CFA question from a junior

[wheels33431]

How many people really max the CFA? As a homeschooler, I don't have athletics, spare a third-degree brown belt. Other things equal, can I still be a competitive candidate if I max out my score on the CFA? I do know that the academy wants leadership demonstrated through team sports, and I have strong non-athletic leadership, but I'm wondering if a team sport really that important unless you're a recruited athlete? My final question is this, should I finish my black belt?

 

[brewmeist]

I can promise you that a lot less people max the CFA each year than the PRT. My own son, a 2/C Mid, has maxed his PRT every single time, but did not max his CFA. He couldn't max a pull up if his life depended on it.

You'll see a lot on this forum about controlling only what you can control. Homeschooled students in my district can compete in varsity sports. It appears that you cannot. That is beyond your control. You state you have strong non-athletic leadership. That is within your control.

Many Midshipmen were varsity athletes. But many were not. You need to be the best 'whole person' you can be, because that is what is looked at in the end.

And if you want to be a black belt, of course go for it! It appears to be a passion, and it will further define your 'whole person.'

 

[THParent]

As long as the BB throw is in there, I think it's impossible to max the CFA. That thing is ridiculous.

Also, brown belts have degrees?

 

[USNA_STEM_Prof]

As long as the BB throw is in there, I think it's impossible to max the CFA. That thing is ridiculous.

Also, brown belts have degrees?

"Degrees" is usually karate or TKD. I'm a BJJ guy and our version, in my case, is "I'm a 2-stripe purple belt."

 

[NavyHoops]

Since you don’t have sports on your resume they will look at your CFA probably more than a candidate that is a 3 sport athlete. Just do your best. Focus on leadership in other avenues. Just do your best, that is all one can do.

 

[Don't Give Up the Ship]

...

Many Midshipmen were varsity athletes. But many were not. ...

To be a bit more accurate: 91% of the Class of 2024 played one or more varsity sports in High School, 9% did not. To be competitive, you should strengthen your "applied leadership" experience, athletics and CFA performance if you have not played a varsity sport. Good luck.

 

[Wagmore]

Mom of a homeschooled Mid chiming in here. Look for additional sports options. Can you play a sport for your local public school? A private school? If neither of these are possibilities, do you have non-school leagues you can participate in (many areas have soccer and basketball leagues)? I'd also look at local running races where you can document your race times. A team sport would be ideal, but anything to show additional athletic participation would help your application.

 

[_farmerMIDN_]

How many people really max the CFA? As a homeschooler, I don't have athletics, spare a third-degree brown belt. Other things equal, can I still be a competitive candidate if I max out my score on the CFA? I do know that the academy wants leadership demonstrated through team sports, and I have strong non-athletic leadership, but I'm wondering if a team sport really that important unless you're a recruited athlete? My final question is this, should I finish my black belt?

For the leadership question. I didn't actually have a leadership role in sports until my senior year of highschool and obviously that was cut short for me. All my other leadership experiences came from school positions, 4-H club positions, and the different leadership conferences I went too.

 

[usna1985]

Can you participate in a team sport during the summer? Most communities have summer leagues (baseball, soccer, etc.). Or maybe attend a sports camp. Sports are very important at USNA and not being involved in any team sports CAN (as in could be, not will be) a red flag. Also, maybe there is a non-school league that you could join in the fall or join a school team if your community permits that.

You have PLENTY of time to practice for the CFA. Focus especially on push-ups, crunches and the mile run. Take a practice test and see how you do. If you're not where you want to be, find a coach or trainer who can design a program to help you get to your goals. Maxing isn't required, but you want to do above average.