Can I get rejected before retaking CFA?

sofia_52

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I am taking my CFA on Wednesday. I'm scoring pretty average in the events, and I would like to continue to improve and practice over the fall to retake it before deadline. However, as my application is almost complete and because the board does a rolling admissions process, I'm worried I could get rejected before even getting the chance to retake it and score better. Could this happen? Should I just hold out on my CFA?
 
You can request to your admissions Officer to hold your package from being reviewed if there is something you are waiting on. Examples are usually new test scores or a big achievement like Eagle Scout or team captain. I think you need to have an honest conversation with yourself... How much will your CFA really improve? Might be different if you are well below average.
 
Two separate issues. First is Admissions Board review. If you've passed your CFA, those scores are unlikely to be a difference maker in whether you are Board qualified. It could make a difference later, when Admissions is reviewing slates to determine who will receive an appointment. That typically won't occur for several months, so you have time to improve between now and then.
 
Everyone has to remember that the admission's board is not voting to offer an appointment. It only "votes" to qualify or not qualify a candidate and basically give you a WCS number. You can update accomplishments through the process that can change that final number that is used for slotting everyone against nomination slates in early 2020.
 
CFA results COULD be used during the admissions board, but normally it is the extremes. For example, for someone who achieves maximum or close to it in many/all events, this could be highlighted when the record is briefed. Likewise, barely passing can also have adverse affects (yes, it is passing, but might indicate lack of physical activity). So as USNA1985 mentioned, you should have a conversation on whether it is worth holding the record.
 
All good points above from knowledgeable folks. Might I suggest the OP modify their approach to focusing on preparing for success AT the Academy? Instead of focusing on whether a score is good enough/not good enough to get in, suggest committing the time, energy and determination required to attain the best scores possible. Expect to Win!
 
Two separate issues. First is Admissions Board review. If you've passed your CFA, those scores are unlikely to be a difference maker in whether you are Board qualified. It could make a difference later, when Admissions is reviewing slates to determine who will receive an appointment. That typically won't occur for several months, so you have time to improve between now and then.

Thank you for your response. After my results are submitted will I get alerted or be able to see if I passed or failed? Or do I just have to guess?
 
All good points above from knowledgeable folks. Might I suggest the OP modify their approach to focusing on preparing for success AT the Academy? Instead of focusing on whether a score is good enough/not good enough to get in, suggest committing the time, energy and determination required to attain the best scores possible. Expect to Win!

I understand your point... my only issue is I'm coming from a long way. I'm a track runner starting with absolutely no upper body strength. I have been working out continously but I had too high expectations for how long it would take and I scheduled my CFA soon (in 12 hours actually). I however really do want to continue to improve, but am just hesitant on whether I should cancel and reschedule or just at least try and then retake.
 
Two separate issues. First is Admissions Board review. If you've passed your CFA, those scores are unlikely to be a difference maker in whether you are Board qualified. It could make a difference later, when Admissions is reviewing slates to determine who will receive an appointment. That typically won't occur for several months, so you have time to improve between now and then.

I didn't think about it this way, thank you!
 
After my results are submitted will I get alerted or be able to see if I passed or failed?

USNA lets you know if you've failed. Your BGO can also tell you, but he/she doesn't see your scores, only whether you've passed or failed.

If you passed but aren't confident about how good your scores are, you could ask your RD whether you should retake. But use some common sense as your RD is busy. If all/most of your scores are at/near the max, you're in good shape. If they seem somewhat distant from the max, you may want to ask about retaking. IOW, don't ask just to hear that you did great, when you already knew/should have known that.
 
After my results are submitted will I get alerted or be able to see if I passed or failed?

USNA lets you know if you've failed. Your BGO can also tell you, but he/she doesn't see your scores, only whether you've passed or failed.

If you passed but aren't confident about how good your scores are, you could ask your RD whether you should retake. But use some common sense as your RD is busy. If all/most of your scores are at/near the max, you're in good shape. If they seem somewhat distant from the max, you may want to ask about retaking. IOW, don't ask just to hear that you did great, when you already knew/should have known that.

Thank you so much!
 
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