CFA Input

SAHopeful2015

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Nov 8, 2017
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So here are DS's results from the CFA he took yesterday. He's trying to get in West Point or the Air Force Academy.
Basketball throw: 66'7"
Pull-ups: 11
Shuttle Run: 8.7
Sit-ups: 82
Push-Ups: 69
Mile: 7 minutes; 04 seconds.

While not his best that he could do with more practice, he is inclined to submit the results and see what happens. He has a fairly strong file (4.17 QPA with AP and honors classes; 3 year letter winner for football - team captain this year; lots of community service work; he does have a part-time job as well which has limited his extracurricular activities substantially. 1380 SAT but the writing part was only 18/24 which is his weakest area -- trying to write an essay in the format that those scorers are looking for. He has had 2 interviews with the Senators so far and will have his interview with the congressman at the beginning of December. PA is a very competitive state however as far as the nominations go. If he doesn't get in this year, he has decided to attend an university where he will take do the ROTC program and reapply next year.

Thanks for your input!
 
While not his best that he could do with more practice
I wonder: if he is disappointed in these results, some questions come to mind:

  • Did DS practice for the CFA timed, in order of events? (Often, even the very best, most talented, "in the best shape of his life" athletes do {relatively} poorly on the CFA because they neglected this simple notion)(not suggesting this happened for your DS, but it does happen when athletes are shocked by their results)
  • You are from Pennsylvania (me, too) and know that especially for USMA, your DS's "file" is closer to "typical" than "Holy Cow!" Not belittling his fine accomplishments, just letting you know that his competition is "the best of the best," and it will be stiff!
  • Is DS considering a slot on the football team (or other D-1 team)? Has he contacted the coach?
For even the best candidates, fencersmother almost always suggests a strong (and strongly acceptable) PlanB. Safety net and path ahead, and all that. Don't forget: USMA & USAFA (and USNA, USCGA, USMMA) are pathways to the future, not an end unto themselves.

Here are a couple more questions, more for info for those seeking a nom/appointment:

That 4.17 QPA: is it out of 4.0 (sometimes helpful to be specific). What is the average QPA of a graduate of your child's school? What is his class rank (with that high QPA, it is a good indicator of grade inflation at his school).

Any other sports besides football?

Thanks and good luck to your son. Sounds like he's on the right track for a bright future!
 
Thank you fencersmother for taking the time to respond. To answer some of your questions:

  • I don't think he was terribly disappointed in his results although I think he expected to do better. No, DS did not practice for the CFA in a timed, order of events (although I encouraged him to do so based on everything I read on these forums, etc.) Having just come off the football season, I believe he thought he was "in good enough shape" to do very well.
  • What part of PA are you from? We are in a suburb just north of Pittsburgh. Yes, being in a very competitive state such as PA I suspected his results as well as entire file were closer to the "typical" range. I don't at all find your comment belittling... I know as does he there are some superior candidates out there!
  • He is not considering playing on the football team as he is only 5'5.75" (doesn't let me forget that 3/4") and 155 pounds - which is all muscle but playing football at that level just isn't in the cards for him. As I always tell him - can't change genetics. He would consider playing on USMA's "Sprint" team I think it's called (which is for the "lightweights" - under 160 pounds I believe but I believe that is probably considered an "intramural" sport.)
  • He has been accepted by the 5 schools he has applied to and is working on getting accepted into his top (Plan B) choice's Honors College. If he goes that route, he will also do the ROTC program and reapply to USMC next year.
  • The 4.17 QPA I indicated is out of 4.0.
  • I don't know the average QPA of the students in his school but the school he attends (public) is a very academic driven and successful school. I looked up some of the stats they publish on their profile -- not sure if they are helpful or not but here they are:
    • 90% of graduates go on to some type of secondary education (whether 4 year or 2 year);
    • The school has received the "National Blue Ribbon" award twice in the last 5 years or so;
    • Ranked 11th in the state (out of 678 high schools);
    • Ranked 622 nationally;
    • Average SAT Score in math was 597 (state/national average is 533). DS's was 680;
    • Average SAT Score in Reading/Writing was 609 (state/national average is 540/538). DS's was 700;
    • Average ACT composite score was 26.4 (state/national average is 23.7/21). DS's was 28;
    • His class rank is 43/266 - so just above the top 16%. I guess this would look like the school has grade inflation as you refer to it, but with the school profile, I suspect this isn't the case here however I could be wrong;
    • He has played baseball and also wrestled for the school in the past. He chose to stop playing those "winter/spring" sports 2 years ago when he started working his part time job. He works on average about 15 hours per week during the school year and then about 25-30 during the summer months.
Again, thanks for responding and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

While not his best that he could do with more practice
I wonder: if he is disappointed in these results, some questions come to mind:

  • Did DS practice for the CFA timed, in order of events? (Often, even the very best, most talented, "in the best shape of his life" athletes do {relatively} poorly on the CFA because they neglected this simple notion)(not suggesting this happened for your DS, but it does happen when athletes are shocked by their results)
  • You are from Pennsylvania (me, too) and know that especially for USMA, your DS's "file" is closer to "typical" than "Holy Cow!" Not belittling his fine accomplishments, just letting you know that his competition is "the best of the best," and it will be stiff!
  • Is DS considering a slot on the football team (or other D-1 team)? Has he contacted the coach?
For even the best candidates, fencersmother almost always suggests a strong (and strongly acceptable) PlanB. Safety net and path ahead, and all that. Don't forget: USMA & USAFA (and USNA, USCGA, USMMA) are pathways to the future, not an end unto themselves.

Here are a couple more questions, more for info for those seeking a nom/appointment:

That 4.17 QPA: is it out of 4.0 (sometimes helpful to be specific). What is the average QPA of a graduate of your child's school? What is his class rank (with that high QPA, it is a good indicator of grade inflation at his school).

Any other sports besides football?

Thanks and good luck to your son. Sounds like he's on the right track for a bright future!
 
My DS has the same feeling. He didn’t do as well on the CFA...
BB throw 72
Pull ups 7
Sit ups 56
Shuttle 8.8
Push ups 55
Mile 6.04
SAT 1430
GPA 4.16

Just got done with his medical and interview is next week with MOC. Waiting is so hard. Good luck to your kid!
 
Did the above testers pass their CFA’s? DS has his tomorrow!
We are assuming they “passed” as he wasn’t asked to retake it and his file hasn’t been closed yet. He has one nomination for each USMA and USAFA and hasn’t heard back from the senators yet but we aren’t counting on any additional nominations since we heard PA coordinates their nominations and do not like to double-nominate candidates. Good luck to your DS.
 
DS had his test yesterday and today it's got a checkmark next to it in his portal. Does that just mean it's been submitted or does that mean it's a passing score?
 
Please keep in mind it's a pass/fail & only 10% of your WCS.
 
Hello,

I am someone who has weak CFA scores, but I have a whole year before I have to submit them. Any advice to how I can work/build motivation to work towards this goal?
 
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