Parent of new applicant

As a parent of a new applicant, I'm finding those process very nerve racking. My DD is half way though the application process and still needs to take the CFA. Does anyone know what the drop dead date is on this test so I can stop badgering her I take it?

Drop-dead date is some time in January, but sooner is better.

It should be the same date the class of 2021 application dead line

Push Hard, Press Forward

It is a good idea to practice several mock CFA's and work on improving components in between practice runs The key is to always practice the ENTIRE CFA in sequence so that the load factor is included. When you are ready, do the actual CFA as early as possible so that if anything goes wrong you can attempt to repeat it.

Also, nagging does not work well on candidates. They are either motivated or they aren't, and they won't have you with them at Beast. Coaching and assistance at getting organized are helpful things that parents can teach.

Thanks for the responses. Her dad and I are pushing her to take it sooner then later only because the letter she received when her application opened on August 18th said to complete the entire application within 60 days or her portal may close. I'm assuming that includes the CFA?

I believe the 60 day rule is designed to encourage substantial activity toward completion. In other words, if the RC sees zero progress in 60 days, they will close the portal. This is not an authoritative answer, and my DS applied to USMA two years ago, so others please chime in with more recent info.

Regardless, I believe the CFA should be administered ideally in September or October if not sooner. (Many took it and passed it at SLE).

Thank you. I'm not sure how much to help my DD with this process. Poor kid is overwhelmed with school so anything I can help with will relieve the load. Any insight on this next question will be helpful. She has a 4.06 GPA with many AP course and is 9th in her class of 100 seniors. She attended Girl State and is currently student body president. She did not score well on her ACT and SAT. 25 and 1170. These scores are low. Shes retaking both in the next few weeks. Any idea why they would allow her to move forward? Not that I'm complaining.

The ACT/SAT test scores are extremely important and is one of the best paths to increasing your WCS. If her standardize scores are low it will effect her selection process based on her WCS. WP does super score the standardize testing. In other words, WP will accept her highest test results. So if she takes the ACT/SAT test multiple times and her results improve, WP will accept the highest score.

Push Hard, Press Forward

After taking the ACT/SAT tests, your DD may peak after the 3rd or forth try. You'll need to seek outside resources. She can ask her school teachers for advice on programs designed to help develop her "technique" of taking these tests. She may improve with this and coaching.

Push Hard, Press Forward

Mere2033 said:

Thank you. I'm not sure how much to help my DD with this process. Poor kid is overwhelmed with school so anything I can help with will relieve the load. Any insight on this next question will be helpful. She has a 4.06 GPA with many AP course and is 9th in her class of 100 seniors. She attended Girl State and is currently student body president. She did not score well on her ACT and SAT. 25 and 1170. These scores are low. Shes retaking both in the next few weeks. Any idea why they would allow her to move forward? Not that I'm complaining.

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This happens. My DS was low on test scores as well. USMA did not open his portal but USNA did.
Go figure.

The application was opened for your DD most likely because her overall initial profile appeared to be competitive. You will likely never know why, but it is a good thing!

The best thing you can do as a parent is encourage her to take the ACT (and the SAT) as many times as possible. Take both the SAT and ACT as many do much better on one versus the other. Definitely purchase a ACT or SAT prep Book or consider a prep course. There are some online for free. Khan Academy has a free SAT prep course. Here is the link:
https://www.khanacademy.org/sat

As @tug_boat said above, the ACT/SAT scores are VERY important because it is one of the few ways to place all candidates on the same playing field.

tug_boat said:

After taking the ACT/SAT tests, your DD may peak after the 3rd or forth try. You'll need to seek outside resources. She can ask her school teachers for advice on programs designed to help develop her "technique" of taking these tests. She may improve with this and coaching.

Push Hard, Press Forward

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Agree. Take the ACT/SAT as many times as possible. But don't do it exactly like my DS did. Doing the same thing over and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. I agree that eventually you need to try something different. My DS is a reapplicant. While his classmates were celebrating graduation he was taking the ACT again (for the 6th time). This time he has spent several sessions with an ACT tutor prior to test. Raised his science score 7 points and composite up to a 32.

There are definite tricks and ways to approach the ACT.

Oh, by the way, we call him a serial ACT taker. Taking both ACT and SAT next month. Gotta get that 36.

Get one CFA done ASAP! it can always be re-done. The great concern I always have is Sports related injury's. Almost all these Kids are in a sport, and even as much as a broken finger or strained tendon can tank a CFA. NO CFA=NO Appointment

Worked with 3 candidates - two had broken bones by before the Football season was over.

NOTES:

USMA Requires Written part of ACT

Navy only focuses on certain parts so the overall may not matter as much as you think

Thanks for the responses. The funny thing is she's been taking both tests every time they're available for the last two years! Been in Kaplan for an entire year and is on the verge of giving up.
We offered the tutor but keeps feeling she can do it on her own.(went form 19 to 25.) She did get 28 on math and reading but scored really low on reading.
Oh well. Never know.

You Tube videos for the basketball throw portion of CFA

Best advice I can give is to try to do your best to be relaxed around your DD. I know it is difficult! I know the process is incredibly challenging on the parent as well as the applicant! But know this - based on what you have shared about your DD, she (as is every serious candidate for a service academy) is already so far ahead of her peers in so many ways. She has demonstrated great dedication, personal initiative and responsibility, shown herself to be a leader among her peers, has exceptional decision making skills and has set herself up for incredible success either at the Academy or at any other educational institution she chooses. Remember - this is her path and although as parents we have an incredible amount of empathy for our children - the pressure we feel is minimal to the pressure each and every one of these exceptional young adults are feeling who have made this their goal. So with that - trust your DD, offer support and love and keep in mind - this time next year your DD will be on a new journey and away from home. So make the most of that time by enjoying this year with your DD as much as you can and minimize the stress as much as possible. Smile, offer hugs, weigh into the family traditions, spend good time together! Offer help when asked but keep in mind - your DD owns this so try not to be intrusive and try not to offer too much unsolicited advice. And to vent your anxieties - come to this forum! You are among a number of parent who have traveled this path and are more than happy to offer support and encouragement!

Thank you very for such nice words. She is my oldest so this will be good training for my other 3. I figure after this process, applying to any other college will be a piece of cake! I don't think she's having the kind of senior most kids dream of. Shes loaded down with 3 AP classes, and then tutoring everyday after school for two hours. After that, comes home at 5 to train for the CFA then off to the office for endless hours of homework. Not to mention the drama involved with being class president. Constant bickering among the exec team. Needless to say, I don't ask her to take the garbage out!