CFA results from NASS?

robinhood17

USMA Cadet
5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2010
Messages
210
Hi,
I returned from NASS not too long ago..and my scores are basically at the average line in all areas.

My question is: are CFA scores pass or fail?? or are they "how you rank among everyone else" so it's not just a check mark on your application like dodmerb is..

I am a female, and these are my scores (I was sick at NASS):
Mile :7:34
Pushups:27
Situps: 65
Shuttle run: 10 seconds flat
BB throw: 35
Pullups: 3

What should I be aiming for to look "good" for a female? Thank you for the advice.
 
Stephanie,

CFA, as a whole, is graded pass or fail. You can take the CFA as many times as you want.

Specifically, outstanding scores in certain areas of the CFA (think PRT like events) might be briefed to the Admissions Board and more Whole Person Multiple points added.
 
Word of caution: Your most recent CFA is the one "counted" by USNA. It is NOT like the ACT/SAT where best scores on specific parts of assessment are used ... unless they are all on your most recent testing. And yours is not to determine post-testing IF your scores are to be submitted.
 
It appears that your run and pull-ups are quite good, pullups especially. But you can always retake the CFA if you are not satisfied.
 
So from reading this it seems the USNA does PASS/FAIL only from CFA? I read somewhere that other academies assign "points" depending on the score- maxing out and so on. Are you saying that as long as the scores are in the pass range usna checks the square with no incentive for mazxing out points? :confused:
 
Generally correct.

Some "bump" may be offered notably for maxing the pull-ups. Or maybe running a 4 minute mile equivalent. Beyond that? Pass it or fail it. IF you fail, they will let you know. IF you pass, you'll hear nothing. IF any "bump" is due you? You'll never know it came your way. However, remember, your most recent testing is what your WP score will include.

IF you fail, your answer is obvious and urgent as this is not something amenable to quick fixes. IF you've passed, unless you are confident you can monumentally improve your perceived physical fitness by your cumulative scores, don't be flippant about re-testing. Otherwise, you need to ask yourself what the point of a re-testing might be. Major in the majors. IF CFA is one of those for you, go get 'em. IF your potential for improvement is marginal, you may want to move on to acing calulus, getting 5 in AP chem, and learning how to write well. Much of this process is using your "measurements" to assess your potential, judgement, and maturity. There are many ways to exhibit that.
 
thanks for the clarification...
Curious for feedback on these scores.
BB throw- 74ft
pushup-55
Pullup-12
situp-80
shuttle 9.0
mile 7.2

I know some are below the averages (especially the runs) but a guestimate... does it look like a pass. DS is a big guy- 6ft 2 208 but all muscle... He is not by any means a fast runner although he has been working on it all summer.
 
crair70,

USNA does use points for each part of the test. However, the points are essentially meaningless (except for the overall determination of pass/fail). Remeber that there are three parts to 3Q -- scholastic, medical, physical. If you do not pass the physical, you cannot compete for an appointment. The Admissions Board will be briefed on positives/negatives of your CFA, if they standout.
 
crair70,

USNA does use points for each part of the test. However, the points are essentially meaningless (except for the overall determination of pass/fail). Remeber that there are three parts to 3Q -- scholastic, medical, physical. If you do not pass the physical, you cannot compete for an appointment. The Admissions Board will be briefed on positives/negatives of your CFA, if they standout.

thank you Jadler. Regarding my DS scores.... I know the USNA doesnt post mimimums but from your experience do his scores looks to be in the pass range? He is planning on testing next week and this is currently where he is at when he does a practice run. He would like to complete the CFA before school starts so he can focus on noms and retaking ACTS in the fall. Even though I know he will be notified if a fail a guestimate if these scores look in the range would be helpful.

pushup-55
Pullup-12
situp-80
shuttle 9.0
mile 7.2
 
crair70,

I took the PAE before the CFA was instituted so I don't know what the minimums are. My educated guess (on at least the PRT-like events) that if you do well above the USNA minimum standards, you don't have anything to sweat.

I know this isn't a direct answer to your question, but, frankly, I don't want to guarantee you something that I don't know.
 
I know the USNA doesnt post mimimums but from your experience do his scores looks to be in the pass range?

Just a dad with a plebe at another academy... but here's some input:

You should not focus on minimums, or the pass/fail aspect of the CFA. What you have to focus on is can the applicant do better with additional training/effort?

If you were looking for a target for "Good enuf", the closest thing we've seen/been told is to shoot for at least halfway between the average & the max as a minimum target. And try to max the key ones. (Situps, Pushups, etc). It's possible with training to go from below average to max on situps and pushups. Other things like the mile are harder, but you can improve over a couple of months.

If you have some that are lower than that midpoint, you'll need maximums to offset them.

Doing will result in what both Navy & Army liaisons have called "respectable scores". IE: Good enuf to take a break & focus on other things.

Can you get in with Lower? Clearly, especially if recruited for other reasons. But recognize that an unwritten question appears to be: "Can this applicant keep up with the other cadets. Will they be able to pass the annual tests, etc". We've heard this from multiple schools admissions, liaisons, and even MOC's. (Yes, our Nom process factored in CFA scores)

The CFA is one of the few areas which is scored that can be influenced in 2-3 months. As one liaison put it: "You don't want to leave points on the table".

Take practice tests, it's not hard. You'll know if you need more training. USNA & USMA allow submission of improved CFA's. Don't do it lightly, but it's worth fighting for.

And don't stop once you do submit a decent CFA... have to keep the training up. Observation of plebes we know at USMA is that if you find the CFA hard, or did not keep training, then the applicant will be having a very hard time as a plebe. It does not lighten up, if anything it get's harder. (There are no flutter kicks on the CFA!!!)
 
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