Everyone keeps talking about the MIN to get in. There is a reason WP does not post or give MINS. They want at least average or above. That does not mean they won't take less, but figure it out. You have two candidates, one does MIN or maybe average in some of the CFA and the other candidate does above average in all of the CFA requirements. Which candidate do you think they will take first with all other things being equal. Now if the above average CFA is also better in the SAT or ACT which one will get the appointment first?
All of the academies want the best candidates they can get and want you to strive to be the best both physically and mentally.
I agree with you 100%....
MOST of the time. For underclassmen who will be applying in future years, OF COURSE they need to strive for the maximum goals. For applicants who have middle-of-the-road or slightly above average applications, OF COURSE you want to strive to be the best you can be. HOWEVER, there ARE exceptions:
-- You are the principle nominee, academically and medically qualified, and your appointment is contingent upon PASSING the CFA.
-- You have a LOA contingent upon PASSING the CFA.
Sometimes, there is a time limit on how long you have to train. Perhaps someone has until February 15th to pass the CFA, as deemed by his/her CFA, and s/he has a somewhat low (but passing!) push-up score, but failed on his/her mile. Should s/he be putting all of his/her time into raising the mile score or the push-ups? OF COURSE you want to focus on what is not passing, and with the way waiting goes, I'm sure that candidate would like to send in a passing CFA score in order to secure his/her appointment. By knowing those minimums, it does not mean that s/he will slack, it's just a measurement of knowing which scores will accomplish your goals. If the applicant is at ALL serious about attending, OF COURSE s/he should continue training in order to prepare for Beast.
Now, the part where I agree with you: juniors who are applying next year should not look at this information and think, "okay, I run a 7:50 mile, I'll be just fine." But, that is because they don't know how well their other scores match up, and they should strive to be as competitive as possible, in order to give themselves the best possible chance at admission. But, if you have everything else finished, and you KNOW without a doubt that you will get in as long as you can run a mile in under eight minutes, why wait until you're over average when you could send it in now, pass, and be offered an appointment the next month?
It all depends on your position in the application process. The times when one should look at minimums are rarities.