r/USAFA • u/BornAd7739 • 7d ago

Candidate interview

Hello,

I have my candidate interview in a few days, and I am super nervous. Is there anyone who has gone through the process who would like to give me some insight as to the type of questions asked, what they look for, and things of that nature. I'm not really the best with public speaking, and you can tell when I'm nervous, so I'm trying to prepare as best I can.

Also, is this like a pass/fail type of thing that gets recorded? Or are they just taking notes on you?

Thanks

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u/Nickymontage ‘30 7d ago

Class of ‘30 here. While it’s true they are evaluating you, it’s really just seeing who you are and what kind of character you have. Don’t think of it as a test that you need to pass, but rather an opportunity to show off and put a face to your name.
As for preparation, know your “why” for wanting to go to the academy, because there’s a pretty high chance they’ll ask that. That reason should be important to you; don’t forget it, you’ll need it in BCT and the academic year too.
They want to know who you are, and I’ve never heard of a mean interviewer, so just be yourself. Breathe, be professional, and you’ll be just fine.

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u/BornAd7739 7d ago

Thank so much

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u/Rtx3070sfordaboys 2h ago

I second this! As a fellow 30er I was asked my ‘why’ a lot during basic. Specifically by my cadre. The ‘why’ is a way for people to gauge how you might fit into the culture. 

Just as a side note your ‘why’ will likely change when at the academy as you meet new people and experience new things. Don’t be afraid of change. 

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u/Aggravating_Chip_879 7d ago

Yess!! I have mine tomorrow, I’m a little nervous but also excited to take this big step towards getting into my dream school 😊

I spoke on the phone with my mentor ALO the other day and he gave me some tips, basically just said don’t be nervous about it and it’s kind of just a conversation to see if the evaluator thinks you’ll be a decent officer and then they report back to USAFA about your perceived qualities like character, core values & officer potential.

He also said to dress professionally and use sir/ma’am. As well as know your WHY for the Air Force academy, he said they have a genuine interest in why you want to go.

Some of the questions he said I might be asked are like human relations questions (how you work apart of a team), a time you overcame a struggle, and a story of a time you were in a leadership position. These are just examples he told me but he said they have a list of script questions that cover multiple qualities that they report back to USAFA, so each question is trying to know more of your person/character.

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u/BornAd7739 7d ago

Good Luck!!! Mine is Saturday, so I have a little time to get ready for it. I hope yours goes amazingly! Thank you so much; I'll be sure to practice these questions. Just a question- I haven't reached out to my mentor ALO. Is that something I should do? Are they there to provide guidance on the application and stuff?

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u/Aggravating_Chip_879 7d ago

Thank you!! I hope yours goes amazing too!

Yes, you are required to contact your mentor ALO at least once during your application process (by your final due date) or your application will be closed.

The mentor ALO is there so that you don’t have to pay for professional application counseling. The whole reason they are there is to help you with your application.

Mine reached out first, but if yours didn’t I would definitely send out an email to them so you don’t have to worry about your application closing from not contacting them. If they don’t respond but you still contacted them then your application is fine. (which I’ve heard some don’t respond, but hopefully you got a good one!)

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u/BornAd7739 7d ago

Ok got it! Thanks again, and good luck. See ya at USAFA!!

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u/Aggravating_Chip_879 7d ago

Yess I will see you there! C/o 2031 🎉

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u/BornAd7739 5d ago

How was itt?

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u/Aggravating_Chip_879 5d ago

Bro I’m not even lying I woke up w a terrible cold and could barely speak bc my throat was so dry & scratchy so I rescheduled it 😬

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u/BornAd7739 5d ago

Omg😭😭 That sucks feel better

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u/No-Duck4828 7d ago

I was really nervous too, but it ended up being pretty relaxed

Why do you want to attend the Academy? Did you consider any of the other academies?

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u/BornAd7739 7d ago

Ok, thank you

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u/Hot-Proposal-7611 7d ago

Just say yes sir no sir when applicable, be as respectful as possible

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u/No-Individual-7738 7d ago

Mine was super chill and fun. I went in expecting something super serious but it ended up being a great heart to heart convo

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u/Dave_Memes 7d ago

I thought interviews started by May and classes started in June? So are they still getting applicants all year round?

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u/BornAd7739 7d ago

I am doing my application for the Class of 2031