PFE score and performance during AIM

Blueman

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My daughter will be participating in AIM this summer, but I have a question for Objee or anyone else who might have an answer. I'm wondering... If her PFE score is below average during AIM, does it reflect negatively during the real application process? Does her AIM PFE performance get included in her application file, or is this summer experience really just for her? If she could improve her PFE score for the actual application, is it the only thing that matters?

In addition, we keep reading that the AIM experience is for the kids to test out the Academy, but we've also read and heard rumors that some kids occasionally get LOA after AIM. Doesn't that mean their performance during AIM actually does have some weight on the admissions process? The reason I'm asking this is that an acquaintance who heard about my daughter attending AIM is STRONGLY against us sending her, saying that if she messes up during AIM, she's already jeopardized her chance before she even starts her application. Our daughter is working out hard and preparing diligently; she will go no matter what, but we'd simply like to know if there's any truth to that statement.
 
Yes, on occasion there have been LOAs given to highly qualified applicants following AIM. The AIM Cadre do complete evaluations on the AIMsters. An applicant has the choice in their application to use their AIM PFE score however it is not mandatory and not considered if an applicant so chooses.
 
Yes, on occasion there have been LOAs given to highly qualified applicants following AIM. The AIM Cadre do complete evaluations on the AIMsters. An applicant has the choice in their application to use their AIM PFE score however it is not mandatory and not considered if an applicant so chooses.
So, can we safely assume that your AIM PFE performance can only HELP if you do exceptionally well, but it never hurts you if you don't do well, assuming you can redeem yourself before the applications are due?

You mentioned that the AIM Cadre do complete evaluations on the AIMsters, but does it become a part of the individual's permanent application file? What kind of things are they evaluating them for? For example, is it mainly physical performance, or whether they'd be a good fit for the Academy or not?
 
Can I ask what week your daughter is attending? I'll be going the first week and I'd really like to know a few people who are also going. Also what's an LOA?
 
My DD is going week 1 and and LOA is a "letter of assurance". It means that if you are 3 Qualified (academic, physical, medical), your appointment will be pretty much a lock. They are getting pretty rare nowadays.
 
My DD is going week 1 and and LOA is a "letter of assurance". It means that if you are 3 Qualified (academic, physical, medical), your appointment will be pretty much a lock. They are getting pretty rare nowadays.

Thanks for clearing that up. Hmm, sounds like a challenge I'd like to attempt.
 
Can I ask what week your daughter is attending? I'll be going the first week and I'd really like to know a few people who are also going. Also what's an LOA?
My daughter is going week2 (anyone out there?), but I agree with you. It'll be nice to get to know a few people before she goes.
 
My daughter will be participating in AIM this summer, but I have a question for Objee or anyone else who might have an answer. I'm wondering... If her PFE score is below average during AIM, does it reflect negatively during the real application process? Does her AIM PFE performance get included in her application file, or is this summer experience really just for her? If she could improve her PFE score for the actual application, is it the only thing that matters?

In addition, we keep reading that the AIM experience is for the kids to test out the Academy, but we've also read and heard rumors that some kids occasionally get LOA after AIM. Doesn't that mean their performance during AIM actually does have some weight on the admissions process? The reason I'm asking this is that an acquaintance who heard about my daughter attending AIM is STRONGLY against us sending her, saying that if she messes up during AIM, she's already jeopardized her chance before she even starts her application. Our daughter is working out hard and preparing diligently; she will go no matter what, but we'd simply like to know if there's any truth to that statement.
Is your acquaintance familiar with the USCGA admissions process, or is this his personal opinion? Not trying something due to fear of failure doesn't sound like a good attitude for someone trying to enter a service academy. Our DD is the hardest working girl, a great team player and an obedient follower. However, she's more of a quiet, servant leader type and doesn't stand out as a " leader" at first. She'll never give up or complain, and she'll push herself diligently, but I won't lie, she's on the weaker side physically. She's definitely not going to stand out, so we are a bit anxious sending her to AIM too. However, she's preparing and still wants to test herself to make sure that this is what she wants to do. I'm wondering if the cadre will be evaluating on her actual performance (as in score-wise,) or if they will be evaluating on her mental attitude and character.
 
My daughter is going week2 (anyone out there?), but I agree with you. It'll be nice to get to know a few people before she goes.
I'll be going for Week 2. I haven't been the most physically active since the fall, so I've definitely been trying to get myself in a shape where I get about a 200/300 on the PFE.
 
200/300 would be a comfortable place to be during AIM. My daughter is ok with sit-ups and not too bad with running, but she's struggling with pushups. I heard it's not uncommon for girls, but she can only do about 5 real pushups right now. We'd like to see at least 20 by AIM. Any female cadets or AIMsters out there, do you have any solid advice on how you seriously improved on your pushups? ...or even guys out there, was anyone successful in improving significantly? I've heard people say PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, but that's a given. She's forever stuck on 5 even though she's practicing everyday, so we want to know the specifics on HOW she should be practicing if there are any tricks or techniques that actually work. Thanks!
 
I like http://hundredpushups.com/ for building up. It uses a system of doing push-ups 5 times a day, not all at once in a "workout". Check out Stew Smith's website as well for tips on increasing. Once she can do more, he has a 10-day plan that will really up your push-ups for specific events.

You can also do weight machines at a gym that will help - I suggest starting with low weight and many repetitions. Build weight slowly and always focus on high reps. DISCLAIMER: not a fitness expert
 
200/300 would be a comfortable place to be during AIM. My daughter is ok with sit-ups and not too bad with running, but she's struggling with pushups. I heard it's not uncommon for girls, but she can only do about 5 real pushups right now. We'd like to see at least 20 by AIM. Any female cadets or AIMsters out there, do you have any solid advice on how you seriously improved on your pushups? ...or even guys out there, was anyone successful in improving significantly? I've heard people say PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, but that's a given. She's forever stuck on 5 even though she's practicing everyday, so we want to know the specifics on HOW she should be practicing if there are any tricks or techniques that actually work. Thanks!

I'm able to do about 20 right now and I'd say running, lifting weights, and doing things like planks really help. I'd suggest maybe trying every day where she tries for just one more every day.
 
Thank you all for the tips! I'll let you know if she makes a big improvement by AIM.
 
Actually, while we're at it, if there are any good advice on improving sit-ups and running time also, I'd appreciate them too. She's doing ok as I said, but she can always do better. She's doing about 60 sit-ups normally, about 70 on a good day. Since we already know her weakest will be push-ups, we want to see if she could max out on sit-ups to make up for it. Thanks guys!
 
Actually, while we're at it, if there are any good advice on improving sit-ups and running time also, I'd appreciate them too. She's doing ok as I said, but she can always do better. She's doing about 60 sit-ups normally, about 70 on a good day. Since we already know her weakest will be push-ups, we want to see if she could max out on sit-ups to make up for it. Thanks guys!

For her running time, I'm not sure how she's running now, but if not, add some speed workouts in (I have a bunch if you ever need some samples) and not only run for time, but some slower, longer-distance runs.
 
For her running time, I'm not sure how she's running now, but if not, add some speed workouts in (I have a bunch if you ever need some samples) and not only run for time, but some slower, longer-distance runs.
Speed workout? Not really sure what you mean. Yes, samples would help. Thank you. If you don't mind my asking, how are your PFE scores like right now? It sounds like you're on the right track!
 
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