SLS CFA Test

EmeraldFalchion

5-Year Member
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Is the CFA test you take at the beginning of the SLS week the 'official' one which is put on your application, or is it just a practice?
 
Is the CFA test you take at the beginning of the SLS week the 'official' one which is put on your application, or is it just a practice?


pretty sure that CFA can count as your official one if you want it to, otherwise you can take it again later on.

however, this does not mean you should not prepare for this CFA. after all, you never know who is watching you (high ranking officer, admissions officer, etc) and you dont want to embarrass yourself
 
pretty sure that CFA can count as your official one if you want it to, otherwise you can take it again later on.

however, this does not mean you should not prepare for this CFA. after all, you never know who is watching you (high ranking officer, admissions officer, etc) and you dont want to embarrass yourself

So if we know for a fact we won't do well on it, perhaps it would be better not to attempt it? At the moment I'm working off fat that I let accumulate too much like an idiot so I don't think I will be well prepared for the CFA by June, should I be accepted to the SLS, but I am fairly sure I will be able to do well on the official CFA when I take it, probably in Sep./Oct. as long as I keep at it. I've got good motivation too when I consider that the main barrier for me is my gut.
 
Okay, thanks. I've been running since junior high, and I've gone to a gym three days a week for about a year now. I just wanted to know if I would have additional time to specialize in the CFA events specifically after SLS, or if I should do that now. :)
 
So if we know for a fact we won't do well on it, perhaps it would be better not to attempt it? At the moment I'm working off fat that I let accumulate too much like an idiot so I don't think I will be well prepared for the CFA by June, should I be accepted to the SLS, but I am fairly sure I will be able to do well on the official CFA when I take it, probably in Sep./Oct. as long as I keep at it. I've got good motivation too when I consider that the main barrier for me is my gut.

Start prepping now and go ahead and take it. You may not do well but I would think you might make a worse impression by not trying. It will also give them a chance to correct any form issues. You can always retake it and update your scores later.
 
Also, keep in mind you'll have a sort of adrenaline rush during the SLS's CFA, which means you'll get some extra reps, probably!

For example, I could only do about 8 or 10 pullups at home, some 40 pushups, some 60 situps, a 60'ft BBthrow... During SLS, I got about 13 pullups, over 50 pushups, over 70 situps, over 70'ft BBthrow...

So make sure you USE that opportunity!
 
tehmuffinman,
I agree with kinnem...use SLS as the motivation to practice SLS and be ready to complete it during SLS.

Given the level of competition the past two years and the fact that there are now 200+ less slots than just 2 years ago(1375 for 2014 down to 1150 for 2016), you need to complete your file as soon as you can.

Last year, many SLS attendees worked out using P90X (at 05:30 every day)to get in shape and then practice each event as it will be conducted at SLS (in order and timed). If you have not started to practcie the B-ball throw, I suggest starting ASAP...lots of tips on this forum on suggested techniques and physics of the throw -- same for the shuttle run. Pull-up, sit-ups, push-ups, running -- just work hard to build up endurance and reps,etc.

Be ready for SLS and it will help you move through the admissions process sooner rather than later.

Good luck!
 
So if we know for a fact we won't do well on it, perhaps it would be better not to attempt it? At the moment I'm working off fat that I let accumulate too much like an idiot so I don't think I will be well prepared for the CFA by June, should I be accepted to the SLS, but I am fairly sure I will be able to do well on the official CFA when I take it, probably in Sep./Oct. as long as I keep at it. I've got good motivation too when I consider that the main barrier for me is my gut.


no from what i understand EVERYONE at SLS takes it whether you are prepared or not, but if you are attending it is assumed you should be somewhat prepared
 
Okay, thanks. I've been running since junior high, and I've gone to a gym three days a week for about a year now. I just wanted to know if I would have additional time to specialize in the CFA events specifically after SLS, or if I should do that now. :)

Yeah, wait. No point in working to put your best foot forward when given the opportunity.
:thumbdown:
 
Here's the deal: If you want THE best chance of getting into West Point TAKE the CFA at SLS! Here's why: once you pass it and complete SLS, USMA will open your portal. Only folks who pass the CFA at SLS has their portal open this early. You MUST then COMPLETE your file!!!!!!! Let the teachers you chose to recommend you know to look out for it and tell them to complete it ASAP. Stay on them!!!!! OK back to SLS and CFA...There is no excuse what-so-ever not to max the push ups and crunches, and for the men, the pull ups (girls, to get their attention, all you have to do is ONE pull up). Practice the Basket Ball throw daily because it is much harder than you think (Stiff arm, hold on wrist, and sling overhead!) Practice all the others until well above the average numbers are the norm. People who say SLS doesnt help your chances get into West Point NEVER went to SLS. Because of SLS my DD was able to open her portal early, and because she passed the CFA with very good numbers at SLS she was the first person in the nation to complete her file (so said the admissions office in an email). SOOOOOO, SLS is not a must but it is a BIG boost if you get in. Take advantage of this opportunity and you may get an appointment like my DD did and you would deserve it because it takes dedication to do this and that is exactly what they are looking for!!!!!!!!
 
