Will my CFA scores make me Ineligible for USAFA Prep?

Hey all, I'm applying to the USAFA this year, I believe that academically and as an all around person I am competitive for an appointment overall. Without listing everything here, I'm in many clubs, play varsity soccer and basketball, have hundreds of community service hours, and have a primary nomination from my representative.

The only part of my application that is lacking is my CFA. While I do play varisity sports and am not unathletic, my CFA scores were low enough so that I got an email saying I had to retake them. Obviously I am going to, and I have two weeks to practice to get better before then, and hopefully that will be enough to make me fully competetive again, but if it isn't, could I at least be offered a Prep School spot?

Most of what I have read says that the prep school is generally reserved for those who academically struggle, but that isn't the part that is hard for me. Is it possible to be given a prep school appointment with low CFA scores?


Here are my scores:
Best B-ball throw: 56
Pull-ups: 8
Best shuttle run: 9.9
Situps: 64
Pushups: 47
Mile: 8:03


Also, as almost a side question, any suggestions onnimproon i, or what I should work hardest on improving? I only have two weeks.

Thanks guys

Hard question to answer. However, practice every event as if u were doing it and in the sequence. I know with my DS he is athletic but didnt realize the difference when he did it that way. Try and max it. Remember that the altitude is much higher in Colorado. I'm not sure where u are but the altitude makes a significant difference. As far as getting a Prep school offer is really up to the academy. Keep pushing and work hard! I wish you the best of luck!!!

@t.reohr, USAFA Prep is typically for high-quality candidates who would benefit from additional academic preparation. That is not you case, it seems. So I wouldn’t count on it.

Should you receive offer of appointment, ramp up your training further. The impact of high altitude is significant and you will feel it.

I would work on your sit-ups and mile.

ginapenny said:

Hard question to answer. However, practice every event as if u were doing it and in the sequence. I know with my DS he is athletic but didnt realize the difference when he did it that way. Try and max it. Remember that the altitude is much higher in Colorado. I'm not sure where u are but the altitude makes a significant difference. As far as getting a Prep school offer is really up to the academy. Keep pushing and work hard! I wish you the best of luck!!!

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Yeah, I definitely think the sequence made a difference... My fastest mile ever was like 6m 45s, but that was a couple a years ago in the prime of soccer season. I definitely think that by the time I go to the academy, I will be able to max everything in sequence, because I can max almost everything individually (except pullups and crunches... Somewhat Ironically, I can do more situps than the modified situps/crunches. I think my form is just better in all honesty. The problem isn't in my actual core strength). The only thing I'm worried about is getting to a point where I can be competitive before the 29th, as that is when I have to retake my CFA.

As for the altitude, I start high altitude training with my uncle, a USAF officer and level two CrossFit instructor hopefully next week. I visited the academy and just to see how the altitude would affect me, I ran up the stairs at the red rock ampitheater... Nearly passed out at the top and had to catch myself from falling. That will definitely be a challenge but I think I'll be ready by summer. I'm more worried that I won't be competetive enough with my CFA scores to get an appointment.

MidCakePa said:

@t.reohr, USAFA Prep is typically for high-quality candidates who would benefit from additional academic preparation. That is not you case, it seems. So I wouldn’t count on it.

Should you receive offer of appointment, ramp up your training further. The impact of high altitude is significant and you will feel it.

Click to expand...

A1Janitor said:

I would work on your sit-ups and mile.

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Thanks to all of you for the replies, everything helps here. MidCake Pa, I will definitely ramp up my training for the altitude as I mentioned earlier.

A1Janitor, Definitely, those were the two I think I was lacking in the most.