How much does a good CFA help?

FalconAF

5-Year Member
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Aug 10, 2013
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I have been training for the CFA for that past few years, and just took it yesterday. Here are my scores:
BB throw: 79'
Pull ups: 18 (Max)
Shuttle Run:7.7 sec (Max)
Sit-ups: 95 (Max)
Pushups: 75 (Max)
Mile Run: 5:15 (Max)

Now my question is how much will this help me. Since I performed pretty well, will it have more of an effect on my app? Thanks!
 
I have been training for the CFA for that past few years, and just took it yesterday. Here are my scores:
BB throw: 79'
Pull ups: 18 (Max)
Shuttle Run:7.7 sec (Max)
Sit-ups: 95 (Max)
Pushups: 75 (Max)
Mile Run: 5:15 (Max)

Now my question is how much will this help me. Since I performed pretty well, will it have more of an effect on my app? Thanks!

It helps. You still need to have the whole package though. Scholarship and Leadership still outweigh the CFA.
 
Every single point matters because eventually there will be only 1 appointment left and multiple people vying for that slot.

However, as kinnem has stated it is the WCS, and the CFA is only a small portion of the smaller 20%.
 
This is the hardest part of the application process; and the most confusing for applicants. All things are NOT EQUAL. As Pima and Kinnem has pointed out, there are different aspects of the application process, and each is weighted differently. And within EACH of those facets, there are smaller parts which are also weighted.

The basic 3 sections are:
Academic Composite High School or College academic performance, SAT or ACT scores: This counts for 55% of your application total score.

Extracurricular Composite Athletic participation, leadership position (scouts, school clubs, class officer, etc public/community involvement and work experiences:
This counts for 25% of your application total score.

Admissions Panel Faculty and staff review, candidate fitness assessment, Admissions Liaison Officer interview, and writing sample:
This counts for 20% of your application total score.

As you can see, the CFA isn't a full 20%. That 20% also includes your ALO interview, writing sample, admissions review, etc... In other words, your CFA might only count for around 5% actually.

Here's the hard part. Even though the CFA might only count for about 5%, it's a "GO-NO GO" situation. In other words; if you fail the CFA, then you don't get an appointment. Basically; EVERYTHING in the application has a MINIMUM STANDARD. So the first thing to realize is: You must meet the MINIMUM STANDARD in ALL AREAS. Once you've done that, THEN, your score in EACH AREA is calculated and measured against your competition. Then the academy can choose who receives the appointment.

Think of the application like a NEW CAR/Automobile. There are SOME parts that are MORE IMPORTANT. E.g. Motor, Transmission, etc... vs horn or headlight. HOWEVER....... When a person goes to BUY that New Automobile, they WON'T BUY IT if the lights don't work. Or if there's some rust on the door. Or if the Window is cracked. So while academics is the MOST IMPORTANT; which includes GPA, Class Rank, Course Load, SAT/ACT scores, and it accounts for 55% of your total score, even a perfect score in this area WON'T make up for a broken tail light (Failing the CFA, DODMRB, etc.)

So while it's great that you MAXED out the CFA, more or less, if you have a 2.0 gpa, ranked in the bottom 50% of your class, have a high ACT score of 25, etc... the CFA most likely can't make up for that. Just like a 4.0gpa, 36ACT, and #1 in the class can't make up if you fail the CFA, have 0-Zero extra curricular/sports, or have a terrible ALO interview/review. Hope this helps some of the lurkers who have similar questions. mike....

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Thanks Mike. This info is especially helpful to us newbies who are so overwhelmed with this process that our kids are going through. Although I will admit it makes me a bit nervous as my son hits all the marks except his ACT score is not up to scratch yet (better than 25 but not a 30). He will be retaking it as well as taking the SAT next month. Hopefully the scores improve so he can put his best foot forward.

Appreciate you taking the time to respond.
 
Remember; I mentioned "Minimums". Basically; getting a perfect score in one area can't make up if you don't meet at least the minimums in another area. In your son's case, he's obviously above the minimums in all areas. even the ACT scores. That's the first hurdle.

Once you've cleared the "Minimums", including the CFA, DODMRB Physical, etc... then.... you start "Competing". And your scores are ranked vs your competition. So the more you can improve, the better, obviously.