Do they (the folks running SLS) care if we generally use a pre-workout supp. or something like that? [Any athletes: I'm talking about C4] I don't want to "lie" on my CFA by having used a pre-workout supp. that I usually use to help me get a better workout/have better performance. But then again, many people recommend bring 5-Hour-Energys' to SLS due to lack of sleep/etc, so we could also drink one of those to max out reps...

Hope my question wasn't too confusing :)
Thanks,
-TheChicagoan
 
Do they (the folks running SLS) care if we generally use a pre-workout supp. or something like that? [Any athletes: I'm talking about C4] I don't want to "lie" on my CFA by having used a pre-workout supp. that I usually use to help me get a better workout/have better performance. But then again, many people recommend bring 5-Hour-Energys' to SLS due to lack of sleep/etc, so we could also drink one of those to max out reps...

I'd have to go back and check, but I'm thinking they specifically did not want supplements, etc to be brought. More of an health issue than anything with CFA.

That is for sure the case for BEAST, so if you are dependent on them you might as well wean yourself off of them.

Realistically, you will not be able to predict when you do your CFA at SLS, as it is normally squads/companies rotating in at different times (from memory).

The other aspect- is whatever nominal gain you might get in CFA from taking a supplement immediately before worth the potential negative perception of your squad leader?

Really the same applies for overall bringing 5 hr energies. If you need that to handle SLS, then you are going to be extremely challenged during BEAST where they are not allowed.

This does not mean you want to slack on the SLS CFA, just don't compromise it either.
 
Hey muffinman, lay off the muffins and work hard to realize your dream of attending USMA. Then you can change your handle to tehthinman or tehabsofsteelman! Good luck!!
 
I'd have to go back and check, but I'm thinking they specifically did not want supplements, etc to be brought. More of an health issue than anything with CFA.

That is for sure the case for BEAST, so if you are dependent on them you might as well wean yourself off of them.

Realistically, you will not be able to predict when you do your CFA at SLS, as it is normally squads/companies rotating in at different times (from memory).

The other aspect- is whatever nominal gain you might get in CFA from taking a supplement immediately before worth the potential negative perception of your squad leader?

Really the same applies for overall bringing 5 hr energies. If you need that to handle SLS, then you are going to be extremely challenged during BEAST where they are not allowed.

This does not mean you want to slack on the SLS CFA, just don't compromise it either.

Thanks for the response hawk. And I'm not hooked to supplements :p But again thanks for your response - I won't bother bringing any C4 to SLS (Then again, I don't exactly need it either).
Sorry if this question has been asked before, but we just have to meet average reps posted to "PASS" and if we go over the max reps posted it doesn't help us, right?
Ex(Not factually correct): Max pull ups is 18, if we do 21, it doesn't help us any more than if we had just done the max.

Thanks,
TheChicagoan
 
Thanks for the response hawk. And I'm not hooked to supplements :p But again thanks for your response - I won't bother bringing any C4 to SLS (Then again, I don't exactly need it either)

I think you missed my point.....
- If supplements will help you "max reps", then you probably need to train more... Many of your competitors will be able to max many of the CFA sections without that

- The timing of the CFA will vary, so unless you take them in the morning, you'd have to carry it with you to be able to take prior.

Most importantly:

- While you want to do well on your SLS CFA, what's more important is seeing if USMA is your kind of place, recognizing that SLS is just a peek, not the real thing. Directionally accurate.

- Your attitude and participation level will impact your evalutation. It won't get you in, but could be a strike against you. In general, you'll want to be seen as:
- Chill rather than hyper (like caffeine can do)
- Competent rather than "trying too hard"
- Team player rather than someone out just for themselves
- Positive vibe, engaged, but not "super-hooah" trying to out military the cadre
- Lead through influence rather than trying to position themselves as "the 2nd in command"

You'd be surprised how often the above comes up in cadet dialog about SLS. (And BEAST)

Once you see some of the evaluation questions it makes more sense. If you knew you were going to be evaluated on things like:
"Puts the needs of the squad above their own" A) Always B) Most of the time C) some of the time D) Occasionally, E) Never

Given that, the CFA at SLS as much an opportunity to show your squad leader that you are fit, ready for BEAST, as well as can support the team.

