CFA fail

Theyellowfellow

5-Year Member
Joined
Feb 14, 2015
Messages
102
I took my CFA today and my scores are as follows
65 ball throw
9.5 shuttle
8 pull-ups
73 sit-ups
43 push-ups
And I think I failed the mile I got 9:00 because I threw up in the middle, I think I drank too much water.
 
I would up try and work on the push-ups a bit more and a 9:00 probably won't cut it for the mile. Push-ups are easy to improve. Just look up a plan for push-ups and you should be on your way. For running, run 1-2 miles a few times a week. Also, interval training really helps. I usually do interval training on a treadmill so I can see the exact time splits/paces I am running at. Best of luck!
 
Remember to practice for the CFA, one must practice the CFA, not just parts of it. Practice it in sequence.
 
My son tried to run at least two miles a day, or at least 4-5 days a week, while also participating in soccer practices and games, and then do each CFA excersize as often as he could (he had injury to clavical which limited pull ups and bb throw for long time). When you run each day, push hard. Go as fast as you can manage.

My son then took three days off excersize completely before his CFA and before his ROTC fitness test. Then he was fresh for test. Hydrate well 24 hours before the test. My son gets belly aches if he drinks much right before too. I don't have a solution for that, other than not drinking right before the run.

A year ago my son wasn't planning on going to an accademy, and we had no concept of everything involved in the process. Nothing is easy at all, and it seems there are road blocks at every step. The cfa, in my mind is a beast of a task in terms of getting a good score. Doing it all in such limited time is pushing even a fit person quite a bit. That run at the end seems excruciating. I feel for every kid who pushes forward to complete the CFA and the academy application process. Keep working brother.
 
Will I be able to retake the test?
Others who know can answer this, as I am still just an information receiver on this forum, learning from others as son goes through the process, but I do believe if you request a retake it is typically granted. Are you still within your application deadline?

Good luck.
 
Will I be able to retake the test?
Others who know can answer this, as I am still just an information receiver on this forum, learning from others as son goes through the process, but I do believe if you request a retake it is typically granted. Are you still withing your application deadline?

Good luck.
I'm not sure what is true but what I have read is that most candidates are not granted a retake. I've never read about someone requesting to retake the CFA before for USAFA.
 
Will I be able to retake the test?
Others who know can answer this, as I am still just an information receiv
Will I be able to retake the test?
Others who know can answer this, as I am still just an information receiver on this forum, learning from others as son goes through the process, but I do believe if you request a retake it is typically granted. Are you still withing your application deadline?

Good luck.
I'm not sure which is true but what I have read is that most candidates are not granted a retake. I've never read about someone requesting to retake the CFA before for USAFA.
Well there you have it then. Probably not. I would ask though.
 
Who would I have to ask?
Unfortunately, you do not get to ask anyone- you simply have to wait and see. Either they will grant you the retake or they won't. In the meantime, try working on the exercises in sequence in addition to whatever workouts you are doing. Get your body used to that level of stress so that if you get a second chance, you are not unprepared.
 
There are a few candidates on here who took their test a few weeks ago and were notified they had to retake the test or their file would be closed. I believe they had around a month to complete. If I remember right F15DOC posted that a few days ago regarding his DS.

To all candidates lurking for future years. This is why we keep saying not to wait until the deadline to test! Take it months ahead of time. Also take a ton of practice tests, not just practice the run or another portion, but practice the entire test from start to finish. Excuse after excuse has been posted on here about a cramp, hurt from a sport, not in running shape because of a sport, bad weather, etc. Guess what if you train throughout the summer you should be able to knock this out before school starts. If you wait until the week its due there is no room for you to say, that one sucked, lets not submit that and do it again in 2 weeks. I recommend to take the test under test like conditions as practice at least 2 times prior to the real test. There will be a huge amount of stress and adrenaline and eventually your body dumps it during the test. You need to know how your body responds to the series of tests and how to mentally prepare. Once you get to the USAFA and even Active Duty you should able to pass these tests without notice. It is part of you job as a Cadet and as an officer to be in shape. No one is going to hold your hand to make sure you stay in shape once you get there. Develop good habits now.
 
One running workout I use for track is 8x400 meter @goal mile pace w/60 second rests. It's rough but if you do it a couple times (3-4) times a week for 3 or 4 weeks you see results. Definitely don't do it long term though because it is a mentally taxing workout. I only used it in the past to "cram" train for important meets
 
Who would I have to ask?
YellowFellow, below is an excerpt from the Candidate Kit regarding a failed CFA:

If you fail the first CFA, you will automatically be rescheduled for a second CFA. Please note that failure of the first CFA will be taken into account when your file is reviewed. If you fail the second CFA your file will normally be closed.
Any questions the examiner or candidate may have regarding this examination should be addressed to the Admissions Office, United States Air Force Academy, 2304 Cadet Drive Ste 2300, USAF Academy, CO 80840-5025. Telephone (800) 443-9266.

As NavyHoops said, other posters this week submitted failing scores and then received an email requesting that they retake it. I would heed the above advice and keep practicing the CFA as it will be tested. I truly hope you are given a second chance, but be prepared to press on and make sure you are working on plans B, C, and D.
 
If you fail the first CFA, you will automatically be rescheduled for a second CFA.
From what I have read it's not automatic and only some people get offered a 2nd chance. Is that copied exactly from the candidate kit?
That is copied directly from the Candidate Kit given to my DD on her USAFA portal at the bottom of page 14.
That is what I thought. It is hard keeping track of the different policies with each Academy. My son applying to three, so I get mixed up. Sounds like great news though. Good luck.
 
That is copied directly from the Candidate Kit given to my DD on her USAFA portal at the bottom of page 14.

Gotcha- this must have changed in recent years. Guess I'm already becoming a dinosaur. :eek: I apologize for the misinformation!
 
The policy may change again at any time, then change back before you know it.

Lesson learned: do not wait until the deadline to test, and PRACTICE THE CFA, not just running on Tuesday/Thursday with push ups on saturday and Wednesday.

You get my meaning.
 
Yep, you will probably be given a retake, no guarantees on anything when it comes to the academies, but expect a note soon. They gave my son 4 weeks before the retake deadline, he is working hard and so should you... keep training and practice the test as a whole, not just pieces. Good luck to all those CFA fails, keep working!!
 
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