Candidate Fitness Assessment Review?

Hey everyone, I completed my CFA this morning and was just wondering how I stand with my scores. Should I retake the exam or am I safe to stay where I am?

Basketball Throw: 81 Feet
Pull-Ups: 18
Shuttle Run: 8.4 seconds
Push Ups: 75
Sit-Ups: 95
Mile: 5:50

I know I can do better on the mile. Would it be worth it to retake the entire test just to improve my mile? Thanks for the replies.

Uh, that's all pretty awesome, close to or at max.

I think you're good on the CFA portion of the WCS.

I would not retake unless you think you can do a sub 5:30 mile AND keep all your other scores high. These are great scores.

Forgive my ignorance, but how is the CFA scored? I've read it's based on pass/fail??? There must be an average/above average the academy is looking for, yes?

Would admissions prefer a BGO proctor the test, a high school coach or PE administrator?

Comparing Rufus' scores to those of the academies, he definitely came close to max performance in all areas. (congratulations Rufus.)

The test is P/F. However, a higher score can help by giving you some bonus points (like being an Eagle Scout or team captain, etc.). USNA especially looks at your crunches, push-ups and mile.

It doesn't matter to USNA (no preference) who administers the CFA provided they meet the stated requirements. Most students use PE teachers, etc. just b/c they take the test at school and thus it's easier to use a school person.

Be careful with the "pass/fail" result.
DS took the CFA at NASS. A week later during the BGO interview, he was told "good job, you passed." Wiped his brow, said "phew" to that and went back to his beloved crossfit. Anyone who knows crossfit knows that he should be strong, flexible, have a great core and be in overall great shape. While crossfit works all the muscles, it doesn't target the specific push and pullup or run muscles. We know this now because last week DS got an email from his USNA admissions counselor telling him he has great test scores, grades, class rank and EC's...but "do you plan on retaking the CFA?"

Long story short, DS took a practice CFA and after "only" doing crossfit 4 days a week, he didn't even have the same numbers he did at NASS. He is now busting his chops to prepare for another one with much better results.

As everything you have done to date to make yourself competitive for an appointment, don't settle for just passing the CFA because it may not be enough.

Good luck!

usna1985 and Dial the gate, Your insight is very helpful--thank you.

usna1985 said:

I would not retake unless you think you can do a sub 5:30 mile AND keep all your other scores high. These are great scores.

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Keep in mind that , if you retake, the whole slate is wiped clean and all of the scores from the new test will be entered (at least that's what I understand). Your scores are all fantastic, except for the mile run. Even then, it should be a passing time.

Rufus, I was speaking of the pass/fail topic, sorry, your scores are all at or near max, I really think you are more than fine. Keep working out, but put this one behind you. Good job!

Would it be bad to have a mile time of almost 7 minutes? I just took my test today, and that's my biggest concern at the moment, as I'm not sure if I'm over the minimum or not.

Those are outstanding scores. You're done!

Just be aware that the CFA is probably one of the least influential things among all the things evaluated in your application.

Raising your SAT/ACT score or getting an "A" in an Advanced Placement Chemistry, Calculus or Physics class is far more weighty.

Mile is 5:20 with an avg of 6:43

futuremarinemom said:

Keep in mind that , if you retake, the whole slate is wiped clean and all of the scores from the new test will be entered (at least that's what I understand). Your scores are all fantastic, except for the mile run. Even then, it should be a passing time.

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Unless he is planning on trying out for distance running for track (and is concerned a poor showing will make the coach disinterested), a mile run of 5:50 minutes is still fantastic as far as the CFA is concerned. It is well below the typical average. Overall - those CFA scores are great.