Problem with CFA

My daughter sprained her wrist 3 weeks ago and it's still not healed. She qualifies for EA so needs to get the CFA done. She can't do the pull ups or push ups right now. She's ok on the rest.

Her dr. prescribed prednisone today in hopes of helping it heal faster but ......
Is she better to do the CFA and take a zero on the 2 she can't and mark down why and then offer to do them at a later date or should we forego the EA and wait?

Her ALO is furloughed but was aware prior to that and was going to see if they would allow her to take it later but we now can't see if he found out anything.

Skip early action. Taking the CFA and failing an event may result in failing the entire CFA. See your "Instructions to Candidates".

Folks...

FORGET EARLY ACTION!

I and a whole lotta ALO's wish they'd NEVER put that out there!!!

"They're" not telling us a lot in the field but if we use past performance as a guide..."early action" which all of you think means LOA's...

Will most likely be limited to the top 1/2 - 1% of the world...and recruited athletes.

I, and most ALO's I know, would MUCH MUCH MUCH rather you waited for your CFA until you're ready to slam it hard! To pound it into submission and to walk away with a monster score!

I've said for 18 years as an ALO: "Forget the LOA hype...just build a monster solid package...and who cares when the appointment comes? As long as it comes!!"

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

This makes it sound like turning in an application for Early Action has no benefit? This is not true correct?

Se41196 said:

This makes it sound like turning in an application for Early Action has no benefit? This is not true correct?

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If the product is not the absolute best that can be put together, there is no benefit in sending it in early. Two years ago, the thought that getting the completed application might show initiative and that the Candidate was serious. Then that November the Academy put everyone on notice that no appointments would be announced until spring. Only the recruited athletes and those that had a principal nomination and were 3Q were offered an appointment earlier than spring. To the original question of this post, let the wrist heal then go for the best CFA. Also my experience with prednisone caused me to gain weight. It can cause the body to retain salt and lose potassium. Try to be off the med before attempting the CFA.
Best wishes and take care.

Per say that the only thing I have left to complete is the CFA and if I take it before November 1st my scores will all come out above average, with some maxes... there will be no benefit of submitting it before November 1st? Would it really help that much if I waited until I got mostly max scores?

CFA clarification

flieger83 said:

Folks...

FORGET EARLY ACTION!

I and a whole lotta ALO's wish they'd NEVER put that out there!!!

"They're" not telling us a lot in the field but if we use past performance as a guide..."early action" which all of you think means LOA's...

Will most likely be limited to the top 1/2 - 1% of the world...and recruited athletes.

I, and most ALO's I know, would MUCH MUCH MUCH rather you waited for your CFA until you're ready to slam it hard! To pound it into submission and to walk away with a monster score!

I've said for 18 years as an ALO: "Forget the LOA hype...just build a monster solid package...and who cares when the appointment comes? As long as it comes!!"

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

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Thx. for the input, it is very nice of you and we parents really appreciate the information. Quick clarification on this CFA topic. My DS has completed applications in USAFA & USNA with a really good CFA, 3 parts maxed, but running times avg. It was done in August when weight was up about 10 pounds, he wrestles 132. Now with preseason training times are dropping and some practice miles & shuttles shows time is dropped about 30 seconds and 0.5 seconds respectfully. The admissions officer said he could resubmit the CFA as long as it is before christmas. The improved CFA not only helps total score but show willingness to impove. Do you agree with this approach. or should he leave it alone? Thx. again.

Resubmitting a CFA, unless USAFA has changed this cycle and hasn't told us (ALO's) is only by "USAFA request." HOWEVER I spoke with a "Blue and Gold Officer" (USNA ALO) and he said that the CFA may be resubmitted and if it's better, definitely DO resubmit!

As for how valuable is it at USAFA...If I said it really was just a screening tool, that'd be incorrect. If I said it's a "make or break" item, that also would be incorrect.

But it can be both.

The key to the CFA is to be fit, have done it numerous times in practice, and to know how well you'll do anytime you take it. If all your numbers are low, then you know you must work harder. If some are great, some are a bit low, then I'd work a bit more. IF they're all "average" would I be worried? No.

I would worry if I were a guy and couldn't do 3 pullups.. I'd worry if my mile run was in the 8-9 minute range. Worry because I need to do better, not because "I know that won't pass." Because in truth, the only people at USAFA that know what is "passing, failing, okay, great, awesome" are the folks in RRS: the selections people.

And so far, they're not telling the ALO's what those numbers are (and they probably won't, they're looking at the entire package), hence my previous post.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

Still not sure I understand. If my application is complete, and my CFA scores are as good as they can be... Shouldn't I go ahead and submit my application by Nov. 1st for Early Action?

They say they will inform us January 15th. This sounds like a sweet deal

My daughter's ALO told her to submit for EA because it does show intent and if it came down to her or another and she had the option of EA and didn't take it, it could rule her out.

Is this not correct?

As for the prednisone, her dr put her on a somewhat strong dose for 5 days.

Unfortunately her ALO is currently furloughed so we can't get any more input on the situation. Frustrating!!!!

CFA incomplete

DS broke leg 4 days before he was to do CFA - rest of file complete.

USAFA wouldn't consider the incomplete app. Senator nominated him without it, but Representative wanted it done before nominating.

Ended up doing CFA in its entirety on 12/31, received BFE mid-march Mass Mailing, but as good of a candidate as he was, he wasn't getting in with 2 zeros on CFA.

Maybe things have changed. Liaison officer did not know those rules at the time, though, thought he might get an appointment "pending CFA", but there was no such thing back then.

Best of luck.

D

USAF463 said:

If the product is not the absolute best that can be put together, there is no benefit in sending it in early. Two years ago, the thought that getting the completed application might show initiative and that the Candidate was serious. Then that November the Academy put everyone on notice that no appointments would be announced until spring. Only the recruited athletes and those that had a principal nomination and were 3Q were offered an appointment earlier than spring. To the original question of this post, let the wrist heal then go for the best CFA. Also my experience with prednisone caused me to gain weight. It can cause the body to retain salt and lose potassium. Try to be off the med before attempting the CFA.
Best wishes and take care.

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the only benefit i see is that we will find out by january 15 if we made it in or not