Benefit to Completing CFA before Congressional interview?

2026JK

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Based on my training to date, I could put together a passing CFA before the timing of my Congressional Interviews. But I'll be stronger (and perform better) if I wait until December to complete my CFA. Is there any value in having my CFA complete and submitted prior to my Congressional interview?
 
The CFA will have no impact on your congressional nomination unless it is a requirement for your district. My option is put together the best package you can as early as possible without compromising your overall package. I am sure that arguments can be made for and against my statement but just my two cents. I believe you can update CFA scores as time passes.
 
Unless of course you get injured between now and December. Every year it seems to happen to someone. They try to squeeze out another couple reps or a few more seconds before they take the test. Then they get injured and are unable to complete their CFA by the application deadline. Or they plan on a December CFA and it rains or snows everyday for the entire month. Do not count on submitting multiple CFA' s either. Occasionally you may be asked to retake a failing test, but that is the exception and not the rule. I would definitely plan on getting it done and submitted by the end of October at the latest.
 
I agree with the comments immediately above about the possibility of injury or weather wrecking your December CFA plans. That is good advice.
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My son was asked in his congressional nomination applications and in rhe interviews if he had taken the CFA and what his scores were. This was definitely a factor in the nomination decision in our district and state. We live in one of the most competitive areas of the country, which may explain our situation. If you live in a less competitive area, the CFA may not be a factor in your congressional nomination.
 
My son waited until December - snow took off like 15 seconds off his mile run.
 
The correct answer, imo, to your question, is who knows?

MOC’s can run their programs however they want. And some use interviewing panels. And they can ask whatever questions they want (within reason) I suspect.

The soonest you can, you should. As @kpmom2013 already said, every year there seems to be somone who gets injured and unable to record a good one. Or weather. Or a pandemic. Or XXX…..

I always advise to record a good one once you have a solid score. And then continue to train, and retake it if you are allowed and you have improvement (you can for USNA). But make sure you understand the retake process.

Whatever you decide to do, just be prepared to discuss where you are in the process should the question arise. Also make sure you know if it is required before you interview (I can’t imagine it is, but MOC’s run their own application/process).
 
I have sat on a MOC panel the last few years. If a candidate had not completed the CFA yet, I always asked about it. I wanted to know when, what has been their training, did they have a set plan.
That's helpful. Thank you.
 
I have sat on a MOC panel the last few years. If a candidate had not completed the CFA yet, I always asked about it. I wanted to know when, what has been their training, did they have a set plan.
This!
I will sometimes ask about the CFA or their preparations as it is one more tool in assessing motivation.
 
Our DS was asked about his application status to his 1-? schools to include CFA and Plan B. Being able to say he had completed all applications, had a Plan B NROTC and acceptance to Plan B school felt very empowering to him. He felt that it showed his organizational skills, commitment, prioritization skills and determination. I have no idea if those are the feelings of the panel, but he was glad he didn’t have to say “I’m still working on that sir and ma’am”.
 
I have sat on a MOC panel the last few years. If a candidate had not completed the CFA yet, I always asked about it. I wanted to know when, what has been their training, did they have a set plan.

This!
I will sometimes ask about the CFA or their preparations as it is one more tool in assessing motivation.
The BGO assigned to my school was there Wednesday and I sat in on his meeting with five applicants. They were in various stages of the process and three had not yet had their MOC interview. He told them to get the CFA done and asked if they had been PTing. He had to tell one kid what PT is.
 
The military aka the academies are a lifestyle. PT should be part of your routine just like brushing your teeth. Things can happen don’t procrastinate. Get the best package together as soon as possible that way once the nominations role out the academies can send out those Big Fat Envelopes. My son had all his packages (ROTC and Academies) done in September some August. He had some great teachers / counselors / coaches who did their part over the summer. He had his nomination & appointment in December (USNA) with others to follow down the road. The point is get used to hurry up and wait. IMO it is always better to be waiting on them not them waiting on you. It gives off the appearance that you are prepared and motivated. You may just beat that guy/gal with the similar package if you give off the better vibe.