But my original reply was to the question of "How much does a good CFA help?". The answer to that is: "It DEPENDS". If your high ACT is a 23, then a PERFECT CFA WON'T help at all. If you're #380 out of 400 in your high school class, and your GPA is a 2.1, then a perfect CFA won't help at all. On the other hand, that perfect CFA score "MIGHT help" neutralize you with your competition if they average a 3.7gpa and a 28 ACT and you had a 3.65gpa and a 27 ACT score.

But in your son's case, you simply take the ACT and SAT as many times as you have time to do it and can afford it. With the academy "super-scoring" the ACT/SAT scores, you can NEVER go down in score. Best of luck.... Mike.....
 
Thanks Mike. This info is especially helpful to us newbies who are so overwhelmed with this process that our kids are going through. Although I will admit it makes me a bit nervous as my son hits all the marks except his ACT score is not up to scratch yet (better than 25 but not a 30). He will be retaking it as well as taking the SAT next month. Hopefully the scores improve so he can put his best foot forward.

Appreciate you taking the time to respond.

Kid have tendencies to focus on their comfort/strength areas. So being the student body president, Eagle Scout, volunteering hundreds hours might are great, but if academic is an area that needs improvement, your DS needs to make that his priority, not doing more volunteer hours, create a club, do an internship, and etc . . .
 
Kid have tendencies to focus on their comfort/strength areas. So being the student body president, Eagle Scout, volunteering hundreds hours might are great, but if academic is an area that needs improvement, your DS needs to make that his priority, not doing more volunteer hours, create a club, do an internship, and etc . . .

He's number one in his class (out of 484). Takes almost all the Honors classes and AP classes offered. Academics are not the issue....he just hasn't figured out the game called the ACT as well as he'd like. :rolleyes:
 
It wont help or hurt you. From my understanding, the CFA is on a pass/fail basis.
 
He's number one in his class (out of 484). Takes almost all the Honors classes and AP classes offered. Academics are not the issue....he just hasn't figured out the game called the ACT as well as he'd like. :rolleyes:

With his other academic credentials, he shouldn't have a problem getting to 30 or better on the ACT. He needs to take an ACT Prep Class or get a book. He should also take the SAT if he has not done so. Remember, many kids do better on one test over the other and the academies always convert and super-score.

Best wishes to your DS ...
 
CFA Retake

Hey, I finished my application to the USAFA and I was asked to redo the CFA. I asked my Liaison, but he was not sure. My question is how long do I have to retake the CFA? Also, I am not sure what part or parts need to be redone, but I believe my running was one. What exactly is the run time they are looking for?
 
I believe you have to redo the whole thing. My DD sprained her wrist and took it without doing the push ups and pull ups. Needless to say they want the whole thing redone. She figured they would but gave it a try anyway.
 
Hey, I finished my application to the USAFA and I was asked to redo the CFA. I asked my Liaison, but he was not sure. My question is how long do I have to retake the CFA? Also, I am not sure what part or parts need to be redone, but I believe my running was one. What exactly is the run time they are looking for?

If you are asked to retake the CFA you must take the entire test. See your Instructions to Candidates.

Failing the CFA the first time is not a good thing. Shoot for the average in each event or better. Failing a single event may disqualify you.

Your file will not be fully reviewed until your CFA is retaken--even if you were complete for Early Action.
 
"In the past" if USAFA asked you to redo the CFA...

1. You missed something...there's a number they don't like
2. They're interested in you; you're a competitive candidate, and they do NOT want the CFA to determine your fate.

I can't speak for USAFA/RRS this cycle re: this fact, as they've not briefed us. BUT...if you've been asked to do it again..

DO NOT LET THIS OPPORTUNITY GO BY!!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
I have been training for the CFA for that past few years, and just took it yesterday. Here are my scores:
BB throw: 79'
Pull ups: 18 (Max)
Shuttle Run:7.7 sec (Max)
Sit-ups: 95 (Max)
Pushups: 75 (Max)
Mile Run: 5:15 (Max)

Now my question is how much will this help me. Since I performed pretty well, will it have more of an effect on my app? Thanks!

dude thats awesome! congrats on the sweet scores! whats the act and gpa
 
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