CFA Fail

Theyellowfellow

5-Year Member
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Feb 14, 2015
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If I happen to fail the CFA at first, and use those scores before the deadline ends, so I can submit everything on my application in at once, could I retake it again after the deadline has ended to try and improve my scores?
 
I wouldn't risk it. When I failed my first CFA and submitted them, they sent me a notification that I had to re do them and they opened up the CFA section again. I don't know if they automatically give another chance or if it's on a situational basis. Try retaking it ASAP before just entering them in. What events are you having problems in? If it's pushups/sit-ups/pull-ups just work on it everyday for like two weeks and I guarantee you'll see results
 
I don't recommend that. If you post failing scores for your one and only submission, the admissions committee may just accept that you failed and move on to the next passing candidate.

Sometimes they will give someone a second chance. It is entirely their choice...and it is generally foolish to count on generosity from committees.
 
If I happen to fail the CFA at first, and use those scores before the deadline ends, so I can submit everything on my application in at once, could I retake it again after the deadline has ended to try and improve my scores?
You don't say when your deadline is, but if you are not happy with your scores, I would not submit them if you have a choice. If your CFA administrator is on top of things, you can wait until closer to your deadline to give yourself more time. I would take catlover's advice and practice every day and I would also practice the entire test in sequence as many times as you can before taking the test for scores. Per the candidates kit, scores taken for the CFA test are supposed to be submitted within 48 hours of finishing the test. Some stick to it, some don't. Bottom line, you want to have the best package go in front of the board as possible. If you are weak on the CFA and you have more time, then you should take advantage of it. If you don't, then submit the best scores you can and leave the rest to the board. Remember, they look at your whole score, not just your CFA. And one more note, USAFA can at their discretion ask for a retest, but don't bank on it. Do the best you can to submit your best scores before your deadline. And just as important, submit them on time because if you miss your deadline, the best scores in the world are not going to get you an appointment. Good luck.
 
IMPORTANT! Do not post failing scores. Get yourself in the best shape possible, work with a coach or private trainer and then take the test.
USAFA told my son that you can only submit ONE set of scores, so if you fail, you won't get to change your scores later.
Train until your scores meet the standards required.
 
USAFA will only take the one test.

IF you happen to fail and you are a really strong candidate, USAF "MAY" at their discretion offer you a retest.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
My application is due this Friday and I am taking the CFA this week, but I am starting to get nervous.

I have been practicing, but not as much as I would have liked. I am not making excuses, because my scores are all on me. I believe I will pass but honestly I do not know for sure. I have completed everything else and already have a JROTC nomination in my portal.

Primary question: how do you know if you pass or not? Is there notification in the portal?

Worst case scenario, I fail and the Academy will not let me retest. Thus I am physically unqualified and don't receive an appointment this year. Is that correct?

If I fail, and the Academy thinks I deserve an opportunity to retest, will they give me an alternative deadline or will I have to retest before my normal Nov 6 deadline?

If I pass, will there be any potential to retest later on to improve scores?

I am average or slightly below average in all of the CFA categories, except my mile time is between 7:00 and 7:30

Any constructive input would be much appreciated. Thanks
 
My application is due this Friday and I am taking the CFA this week, but I am starting to get nervous.

I have been practicing, but not as much as I would have liked. I am not making excuses, because my scores are all on me. I believe I will pass but honestly I do not know for sure. I have completed everything else and already have a JROTC nomination in my portal.

Primary question: how do you know if you pass or not? Is there notification in the portal?

Worst case scenario, I fail and the Academy will not let me retest. Thus I am physically unqualified and don't receive an appointment this year. Is that correct?

If I fail, and the Academy thinks I deserve an opportunity to retest, will they give me an alternative deadline or will I have to retest before my normal Nov 6 deadline?

If I pass, will there be any potential to retest later on to improve scores?

I am average or slightly below average in all of the CFA categories, except my mile time is between 7:00 and 7:30

Any constructive input would be much appreciated. Thanks
Grad16 - first off, do not miss that deadline no matter what. If you miss it, say adios to the Academy until next year. Secondly, you are correct, if you fail and the Academy does not let you retest you will not receive an appointment for this year. If we tell you, you won't pass, are you not going to take the test nor submit your scores? Of course not. With that said, all you can do at this point is take your CFA this week and put forward your best effort to pass. That's all you can do. There is no place on your portal that will tell you if you passed or not. It will be out of your hands and worrying about it will not help. If the rest of your package is strong and you are what the AFA is looking for, they will determine if your scores are good enough, and they will also determine whether or not you deserve a re-take. Now just get it done to the best of your ability then move your focus to plans B, C, and D. Best of luck.
 
That's plenty of time to improve. Just work at it everyday for a week and a half or so then take a couple of days to rest and do the test the next day

Am I missing something? Two or three weeks is not a plenty of time to improve. Physical improvement is not something we can do in a short period. If a kid runs 8 minute mile, it is going to take more than two to three weeks to cut that time by 30 seconds. I would say same thing goes for pull ups.
 
@grad2016 Just do your best. If you have a good sports background in general, some of the events should be somewhat a given. I know that they have minimum scores that they would take but those are only known to the admissions board. Whatever you do, don't freak out and start working out crazy or doing insane amounts of pushups, running etc. before the test. It will do more harm than help.
That's plenty of time to improve. Just work at it everyday for a week and a half or so then take a couple of days to rest and do the test the next day

Am I missing something? Two or three weeks is not a plenty of time to improve. Physical improvement is not something we can do in a short period. If a kid runs 8 minute mile, it is going to take more than two to three weeks to cut that time by 30 seconds. I would say same thing goes for pull ups.
I know that you can't fix the run in that short amount of time but the pushups, pull-ups, and sit-ups can be considering he isn't that far from the averages. But it all depends on how close or far he is from passing.
 
Hey, not sure if you've taken it already or not but I took it yesterday and my scores were well below average (I'm sick as all hell right now). They sent me a notice this morning saying they want me to retake it so it does happen.
 
Oh and they gave a month extension on the CFA. Everything else has to be in by the deadline
 
2110 SATs, 3.7 GPA, I have a couple b's and c's, varsity softball. I'm pretty average I think.
 
Hey, not sure if you've taken it already or not but I took it yesterday and my scores were well below average (I'm sick as all hell right now). They sent me a notice this morning saying they want me to retake it so it does happen.
If you don't mind can you share your scores? If not, I understand.:)
 
Sure thing.

BBall throw: 50'
Shuttle run: 9.8 sec
Pull-ups: 1
Sit-ups: 35
Push-ups: 30
Mile: 8:38

Like I said they're pretty horrible scores
 
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