Another CFA-related Post

jetset15

5-Year Member
Joined
Aug 22, 2010
Messages
82
So here's the story.

My entire application package was finished in late October except the congressional nom, which I received a principal. This past Wednesday I checked my online application page (because that's pretty much all I do...) and saw that my file had become "Incomplete" citing my CFA. When I called and left a message for admissions, they e-mailed me back telling me to do it ASAP because they were starting to send out appointments February 28th.

On Thursday, I received a white postcard from USAFA informing me that as of Monday I was an "Official Candidate" for the class of 2015.

WHAT? I'm pretty sure I need to re-take, but I didn't receive any official letter/e-mail/call/ direct contact stating straight out what I need to do.

Now, assuming I do have to re-take this, I figure I should probably try for Friday so I can get my scores in over the weekend. I've been running/doing pushups/basic core over the winter, but I haven't as precisely trained bc I didn't think I would have a re-take (which I guess could be a good sign??). Any suggestions for how I could boost sit-ups/bbal throw in a week (girls' averages)? I'm pretty sure those were my weaknesses last time.

I know it's mission: impossible, but I figured it was worth a try!
 
The basketball throw is a lot about form. When I went for Summer Seminar one of the cadets there told me that a good idea is to practice bouncing back off of your heels, and then thrusting forward, creating as much forward momentum as possible before releasing the ball. I found that it worked very well, practice quite a bit before you do it though, because if you try this your first time on the actual CFA, you'll just look silly.
 
The basketball throw tips are always interesting. I tried everything I was reading about for it, but found the best method to just be what I found comfortable. I kind of held the ball to my forearm when I pulled back, to keep the grip on it, quickly wound-back straight armed with the ball moving across my side to right behind me, then started snapping back forward with my arm about 45 degrees. Once you start snapping, let out a yell (you are a warrior, SCREAM :unhappy:) and throw the ball like you mean it. Get in the zone too, don't worry about distances or a goal mark, just throw that thing as hard as physically possible. Pretend it's a grenade, or a baseball, or a rabid squirrel. The best thing to do is find what's best for you (and find a 45deg arc) :smile:

As for the situps, plenty of ab workouts, lots of protein, and a rest day before the test is as much as I think you could do for that.
 
Any suggestions for how I could boost sit-ups/bbal throw in a week (girls' averages)? I'm pretty sure those were my weaknesses last time.

Have you seen how a soccer goalkeeper throws a ball? That's how I throw it and my score was almost the maximum. Like the previous poster said, you sort of cup it between your hand and forearm. But instead of throwing like a baseball, you bring your arm and hand behind your back more and move your arm up and over your head, releasing the ball just as it comes past your head. (this sounds a lot more confusing than it does in my head haha) I found that this allows you to generate more power because you're using your whole upper body to wind up as opposed to just your shoulder and arm.

Hope this helps!
 
As for the situps, plenty of ab workouts, lots of protein, and a rest day before the test is as much as I think you could do for that.

The day before my CFA I did a practice test with my friend. Looking back, I probably shouldn't have done situps. I really think practicing helped me with the timing on my pushups. (I performed 40, then rested, 10, rest, etc. within the 2 min.) However, when I did situps for the CFA, I felt sore and the situps seemed harder. I actually "failed out" at the very end. I tried to do a situp and my body refused to cooperate. So perhaps it would be wise to follow RyWalk's advice and practice no later than 48 hours before the official test.
 
Thanks all, the advice has been really helpful. I'm also wondering if since I haven't been practicing specifically for the CFA I should hold off another week? My admissions officer said some appointments are going out next Monday, but would it really hurt me if I waited until next Friday (March something) and was able to perform better?
 
The basketball throw is a lot about form. When I went for Summer Seminar one of the cadets there told me that a good idea is to practice bouncing back off of your heels, and then thrusting forward, creating as much forward momentum as possible before releasing the ball. I found that it worked very well, practice quite a bit before you do it though, because if you try this your first time on the actual CFA, you'll just look silly.

I started a thread on the basketball throw on the USMA forum. Here's the link: http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?t=16792
 
Thanks all, the advice has been really helpful. I'm also wondering if since I haven't been practicing specifically for the CFA I should hold off another week? My admissions officer said some appointments are going out next Monday, but would it really hurt me if I waited until next Friday (March something) and was able to perform better?

This is your decision, but if you want outside opinions, waiting a little more might help. Feeling comfortable and confident is very important on the test day, feeling rushed into it would probably hurt your score a bit. Also, the fact that they are even making you retake it meant that they like you on all the other aspects except physical. So taking that into consideration, you may not need to worry about your application meeting the admissions board as much as other candidates.

I'd take some time to focus on practicing the CFA events, and do an actual timed practice CFA every couple of days. You can improve in a small amount of time, especially with the BBall throw.

March 4th is a good idea for the actual test. You can wait a bit, but don't wait too long. The further it gets into March, the more appointments are rapidly being sent.
 
Contact your Regional and your ALO for advice on waiting until the 4th. Nobody here sits on the board or works at the AFA.

They are the ones who can give you the true answer. If you don't want to contact them, at least pm Flieger.
 
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