SLE CFA

shelbymartinez

5-Year Member
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Mar 6, 2013
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14
I've heard rumors that the CFA taken at SLE is the official test recorded for a freshman application, and I've also heard rumors that it is just a practice test and the real one should be administered sometime in november at one's high school. Which is true?
 
the test administered during SLE is the actual CFA and WILL count for your application, at least it was last year. However, if you fail the CFA (around 50% do) you can retake it. Also, if you did not do well then you might be allowed to retake it.
 
Thank you! Do you know what exactly qualifies as failing?

Nobody really knows. You should treat the averages as minimums and you'll do great.

Although the minimums are lower than the averages, I highly recommend you try to at LEAST reach average in every event (of course, you should try maxing everything).
 
50% really fail?

If you pass, do you still get to take the CFA again to increase your scores? I play a spring sport, and I have had limited time to prepare for the one that will be given at SLE. I feel like I'll pass, but I think I would do significantly better taking the CFA in August or September
 
50% really fail?

If you pass, do you still get to take the CFA again to increase your scores?

It will depend on your Regional Commander. For my regional commander, allowing retest was more of an exception than the normal practice. He allowed retest if the CFA was early enough in the admissions cycle and in a real competitive situation.

You can retake SAT if you don't like your score, but can you retake a final exam because you don't your score?
 
50% really fail?

If you pass, do you still get to take the CFA again to increase your scores? I play a spring sport, and I have had limited time to prepare for the one that will be given at SLE. I feel like I'll pass, but I think I would do significantly better taking the CFA in August or September

In that case I would get on the training. As a cadet at USMA you will find that they rarely care about excuses you have for not getting things done; my brother even tore his ACL at USMA and had it repaired in the winter. He was expected to report to every class and obligation despite being in a brace, on crutches, and having to maneuver the icy and snowy grounds. USMA expects all of its cadets to conduct themselves as officers, and that means setting the example for those who are looking to you for leadership.

Start now, training every day, and challenge yourself. You will be surprised how resilient your body is and how quickly you will progress. The first week may be slow going, but there is no reason at all why you shouldn't be able to show up, take the CFA, and score high considering the ample time you have to train for it. The more preparation you do for the stringent standards of USMA, the better set up you will be for success.
 
If you pass, do you still get to take the CFA again to increase your scores? I play a spring sport, and I have had limited time to prepare for the one that will be given at SLE. I feel like I'll pass, but I think I would do significantly better taking the CFA in August or September

You'll do really well (given your circumstances) if you do 5x max effort pushups, 5x max effort situps (at the end of these sets, you should need help to stand up), 5x max effort pullups (also, put a pullup bar in your room's door and everytime you pass under it, do a pullup), run some/do hockey stops and suicide runs and PRACTICE THE BASKETBALL THROW (some people just suck at it if they don't... me included) every other day. Rest like, 4 days before the CFA.
 
Thank you all for the responses.

Just an FYI, I did not mean that I had not practiced at all, merely that I was not able to practice each event multiple times a week as I would have liked to.

I was also thinking somewhat from a physical standpoint, I could possibly do better on the CFA in the offseason (late summer) after my body has had time to recover from the season (I play a contact sport)

HOWEVER,

USMATx2017, I concede that I really shouldn't be giving excuses for things like this, and I will work harder to put more practice time into my schedule.
 
USMATx2017, I concede that I really shouldn't be giving excuses for things like this, and I will work harder to put more practice time into my schedule.

The thing about the APFT/CFA events is that you don't really have to schedule them! Bust some pushups right before you go in the shower after practice, for example (if feasible), and a pullup bar on a doorway you go through often will be of great assistance! :)

Best of luck!!
 
DD prepared for the test with the idea that if she did really well it would as be a good reflection on her and then she would not really have to worry about it later. She did practice all parts of the test. She thought the tough part was that the series is consecutive and not really a break between them, so train for them that way. All who go to SLS are athletes with sports practices and AP exams coming up, but those who were prepared were obvious, those who did not prepare are also noticed. Squad leader also does your interview and can submit a positive report about you. She is in the class of 2017 now!
 
Thank you! Do you know what exactly qualifies as failing?

If you want a target to shoot for I'd suggest to consider halfway between average & max as the "minimum" to shoot for.

But you really want to max as many as you can

Past years SLS CFA's were no harm no foul. If it was good enough, it can be used. If you improve at NASS, you can substitute it. If neither are not stellar, you could usually submit a test later.

My read: there is no reason not to prepare & do well on the CFA, especially the core ones like running/pushup/situps/pullups.

If you can't score better than average on most of them, you will likely have a hard time at USMA during CBT and similar field events. Worse on stuff like Air Assault.

Remember, the averages include candidates recruited for other reasons. If you are not recruited, you will want to be well above average, much less passing.

Remember, the APFT type testing is a big part of your physical grade at USMA. Which is part of your class rank. Which impacts most things.

You'll do it twice a year, and passing is just a C- or something like that. A regular army "Max" is just a B+ or A-. You have to get well on the way to supermax (375) to get an A if the last white book grading tables are still used.

So consider prep for the CFA as preparing for the academy.

One other thing that may or may not impact you.... if you do not have stellar athletics in your package, the CFA is the opportunity to address the unasked question: "Can they keep up?"

Can't speak to how the admissions board view it, but strong input from FFR and regional reps to some with less athletics was to "Rock the CFA":thumb:
 
The thing about the APFT/CFA events is that you don't really have to schedule them! Bust some pushups right before you go in the shower after practice, for example (if feasible), and a pullup bar on a doorway you go through often will be of great assistance! :)

That's how DS improved, just kept working at it. He now has his eye set on a APFT supermax, and at last test was 347 or so. Supposedly if you supermax for your cow test you can bring a car up earlier??? He's motivated to do that, but now has to bring up running. It's also helping with class rank, and helping the company. (Which helps with other things)
 
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