CFA question

[fighterjetlover]

Hello. I'm a male and am preparing for the CFA. However, the CFA is really worrying me. The rest of my application is pretty strong with 1490 SAT (800 Math) top 5% in my class, college AP and honors classes, lots of leadership, clubs, volunteer activities, and I'm a competitive swimmer and recently earned regional champion twice in both of my events (State championships cancelled because of COVID). I am really worried about the pull-ups. Will I fail just because of the pull ups? I am strong in all the other events. However, I can barely do 1 pull up. I am going to keep training but the deadline is coming up. Will I fail the CFA just because of pull ups? If I fail is there still an opportunity for acceptance? Thank you.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

Failure in any one "event" is failure of CFA. You cannot be appointed without being 3Q (Academic Board, Medical and CFA). Continue working on upper body strength and good luck !

 

[LA rockymnt hi]

Hello. I'm a male and am preparing for the CFA. However, the CFA is really worrying me. The rest of my application is pretty strong with 1490 SAT (800 Math) top 5% in my class, college AP and honors classes, lots of leadership, clubs, volunteer activities, and I'm a competitive swimmer and recently earned regional champion twice in both of my events (State championships cancelled because of COVID). I am really worried about the pull-ups. Will I fail just because of the pull ups? I am strong in all the other events. However, I can barely do 1 pull up. I am going to keep training but the deadline is coming up. Will I fail the CFA just because of pull ups? If I fail is there still an opportunity for acceptance? Thank you.

Keep practicing, you've got this. Try to do negative pull-ups. Be in the up position and then slowly lower your self down, do this over and over and over again. My DD went from not being able to do any pull-ups to 3 pull-ups for her CFA in a matter of 2 months. If you don't have a pull-up bar already, get one and every day morning and night practice them. You've got this!

 

[Memphis9489]

Failure in any one "event" is failure of CFA. You cannot be appointed without being 3Q (Academic Board, Medical and CFA). Continue working on upper body strength and good luck !

I have twin boys who graduated from USNA in 2013. They both got accepted to the Summer Seminar but only one of them decided to attend. (His twin said, "Tell me how it goes." ) The academy administers the CFA for all the seminar attendees. My son did two pull-ups. TWO! He's tall (6'3") and thin. He is a very good athlete (4-yr varsity baseball pitcher) but, like you, upper body strength is not really his thing. Not only did he (and his brother) get appointments - they each got an LOA.

How many pull-ups do you think those 250+ pound offensive linemen can do on the Navy football team? They may be able to bench press 300 lbs, but I doubt they can do many pull-ups.

Here's my view on the CFA.
1. Mostly, it's just a hoop to jump through. The academy never advertises what constitutes "pass" or "fail." Some candidates find the CFA so intimidating they do not even continue the application process. That speaks volumes about that candidate. Think of all those smart kids who attend Harvard and Yale. Imagine if those schools required a CFA. Probably some of the applicants wouldn't even apply just for that reason alone. The academy doesn't want to know if you're Superman. Mostly they want to know if you're PeeWee Herman or Chris Farley.

2. I believe the academy is mostly concerned with the running. Light, small-framed candidates have an advantage with pull-ups even if they have less upper body strength than that of a heavier, larger-framed candidate. The ability to do pull-ups is somewhat physique dependent. I think the academy understands that. Running, on the other hand, is not really physique dependent and is an excellent indicator of cardiovascular fitness.

3. If a candidate is a four-year high school athlete, that pretty much tells the academy everything they need to know about their physical fitness. Over 90% of appointees are four-year high school athletes; yet, their CFA results probably widely vary. Does your high school have a swimming team or is this something you do outside of school? In other words, do you participate in any high school sports?

4. I imagine a poor performance on the CFA has more meaning if the candidate is not involved in any sports. You're an accomplished, competitive swimmer. So, you can't do too many pull-ups. Meh. There's probably candidates who can do 20 pull-ups who are going to struggle in the water at the Naval Academy. And, there's lots of water testing at the academy!

Keep working on it but don't worry about it too much. If two was enough for my son - I'm guessing (with your excellent record), two may be enough for you. But - shoot higher, nonetheless.

Oddly, both my sons are much more fit now than they were back then. I don't know how many pull-ups0 my sons (now a senior Lieutenants) can do, but I'm sure it's many more than two.

Good luck! Don't sweat it.

NOTE: If you don't mind me asking - who is administering your CFA? It should be your swimming coach.

 

[Sealion II]

I have twin boys who graduated from USNA in 2013. They both got accepted to the Summer Seminar but only one of them decided to attend. (His twin said, "Tell me how it goes." ) The academy administers the CFA for all the seminar attendees. My son did two pull-ups. TWO! He's tall (6'3") and thin. He is a very good athlete (4-yr varsity baseball pitcher) but, like you, upper body strength is not really his thing. Not only did he (and his brother) get appointments - they each got an LOA.

How many pull-ups do you think those 250+ pound offensive linemen can do on the Navy football team? They may be able to bench press 300 lbs, but I doubt they can do many pull-ups.

