PFE?

[alyswimmer]

Hi! So USCGA is my top choice and I really want to apply for the second round of early action. My only problem is that I messed up my foot and was banned from running/swimming/etc. I recently took the DoDMERB physical and passed that, so no problems there.
My major concern is that I got a bit out of shape after not being allowed to do anything for weeks. My PFE score would roughly be a 180-190 (I haven't officially taken it yet, so I'm just guesstimating). I know the commissioning standard is 200, which I don't have right now. Should I wait to apply and work out like crazy to get my score up for the February deadline, or should I apply with the score I have now? My grades/ECs/athletics are otherwise strong, and the PFE is the major weak part of my application right now. I know it's possible to get a conditional appointment, but what are the chances of that happening?
As I said USCGA is my top choice as far as colleges/career plans, and I'm really hoping to get in. So any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!! Thanks!!!

 

[Run5K]

Apply Now, Retake PFE Later

I'm just a candidate myself, but it's my gut feel you should complete and submit your application as soon as possible, even though your PFE might not be optimal. Admissions will be placing far more emphasis on scholastics, test scores, ECAs and leadership potential than you PFE.

Identify and contact you Admissions Officer to let him or her know why your PFE is on the low side. Promise to retest when ready, then follow through.

If cleared by your physician, consider low impact activities such as pool running and elliptical machines. Run when it's safe to do so. No excuse for avoiding core work! (crunches and planks). You can even do push ups while holding your injured foot off the ground!

Finish that app and start crunching tonight! Good luck to you.

 

[SamAca10]

Hi! So USCGA is my top choice and I really want to apply for the second round of early action. My only problem is that I messed up my foot and was banned from running/swimming/etc. I recently took the DoDMERB physical and passed that, so no problems there.
My major concern is that I got a bit out of shape after not being allowed to do anything for weeks. My PFE score would roughly be a 180-190 (I haven't officially taken it yet, so I'm just guesstimating). I know the commissioning standard is 200, which I don't have right now. Should I wait to apply and work out like crazy to get my score up for the February deadline, or should I apply with the score I have now? My grades/ECs/athletics are otherwise strong, and the PFE is the major weak part of my application right now. I know it's possible to get a conditional appointment, but what are the chances of that happening?
As I said USCGA is my top choice as far as colleges/career plans, and I'm really hoping to get in. So any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!! Thanks!!!

I would heavily recommend you call your Admissions Officer up and ask them about your situation. Things are becoming extremely competitive for admission, and you do want to make sure that your application looks as good as possible.

With that being said, I've only heard of conditional appointments being given out in the case of some type of initial medical disqualification or if the applicant hadn't taken the DoDMERB yet.

 

[TwinsDad]

Things to consider!

Hi! So USCGA is my top choice and I really want to apply for the second round of early action. My only problem is that I messed up my foot and was banned from running/swimming/etc. I recently took the DoDMERB physical and passed that, so no problems there.
My major concern is that I got a bit out of shape after not being allowed to do anything for weeks. My PFE score would roughly be a 180-190 (I haven't officially taken it yet, so I'm just guesstimating). I know the commissioning standard is 200, which I don't have right now. Should I wait to apply and work out like crazy to get my score up for the February deadline, or should I apply with the score I have now? My grades/ECs/athletics are otherwise strong, and the PFE is the major weak part of my application right now. I know it's possible to get a conditional appointment, but what are the chances of that happening?
As I said USCGA is my top choice as far as colleges/career plans, and I'm really hoping to get in. So any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!! Thanks!!!

You might want to consider the following thoughts:

• the class of 2017 is expected to be the smallest class in the last decade at around 230 to 235
• a good number of the appointments will be made during this phase of early admissions
• your PFE will only influence about 10% of your whole evaluation so that submitting early may cost you a few points which will not significantly affect your overall score
• if you wait for regular admissions, you will be competing for approximately half as many openings and you will be competing with applicants from the scholars program, and re-applicants from last year
• the average PFE score for successful applicants is around 220
• I know for a fact that in 2008 cadets reporting in at R day who scored above 150 were on the normal exercise program with those who scored above 130 assigned mandatory extra PT. Those below 130 was sent home
• if you can score in the 180 to 200 range I think it would be a gamble to wait and hope for a higher score

Good luck in your application. My son graduated this past May and will begin flight school on December 4. He loved the Academy.

 

[alyswimmer]

Thanks everyone for the advice! I've decided to go ahead and send in my application for Nov 15th...fingers crossed!!!