Can I take the CFA before my questionnaire is updated?

Sneak

5-Year Member
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Mar 3, 2016
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138
Like a lot of people right now, my questionnaire lists me as an applicant and says my application is competitive. This means that I am not designated a candidate yet. As I understand it, I will be able to input my CFA scores, upload my LORs, and other stuff like that once I am deemed a candidate.

Will I be able to take the CFA and then just input my scores later when my portal is updated, or do I have to wait? I'd like to get it done as soon as possible, with spring sports starting and all.
 
For the class of 2021? One, YOU can not input scores, whoever administers your test will upload your scores. Two, pretty sure you can't take it until Summer Seminar or thereafter if you do not attend SS.
 
These things do not become available until the summer... USAFA is busy with the class of 2020's applications right now.
 
These things do not become available until the summer... USAFA is busy with the class of 2020's applications right now.
Even if the OP's portal doesn't yet state that he needs to take the CFA, he might still be able to take the CFA now. USMA allowed me to take the CFA prior to me being instructed to, I just had to ask my RC. USMA and USAFA don't operate identically so I can't say that I know USAFA will allow the OP to do the same thing that USMA allowed me to do, but I don't think taking the CFA now can be completely ruled out based on the fact that the OP's portal does not yet tell him to take the CFA. Had I made the assumption you are making and telling the OP, I wouldn't have been able to take the CFA as early as I did and I would have been at a disadvantage. If you don't know the definitive answer it is bad to portray your answer as a definitive one for the OP probably took it as such when it really isn't(though your answer may indeed be correct). I have made that very mistake before and I've been wrong while making that mistake before. Hopefully someone on here can offer the OP a definitive answer.

OP, if I were you I would just wait and practice the CFA for now. Your scores will probably be better if you practice it a few times and then take it. There isn't much of an advantage to taking it now even if they will accept it unless you play a Fall sport that is physically taxing that you think will hinder your performance. That was the case for me and that was why I took mine early.
 
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Taking the CFA and reporting/submitting are 2 different activities.

For example, DD took the CFA for USNA in November. USAFA requested it in January and the administrator submitted the same test she took for USNA to USAFA. Both submissions had the same 'date taken' date and USAFA had no issues accepting it.

I think your question to your 'coordinator/counselor' should be. 'Can I take the CFA before the portal allows me to submit it, and then submit it at a later date (when the portal allows it to be submitted)'

I think that the 'Fall sport' comment from frenzymando makes sense. I have seen on the portal statements that people waiting until after football or other Fall sports had some type of ding that delayed or impaired their ability to do well on the CFA.

If you take it (assuming the CFA Administrator follows the process) and don't do well. Simply don't submit it
 
Don't know when you are allowed but earliest allowed is an excellent Idea. Had 2 candidates who both broke bones in sports, would not have been able to complete app if I had not insisted on CFA before Sports Season.
 
I wasn't aware that USAFA started deeming people as competitive. I find this weird because I was accepted to Summer Seminar but it says my questionaire is pending review.
 
On a related note, it is a great idea to ask your administrator to save your CFA score sheet if applying to multiple SAs. I requested USAFA to send scores to USNA/USMA, didn't happen. Also used USMA's 'request' link, no results. Not blaming USAFA, just saying don't always count on having the scores transferred.
 
My DS was selected to 2016 Summer Seminar. His application for SS was transferred over as the beginning of his application for the AFA. We received a letter from the Admissions office stating he "has potential" and they will send additional instructions in July. As he is in his spring sport, we did a mock CFA to get a baseline, and to also see what workouts he can do for his support that we can cross over to getting ready for the CFA (besides pushups. We are also waiting to hear about the USCGA AIM program. Regarding the CFA - I see the mean..and the maxes...but what is reasonable to expect

For those accepted into class of 2020 (for any of the academies) would you mind sharing your scores?
 
For those accepted into class of 2020 (for any of the academies) would you mind sharing your scores?

Mile: maxed out
Push-ups: 50
Pullups: 7
Sit-ups: 73
Bball throw: 64ft
Shuttle run: 9.27 seconds

I'm a runner, so of course I crushed the mile, but struggled on the strength exercises. Aim for at least the averages, then you won't have to stress like I did.
 
Pullups: 6
Push-ups: 67
Sit-ups: MAX - 90
B-Ball Throw: 82 ft
Shuttle Run: 9.0 sec
Mile: 7:20

I can't stress enough the importance of practicing the entire event in sequence under testing conditions (time, standards, etc.)
 
As a girl:
Pull ups: 3
Sit up: MAX- 102
Push ups: MAX-50
B-bAll: 48 ft
Shuttle Run: 9.5 seconds
Mile: 7:20
 
Congrats on those who made it! Thanks so much for all the replies. I'm a retired Chief so of course I told him his goals were to max everything. :)

5Day - thanks for the link - I had those, just wanted to see what was actually getting selected, but I do appreciate the link.
Joos - being a runner back in the day I so understand the upper body strength piece. Went out for PJs while at basic. Killed the run and the swim...hit the pullups then the push ups and they basically said "we are sure you'll be successful in your Air Force career, but maybe PJs aren't for you right now." It all worked out.
Gofor - we just ran through everything but the run (his last recorded mile was right at 6 minutes, and he increases cardio after season).

Doing research we read he will do the CFA at the Academy. He'll get a surprise doing it at 7,502 feet! But, it gives us almost three months to prepare. We'll do full mocks in late April, May, and the week before we go. He has three LaxBros pushing him and working out with him as well. I'll stress the sequence piece and probably cheat him a little on the rest so he can feel the pressure.

Again, appreciate the responses.
 
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