*be sure to read other posts on ROTC timing there can hurt you*
 
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Last cycle, I completed my CFA after my nomination board. I received the nomination. I don't recommend this, but just letting you know that it worked out for me with no issue. Try to finish the CFA before so you can talk about it, but also if you're not physically prepared then make sure you get to that point before you go out and fail the CFA simply for trying to get it over with.
 
Seems most opinions here tend towards getting the CFA done sooner rather than later, and before the congressional interviews. I am going to take the opposite view. If you believe you will score better by waiting, then wait as long as you are comfortable waiting to maximize your score while not missing the deadline. My son went through all of his nomination interviews with the exception of one that was later without having completed the CFA. He was asked about the CFA in all of his interviews and he explained what his training program was and when he planned to take it. Those offices said good luck. Notably, completing the CFA was not a requirement for the nomination packet, but I know some offices do have that requirement.

He waited till late fall because the weather was better than cranking it out in the heat. The extra two months he set aside for training dramatically improved his performance because he trained on the requirements nearly every single day, along with his normal weight training and running. This was especially important for improving the basketball throw and establishing proper techniques for the push-ups. I say he dramatically improved and that was based on me giving him a baseline test in the middle of the summer and then periodically taking practice tests along the way. When we watched him throw that basketball for record, we knew he made the right decision to wait.

He is a plebe now.
 
Seems most opinions here tend towards getting the CFA done sooner rather than later, and before the congressional interviews. I am going to take the opposite view. If you believe you will score better by waiting, then wait as long as you are comfortable waiting to maximize your score while not missing the deadline. My son went through all of his nomination interviews with the exception of one that was later without having completed the CFA. He was asked about the CFA in all of his interviews and he explained what his training program was and when he planned to take it. Those offices said good luck. Notably, completing the CFA was not a requirement for the nomination packet, but I know some offices do have that requirement.

He waited till late fall because the weather was better than cranking it out in the heat. The extra two months he set aside for training dramatically improved his performance because he trained on the requirements nearly every single day, along with his normal weight training and running. This was especially important for improving the basketball throw and establishing proper techniques for the push-ups. I say he dramatically improved and that was based on me giving him a baseline test in the middle of the summer and then periodically taking practice tests along the way. When we watched him throw that basketball for record, we knew he made the right decision to wait.

He is a plebe now.
Thanks for sharing your son's experience. That's helpful!
 
Based on my training to date, I could put together a passing CFA before the timing of my Congressional Interviews. But I'll be stronger (and perform better) if I wait until December to complete my CFA. Is there any value in having my CFA complete and submitted prior to my Congressional interview?
IMO
The MOC panels in general would view a candidate more favorably if they have a completed application at the time of the interview. It shows that the candidate has committed to the process and is not just checking off some boxes before ultimately giving up on the pursuit of attending an SA.
So yes, I believe there is some “value” in having your CFA and entire application completed before MOC interviews. The panel can fully evaluate you to determine if your worthy of a nomination and likely to receive an appointment compared to the rest of your competition.
Having said that, make sure it is your best application and not just a hurried one.
 
IMO
The MOC panels in general would view a candidate more favorably if they have a completed application at the time of the interview. It shows that the candidate has committed to the process and is not just checking off some boxes before ultimately giving up on the pursuit of attending an SA.
So yes, I believe there is some “value” in having your CFA and entire application completed before MOC interviews. The panel can fully evaluate you to determine if your worthy of a nomination and likely to receive an appointment compared to the rest of your competition.
Having said that, make sure it is your best application and not just a hurried one.
That's helpful. Thank you for your time.
 
Happy Tuesday!! CFA numbers were enter last Monday. The portal still show only turned in but no check mark or score. How long does it usually take to show?
 
Happy Tuesday!! CFA numbers were enter last Monday. The portal still show only turned in but no check mark or score. How long does it usually take to show?
I believe you can expect to wait two to three weeks before you see an update in your portal.
 
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