If you feel the need to improve your CFA after SLS, do so. Practice it. Run your own times, and when you are ready with a significant improvement, schedule a followup CFA with a coach or PE teacher. Or MALO. While in general you need permission to resubmit a CFA, I'm not aware of any cases where submitting an improved CFA over one done at SLS was disallowed.

But the big thing: Have fun at SLS. You'll make friends that will resurface. Your cadre may end up being a squad / company leader in beast. Or a team-mate in sports. Or someone to put in a good word when trying to get on a team. DS stays in contact with a squaddie at SLS who ended up at USNA. They catch up at games, doing so this weekend.
 
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Sorry if this question has been asked before, but we just have to meet average reps posted to "PASS" and if we go over the max reps posted it doesn't help us, right?

- Going over the max on the CFA does not help, save your strength.

- Going over the max on the APFT does help if you hit max on all three, and will be required to make an A. Many of your peers will be going over the max on all three, potentially even "super-maxing". So don't train just for the CFA.

- There are many posts on the CFA, and how shooting for average, much less minimum pass is not a good approach. It does impact your WCS, so Field Force will say it's your best opportunity to improve your WCS the summer prior. It will also answer the question if you do not have super strong athletics on your EC's.

If you were to define a strategy on the CFA most suggest setting a target for yourself. What we were told, and DS used is: Train to max pushups/situps, there is really no reason a fit candidate can't do these. And they are both APFT. A problem here is a problem in BEAST and as a cadet. Max as many others as you can. Any you can't max, shoot for at least half way between the published average and max.

Yes, easy to say, harder to do. especially if you are a gazelle or a bulldog in body build.

running and bball throw appear to be the hardest to make improvements in quickly. (though some figure the bball throw out). Pullups is the one that people will say they find hard to improve, but if determined can nearly always be improved.

The CFA is a means to an end. A gate. Think ahead to BEAST and the APFT. If you can perform strongly on the CFA with a balanced score, you will be well positioned physically for BEAST (assuming you keep that level of fitness). Have an unaddressed problem area (other than Bball throw) and you'll be dragging the squad down. Don't be "that guy".

Likewise, You'll need some great APFT scores to offset the super strict DPE Boxing and Mil Movement scores you will get. (DS's Boxing class grading- winners got a B-, Losers got a C+ each match, with class average between the two)

Your physical score is 15% of your cadet rank. 1/3 of your physical score is your "testing" (APFT, etc), so it's 5% of your cadet rank and largely in your control.

Yes, this sounds super-hooah. But if you stay focused on the end goal, the intermediate steps like the CFA become easier.
 
Hey muffinman, lay off the muffins and work hard to realize your dream of attending USMA. Then you can change your handle to tehthinman or tehabsofsteelman! Good luck!!
Heh, yea I'm on it. Got the nickname in 6th grade, can't remember why but I wasn't fat then so that isn't it. Can you guys recommend any specific programs for excellent training? For the past several months I've just been power/olympic lifting because it was fun and I wanted to get stronger for discus/shotput in the spring but it involved eating tons for adequate recovery, thus fatness. At that point I wasn't worried because I actually hadn't considered a military academy much.

Now I'm getting into running, building my way up to a mile, doing some walking with a loaded barbell on my back for more resistance (I get wierd looks) etc. I also do sprints and some general aerobic activity with the HS football coach for track everyday. One thing I looked into was P90X because my friend already owns it. Does anyone have any experience with it or something else that they can recommend?
 
Heh, yea I'm on it. Got the nickname in 6th grade, can't remember why but I wasn't fat then so that isn't it. Can you guys recommend any specific programs for excellent training? For the past several months I've just been power/olympic lifting because it was fun and I wanted to get stronger for discus/shotput in the spring but it involved eating tons for adequate recovery, thus fatness. At that point I wasn't worried because I actually hadn't considered a military academy much.

Now I'm getting into running, building my way up to a mile, doing some walking with a loaded barbell on my back for more resistance (I get wierd looks) etc. I also do sprints and some general aerobic activity with the HS football coach for track everyday. One thing I looked into was P90X because my friend already owns it. Does anyone have any experience with it or something else that they can recommend?

P90X is very good! My son did it prior to SLS and also focused on additional reps for pull ups, sit ups, push ups. You need to practive B-ball throw, too! Search this site for CFA/fitness assessment, etc and there are great tips!

Good luck!
 
Im currently using two different programs, Military Athlete and Mountain Athlete workouts, in addition to running every morning before school and a few designated core workouts per week. Between these things, I am getting in great shape and am able to do much longer and more intense workouts every week. If you or anyone has questions on what the MA workouts entail, PM me.

Good luck!!
 
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