This is where it get's confusing for candidates & parents-
First off, the final scholastic qualification is determined by a compilation of the total whole person multipliers. These are from both the application and points added/deducted by the board during the review process. Bottom line-if there are enough points, a scholastic qualification is determined.
The Academy reserves the right, in special situation,s to review a record prior to the CFA. In the vast majority of the time, it will never happen, especially with the average candidate. However, it might. If it does, and the points awarded for a minimally passing future CFA would not change the results, a scholastic qualification might be awarded. For example, I would think a three sport twelve letter individual with a temporary injury precluding taking the CFA would have a better chance of going before the board than an single minor sport individual who has never made it out of the JV ranks.
So, for a very very few, a scholastic qual might preceed a CFA but only if a future minimally qualified CFA score would not jeprodize the final qualification. However, for the vast majority, a passing CFA will be a precursor to board review.
No idea why it continues. I have only known of one individual who ent before the board without the CFA. It was due to a sports injury which precluded the test. However, he was rejected by USNA (and ended up at AFA). My suspicions are that back in an earlier era, the admissions board did not concern themselves with the physical fitness of the individual and that, even though the previous reporting system remains, the procedures have changed slightly.