end :)</p>
<p>We covered everything from school to family, from past, present and future expectations. I was asked things like "Describe a time when you worked hard for something you really wanted, but were disappointed or just couldn't do anything more to affect the outcome" and of course "What do you plan to do in the Air Force?" We discussed the CFA and nomination requests, along with my reasons for interest in the Academy. I felt like it was somewhat of a recap of my entire life all packed into just under 2 hours. But of course, if they're just meeting so your son's ALO can get to know him early, it might not be as detailed. </p>
<p>Oh yeah, remember eye contact. Look him in the eye every time he talks to you or you're talking to him. I got a big plus on that. Make sure not to look too sloppy, and act professionally. Good luck!</p>
<p>I'm an ALO...rather senior...been around a long time. Gimme a holler and I'll tell you all you might want to know.</p>
<p>Bottom line for ANY candidate meeting their ALO for the first time.</p>
<p>a. We are NOT the enemy!
b. Our goal is to present the candidate to the academy in a perfect picture
c. GIVE US ALL YOU CAN, we'll paint the canvas</p>
<p>My comments to candidates: you give me the pieces of the puzzle, I'll build the perfect, frameable picture. </p>
<p>And yes, I take "my kids" very personally...most ALO's do. Our "kids" are just that: "Ours!"</p>
<p>I'm also about to meet with my ALO for the first time. I'll be a senior, so I don't have the benefit of a lot of preparation (Wasn't really looking at the military till the middle of last year). He said we'll be doing a casual-type meeting with me and my parents, then do the interview a few weeks after.</p>
<p>flieger83- Thanks for the info! I may just drop you a note or two along the way. I have absorbed as much as I can about what my son wants for his future with the AFA to stay on my toes for what to expect. He's so busy with extra curricular activities that he barely has time to even go online lately so I look into as much as I can. </p>
<p>Here's a quick question- the LO said he wanted to meet at the and of the month and would be contacting him but it's the 1st now and we haven't heard. Should he give him a call or shoot him an email or wait?</p>
<p>Liberator, you can find your ALO in two ways:
1.) Ask the high school guidance/counseling department if they have his contact info, or ...
2.) Call the Air Force Academy directly (what I did this year). Navigate your way through the wires to the right office (I think its your regional director that you need), and they can provide you with the information you need.</p>