LOA with CFA as contingency

jhc23

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Jan 8, 2019
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I received an email from my admissions counselor about a month ago letting me know that my CFA scores did not meet the minimum requirements. I have been training and made significant progress since the first time I took the test a month and a half ago.

However, I received a LOA fairly recently, but there are no required actions in my portal. I would assume that it is the CFA that is the final box to check off, but does this mean I need to meet the minimum, or will my submitted scores be reviewed as to how they compare to those of other candidates ?

Obviously I will do the best that I am able to (rather than hoping for some sort of minimum), but I am trying to figure out what exactly will be considered in determining if I will receive an appointment.
 
Agree with @NavyHoops above. I imagine that since you have been training for a re-take of the CFA, that you have scheduled it and will be retaking it shortly (since the application deadline is in 20 days)?
It would be nice to have significantly better CFA scores ready to turn in, just in case.
 
Sounds like you have an LOA contingent on passing the CFA. Had this happen to a candidate a few years ago. Very fit person but not a runner and thus failed the mile run on his initial try. He trained hard and subsequently passed before the deadline.

While LOAs are typically contingent on noms, they can also be contingent on a passing CFA or clearing medical.
 
Agree 100% with usna1985.
LOA is not a sure thing. The CFA is an extremely important part of the application process... just as the PRT will become for your retention. The goal here should be to prepare yourself for success at the Academy... not "What do I have to do to pass?" Strive for the A! Expect to win!
 
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Being in top physical condition can change Plebe Summer into an "Experience", rather than an "Ordeal".

My son told me he wants to bulk up before he goes if he gets in. I told him he doesn’t want to bulk up.

Are there any good workouts he should look to incorporate to make it an experience and not an ordeal?

He is near the maximums on pullups, push-ups, sit-ups and mile run now.
 
My DS lost some upper body muscle mass during Plebe Summer, simply because they didn't have access to a gym. He has replaced it now, so that means that his dress uniforms fit tighter (because you get measured for that stuff near the end of Plebe Summer).

If your DS can max out pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, and the mile - he will be fine.
One thing he will do in "The Military" is run. Being able to run a 6:00 mile any time he goes out, will be great.
 
USNA sends incoming plebes a suggested workout regimen. That is a good start. It incorporates running, cross-training, etc.
 
My DS lost some upper body muscle mass during Plebe Summer, simply because they didn't have access to a gym. He has replaced it now, so that means that his dress uniforms fit tighter (because you get measured for that stuff near the end of Plebe Summer).

If your DS can max out pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, and the mile - he will be fine.
One thing he will do in "The Military" is run. Being able to run a 6:00 mile any time he goes out, will be great.

LMAO

I asked my son if he can run a 6:00 mile any time he goes out. He said yeah, of course.

And then a few moments later he said well it depends. Not if I am exhausted after working out. He said in Plebe summer he will be too exhausted to do 6 minutes. He said he could go out anytime now and do it.
 
The men’s max run time for 1.5 miles is 10:30. So that isn’t even required for the PRT. It’s a great goal and base to shoot for. Many Mids figure out the max, max, relax approach for the PRT. Max the push ups and sit ups and then know the run time to get an A. Not sure on that current time, but it was like 9:40ish for males when I was there.

I think realistic goals are to go into Plebe Summer in as good of shape as possible and be prepared to pass and do well on the PRT. Once you are in, the CFA is a thing of the past, focus on the PRT. Be comfortable running 3-5 miles. Runs will vary. Some will be formation runs at much slower paces. Others will be grouped by ability. Allows someone to push themselves some. Other days it’s shorter distances. Any exercises in which you can handle your body weight and strengthen your core are good. Pull ups, push ups, abs, burpees, squats, lunges, etc. And take a look at the internet... there are a variety of types of push ups one can do, same with squats and lunges and all kinds of stuff. Run short distances, long ones, stairs, hills. Some folks think bulking up is a good idea. For some it’s fine, others it’s not. The extra weight can be tough on their bodies and change their running to create shin splits and stress fractures. Also talk to your school’s XC coaches about shin splint preventive routines or google it. It can help and prevent them for many.
 
Perhaps the most important reason to run, run, run before plebe summer: It’ll help you avoid shin splints and stress fractures that come from ramping up too much, too fast. Those stricken thus are then assigned to “pool PT” — which by all accounts is even harder than regular PT. Out of the frying pan and into the fire...to be avoided at any cost.
 
Being in top physical condition can change Plebe Summer into an "Experience", rather than an "Ordeal".

My last bit of advice for all of my successful candidates. Once I hear that they get an Appointment, I call and offer to present the Appointment at School Awards night. When I talk with them that night, I always tell them to get in the best shape they have ever been. Plebe Summer is part physical, and part mental....and if you take the physical game off the table , its a lot easier.
 
Being in top physical condition can change Plebe Summer into an "Experience", rather than an "Ordeal".

My last bit of advice for all of my successful candidates. Once I hear that they get an Appointment, I call and offer to present the Appointment at School Awards night. When I talk with them that night, I always tell them to get in the best shape they have ever been. Plebe Summer is part physical, and part mental....and if you take the physical game off the table , its a lot easier.

Does every BGO offer something like that? That would be so cool to see.

It would be he only award my son would want.
 
Does every BGO offer something like that?

It's suggested...and I suspect many do. One of the purposes of the BGO program is to promote awareness of USNA, and its an opportunity to speak at the schools. One of my favorites was presenting the Appointment at the actual graduation ....a very small rural town, graduating class of about 25...and they had all been together from gradeschool on. (I had a long drive for that one..about 3 hour each way, but I tell all of my candidates that I will make the trip if they get in!)
 
I presented in person at an awards night this year. Wore my Summer Whites with all of my ribbons/etc for it and it was very well received.
 
The men’s max run time for 1.5 miles is 10:30. So that isn’t even required for the PRT. It’s a great goal and base to shoot for. Many Mids figure out the max, max, relax approach for the PRT. Max the push ups and sit ups and then know the run time to get an A. Not sure on that current time, but it was like 9:40ish for males when I was there.

I think realistic goals are to go into Plebe Summer in as good of shape as possible and be prepared to pass and do well on the PRT. Once you are in, the CFA is a thing of the past, focus on the PRT. Be comfortable running 3-5 miles. Runs will vary. Some will be formation runs at much slower paces. Others will be grouped by ability. Allows someone to push themselves some. Other days it’s shorter distances. Any exercises in which you can handle your body weight and strengthen your core are good. Pull ups, push ups, abs, burpees, squats, lunges, etc. And take a look at the internet... there are a variety of types of push ups one can do, same with squats and lunges and all kinds of stuff. Run short distances, long ones, stairs, hills. Some folks think bulking up is a good idea. For some it’s fine, others it’s not. The extra weight can be tough on their bodies and change their running to create shin splits and stress fractures. Also talk to your school’s XC coaches about shin splint preventive routines or google it. It can help and prevent them for many.

Unless there's been a change, perfect max score for males on USNA PRT 1.5 mile run = 8:15 mins. A score of 91% = 8:45 min.
 
Oh when I said max, I meant as in max time allowed to pass, not points or score. And the overall score is an average of the 3. I am sure one of the current or just graduated guys remember the time needed to keep an A for the PRT if they do the max, max, relax method.
 
Update: My BGO let me know that my new CFA score is qualifying, so now I have all the boxes checked off. Should I assume that the LOA will become a fully qualified offer of appointment? How long does this typically take?
 
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