CFA PFE Conversion

I have heard there is a chart the admissions uses to convert other service academy CFAs to the USCGA PFE. Is that chart available for review?

Thanks!

eagleone said:

Is that chart available for review?

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Unfortunately, it's not available, but we treat "converted" PFE scores the same way as "regular" PFE scores and applicants who submit CFA's can ask their Admissions Officer what their "converted" PFE score is. If they're not happy or comfortable with that score, they can always take the PFE. I never understand why someone interested in attending the Coast Guard Academy wouldn't want to invest the one hour it takes to complete the PFE, even if they've previously completed the CFA, but I'm sure they have their reasons. In addition, in almost every case, an applicant will score higher by taking the PFE than simply converting their CFA results.

Objee said:

I never understand why someone interested in attending the Coast Guard Academy wouldn't want to invest the one hour it takes to complete the PFE, even if they've previously completed the CFA, but I'm sure they have their reasons.

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+100.

I concur.

Why an applicant would choose to do something that is "acceptable" instead of what is "recommended" is beyond me.

I've posted the exact same thought here many times, and invariably someone here will argue that it makes no difference. Thank you for reinforcing the position of Admissions that USCGA applicants should complete the PFE instead of submitting a CFA from another academy.

Objee said:

I never understand why someone interested in attending the Coast Guard Academy wouldn't want to invest the one hour it takes to complete the PFE, even if they've previously completed the CFA, but I'm sure they have their reasons. In addition, in almost every case, an applicant will score higher by taking the PFE than simply converting their CFA results.

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It's not the time to do another test, but rather finding someone to administer another test. My son has noticed that the fitness testers at our high school are suffering from test fatigue. Keep in mind it's a volunteer activity for the testers. It would be nice if the Service Academies and various ROTCs could standardize on one fitness common test. Is there really a reason that the USCGA has to have a different test than the other SAs? It seems one test and done would be good for everyone involved.

eagleone said:

It's not the time to do another test, but rather finding someone to administer another test. My son has noticed that the fitness testers at our high school are suffering from test fatigue. Keep in mind it's a volunteer activity for the testers. .

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The PFE can be administered by a coach, physical education instructor, personal trainer, or any active duty military member.

eagleone said:

Is there really a reason that the USCGA has to have a different test than the other SAs?

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The PFE that we require our applicants complete is the same exam that our cadets are required to take/pass twice a year while attending the Academy. The other SA's require their applicants complete the CFA, but then their cadets/midshipmen take a complete different physical test (which is virtually identical to the PFE) while enrolled at their respective academies. I'm sure they have their reasons for wanting applicants to take one exam and then another once they report aboard, but we believe administering the same exam is best. That's why there are two different exams and why we will always request/prefer our applicants complete the PFE.

Objee... why not just require the PFE and throw out the CFA?


I can't remember what I took for my USNA application, thought it was a PAE (or was that the CGA one...), but I don't remember one being more difficult than the other....