Can strong academics and athletic leadership positions make up for a weaker CFA?

[skiergirl24]

My CFA scores are currently below average in a few categories, but they are still passing according to my counselor. I am wondering if strong academic scores (like a 1470 SAT, 3.8 GPA, 4.7 GPA weighted in all AP/IB classes), might be able to make up for weaker CFA scores in the overall WCS for admission. I have been training for the CFA for months, but I am still falling a bit short of the averages posted online. I have until November 14th to send in the CFA officially, but I am just hoping for some input from you more experienced people on here.

I am also on 3 varsity sports, captain of one of them, an NHS member, a leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club, and I have been very involved with multiple community service projects. I also work as a server at a retirement home on the weekends. In essence, I am a busy person.

 

[MidCakePa]

The SAs evaluate candidates as a “whole person,” so every aspect can help compensate for another. Of course, some aspects are worth far more or less than others.

So that said, you’ll want to really highlight your strong points in essays and interviews. For ECs, focus on impact, not just titles held or hours worked. Note also that while your academics are pretty good, they’re not too-shelf (see USAFA’s latest class profile to know where you stack up).

There’s always a chance, so put your best foot forward. Best wishes to you.

 

[shock-n-awe]

My CFA scores are currently below average in a few categories, but they are still passing according to my counselor. I am wondering if strong academic scores (like a 1470 SAT, 3.8 GPA, 4.7 GPA weighted in all AP/IB classes), might be able to make up for weaker CFA scores in the overall WCS for admission. I have been training for the CFA for months, but I am still falling a bit short of the averages posted online. I have until November 14th to send in the CFA officially, but I am just hoping for some input from you more experienced people on here.

I am also on 3 varsity sports, captain of one of them, an NHS member, a leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club, and I have been very involved with multiple community service projects. I also work as a server at a retirement home on the weekends. In essence, I am a busy person.h.

No one here can answer your question. We don’t know your competition in your district. All you can do is continue to work hard on all areas of your profile and get a Nom. Ask one of your coaches to help you train, and get a training buddy. You can still get your CFA score more competitive by the deadline.
Practice and retake SAT to get that score up as well.
This is a competition, make a decisive effort to put your best self forward and hope it’s enough.

 

[USMA 1994]

The CFA is weighted the lowest in the calculation so it is the area that can most easily be overcome with stronger performances in the other areas.

I would try and get things closer to the average but your spending your time focusing on other areas may give you more bang for your buck.

 

[MangoAssassin]

+1 @USMA 1994 . CFA is the lowest for a reason: fitness is a thing that is very easy thing to improve upon (maybe not quickly, but it's very doable), while character and problem solving skills are a little more set in stone.

 

[OldRetSWO]

My CFA scores are currently below average in a few categories, but they are still passing according to my counselor. I am wondering if strong academic scores (like a 1470 SAT, 3.8 GPA, 4.7 GPA weighted in all AP/IB classes), might be able to make up for weaker CFA scores in the overall WCS for admission. I have been training for the CFA for months, but I am still falling a bit short of the averages posted online. I have until November 14th to send in the CFA officially, but I am just hoping for some input from you more experienced people on here.

I am also on 3 varsity sports, captain of one of them, an NHS member, a leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club, and I have been very involved with multiple community service projects. I also work as a server at a retirement home on the weekends. In essence, I am a busy person.h.

No one here can answer your question. We don’t know your competition in your district. All you can do is continue to work hard on all areas of your profile and get a Nom. Ask one of your coaches to help you train, and get a training buddy. You can still get your CFA score more competitive by the deadline.
Practice and retake SAT to get that score up as well.
This is a competition, make a decisive effort to put your best self forward and hope it’s enough.

How many MOC's consider the CFA when evaluating candidates for a nomination? Frankly, I've never seen one. What I have seen are Congressional Boards evaluating fitness by
varsity sports and (self reported) exercise/workout regimes. As a BGO, I don't have access to the CFA results and evaluate fitness by their sports and what I can glean from the
interview. The CFA results affect the WCS which is of course how the academy evaluates as opposed to the MOC.

 

[jaglvr]

my DS’s PA rep actually required submission of CFA results with application...

 

[shock-n-awe]

My CFA scores are currently below average in a few categories, but they are still passing according to my counselor. I am wondering if strong academic scores (like a 1470 SAT, 3.8 GPA, 4.7 GPA weighted in all AP/IB classes), might be able to make up for weaker CFA scores in the overall WCS for admission. I have been training for the CFA for months, but I am still falling a bit short of the averages posted online. I have until November 14th to send in the CFA officially, but I am just hoping for some input from you more experienced people on here.

I am also on 3 varsity sports, captain of one of them, an NHS member, a leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club, and I have been very involved with multiple community service projects. I also work as a server at a retirement home on the weekends. In essence, I am a busy person.h.

No one here can answer your question. We don’t know your competition in your district. All you can do is continue to work hard on all areas of your profile and get a Nom. Ask one of your coaches to help you train, and get a training buddy. You can still get your CFA score more competitive by the deadline.
Practice and retake SAT to get that score up as well.
This is a competition, make a decisive effort to put your best self forward and hope it’s enough.

How many MOC's consider the CFA when evaluating candidates for a nomination? Frankly, I've never seen one. What I have seen are Congressional Boards evaluating fitness by
varsity sports and (self reported) exercise/workout regimes. As a BGO, I don't have access to the CFA results and evaluate fitness by their sports and what I can glean from the
interview. The CFA results affect the WCS which is of course how the academy evaluates as opposed to the MOC.

I don’t know the answer to your first question.

Regarding my post, my advice to the OP was to continue trying to improve the CFA, the SAT and overall package to achieve the best possible WCS. This advice was for the entire process of nomination and appointment. I wasn’t and wouldn’t differentiate the reasons behind trying to increase any portion of the WCS. All areas matter, and every candidate needs to understand the importance of striving to achieve their best possible scores not just passing or average. Having said that, not every kid maxes the CFA, and less than average scores do get appointments.
OP is competing for a NOM and an appointment regardless of whether or not the MOC sees the CFA or considers the results.