low cfa/pull ups?

p51m

5-Year Member
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Feb 1, 2014
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My DS has 2 nominations, a 3 years varsity swimmer, solid LOR, SAT 2020, activities, etc. His CFA is low. Only 3 pullups. Anyone else accepted with 3? 68' basketball throw; 10.9 shuttle run (slipped on wet surface, normally around 9); 67 situps; 46 pushups; 7:25 mile.
 
Since he has demonstrated athleticism elsewhere it's not an automatic dis-qualifier. While like you to at least meet the averages (which is why they don't publish minimums), it is not a pass/fail test. If he is competitive on the rest of his application they might ask for him to retake it to improve the lower scores.
 
Since he has demonstrated athleticism elsewhere it's not an automatic dis-qualifier. While like you to at least meet the averages (which is why they don't publish minimums), it is not a pass/fail test. If he is competitive on the rest of his application they might ask for him to retake it to improve the lower scores.

On the admissions website it says it is a pass/fail test...but you are correct, he may be given a chance to retake if he's competitive enough.
 
The average is 7. The minimum (i've heard) is about 5, but it is not published. They could always ask for a retake, but i'm not sure if they do that once the application is closed. Best bet is to ask admissions counselor.
 
Since he has demonstrated athleticism elsewhere it's not an automatic dis-qualifier. While like you to at least meet the averages (which is why they don't publish minimums), it is not a pass/fail test. If he is competitive on the rest of his application they might ask for him to retake it to improve the lower scores.
Ive just stumbled on this USAFA category. Although Im not a USAFA applicant, I know from my own experience academies CAN authorize an applicant to re-take the CFA. Idk about whether an applicant must meet a certain criteria to retake it, but I didn't do so hot on one event (bball throw) and failed the whole thing. They let me retake it. They do let you know, if they allow you to re-submit the CFA, you know. I would definitely have your son contact his admissions officer or RC or whoever is responsible for USAFA stuff.
 
My DS did not do so well on two parts of his CFA. He is a distance runner so his upper body strength is not so great. He received a letter on his portal from AFA asking him to re-take it. He had about two weeks to better prepare before the EA deadline and he did show improvement. He was deferred on 1/14 and now we wait. Fingers crossed you get the opportunity to re-take it too.

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Folks...regarding the CFA...

In years past (quite a few ago) ALO's administered this test most often (and quite often at AF base gyms) and we had a list of "mins/maxs/average." Some years ago, USAFA determined that it was more efficient to allow coaches, etc., to administer the CFA. That was a HUGE bonus as ALO's and candidates really had difficulty at times finding a great place for the test.

Also around that time, USAFA stopped publishing a "min" score. I was not privy to their reasons why but I think I can "guess" a bit.

If I posted a minimum of "X" in an event...and I had a stellar candidate, has everything I want (I'm now the admissions boss) and the ONLY "mark against" is an "X" in one event, is it smart for me to say "too bad, so sad?" Can't (insert name of service academy here) train this individual in this one area to improve whereas perhaps their school/gym just isn't getting it done? I have letters from ALO's, teachers, coaches, etc., attesting to the individuals efforts...just hasn't gotten there yet.

So I think USAFA doesn't post a "minimum" intentionally. It gives them the option to choose. That's not to say "don't worry if your CFA is abysmal..." you must be practicing and bettering yourself.

But trying to "second guess" the folks in admissions will only give you an ulcer. I can't tell you what they require...and I've been doing this for 19 years!

If you are a competitive candidate and USAFA/ANY SA is interested in seeing you compete to the end AND your CFA is, in THEIR opinion low, they can request that you retake it. I have had several candidates over the years call me and say "Col Steve...I just got this message...is it good or ???"

My answer is always: "If the academy is asking you to redo something, they're interested in you! DO IT!!!"

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
My DS has 2 nominations, a 3 years varsity swimmer, solid LOR, SAT 2020, activities, etc. His CFA is low. Only 3 pullups. Anyone else accepted with 3? 68' basketball throw; 10.9 shuttle run (slipped on wet surface, normally around 9); 67 situps; 46 pushups; 7:25 mile.

I believe three pull ups is falling. I know a current male candidate that was asked to retake the CFA because he only got three pull ups. Make sure your son keeps training, and hope he gets the opportunity to retake.
 
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