Here's my view on the CFA.
1. Mostly, it's just a hoop to jump through. The academy never advertises what constitutes "pass" or "fail." Some candidates find the CFA so intimidating they do not even continue the application process. That speaks volumes about that candidate. Think of all those smart kids who attend Harvard and Yale. Imagine if those schools required a CFA. Probably some of the applicants wouldn't even apply just for that reason alone. The academy doesn't want to know if you're Superman. Mostly they want to know if you're PeeWee Herman or Chris Farley.

2. I believe the academy is mostly concerned with the running. Light, small-framed candidates have an advantage with pull-ups even if they have less upper body strength than that of a heavier, larger-framed candidate. The ability to do pull-ups is somewhat physique dependent. I think the academy understands that. Running, on the other hand, is not really physique dependent and is an excellent indicator of cardiovascular fitness.

3. If a candidate is a four-year high school athlete, that pretty much tells the academy everything they need to know about their physical fitness. Over 90% of appointees are four-year high school athletes; yet, their CFA results probably widely vary. Does your high school have a swimming team or is this something you do outside of school? In other words, do you participate in any high school sports?

4. I imagine a poor performance on the CFA has more meaning if the candidate is not involved in any sports. You're an accomplished, competitive swimmer. So, you can't do too many pull-ups. Meh. There's probably candidates who can do 20 pull-ups who are going to struggle in the water at the Naval Academy. And, there's lots of water testing at the academy!

Keep working on it but don't worry about it too much. If two was enough for my son - I'm guessing (with your excellent record), two may be enough for you. But - shoot higher, nonetheless.

Oddly, both my sons are much more fit now than they were back then. I don't know how many pull-ups0 my sons (now a senior Lieutenants) can do, but I'm sure it's many more than two.

Good luck! Don't sweat it.

NOTE: If you don't mind me asking - who is administering your CFA? It should be your swimming coach.

This is really helpful to this new member. Thank you.

 

[fighterjetlover]

I have twin boys who graduated from USNA in 2013. They both got accepted to the Summer Seminar but only one of them decided to attend. (His twin said, "Tell me how it goes." ) The academy administers the CFA for all the seminar attendees. My son did two pull-ups. TWO! He's tall (6'3") and thin. He is a very good athlete (4-yr varsity baseball pitcher) but, like you, upper body strength is not really his thing. Not only did he (and his brother) get appointments - they each got an LOA.

How many pull-ups do you think those 250+ pound offensive linemen can do on the Navy football team? They may be able to bench press 300 lbs, but I doubt they can do many pull-ups.

Here's my view on the CFA.
1. Mostly, it's just a hoop to jump through. The academy never advertises what constitutes "pass" or "fail." Some candidates find the CFA so intimidating they do not even continue the application process. That speaks volumes about that candidate. Think of all those smart kids who attend Harvard and Yale. Imagine if those schools required a CFA. Probably some of the applicants wouldn't even apply just for that reason alone. The academy doesn't want to know if you're Superman. Mostly they want to know if you're PeeWee Herman or Chris Farley.

2. I believe the academy is mostly concerned with the running. Light, small-framed candidates have an advantage with pull-ups even if they have less upper body strength than that of a heavier, larger-framed candidate. The ability to do pull-ups is somewhat physique dependent. I think the academy understands that. Running, on the other hand, is not really physique dependent and is an excellent indicator of cardiovascular fitness.

3. If a candidate is a four-year high school athlete, that pretty much tells the academy everything they need to know about their physical fitness. Over 90% of appointees are four-year high school athletes; yet, their CFA results probably widely vary. Does your high school have a swimming team or is this something you do outside of school? In other words, do you participate in any high school sports?

4. I imagine a poor performance on the CFA has more meaning if the candidate is not involved in any sports. You're an accomplished, competitive swimmer. So, you can't do too many pull-ups. Meh. There's probably candidates who can do 20 pull-ups who are going to struggle in the water at the Naval Academy. And, there's lots of water testing at the academy!

Keep working on it but don't worry about it too much. If two was enough for my son - I'm guessing (with your excellent record), two may be enough for you. But - shoot higher, nonetheless.

Oddly, both my sons are much more fit now than they were back then. I don't know how many pull-ups0 my sons (now a senior Lieutenants) can do, but I'm sure it's many more than two.

Good luck! Don't sweat it.

NOTE: If you don't mind me asking - who is administering your CFA? It should be your swimming coach.

Thank you for all of this information! I’ve been training every day and plan to try to get as many pull ups as possible, but that is really great that two may get me in! I’m 6’7, which has also made pull ups and upper body strength hard for me . My ROTC instructor is administering my CFA! Thank you for the help!

 

[fighterjetlover]

Keep practicing, you've got this. Try to do negative pull-ups. Be in the up position and then slowly lower your self down, do this over and over and over again. My DD went from not being able to do any pull-ups to 3 pull-ups for her CFA in a matter of 2 months. If you don't have a pull-up bar already, get one and every day morning and night practice them. You've got this!

Thank you for the advice! I will start doing so! I really appreciate the support!

 

[St.Katherine]

Hello. I'm a male and am preparing for the CFA. However, the CFA is really worrying me. The rest of my application is pretty strong with 1490 SAT (800 Math) top 5% in my class, college AP and honors classes, lots of leadership, clubs, volunteer activities, and I'm a competitive swimmer and recently earned regional champion twice in both of my events (State championships cancelled because of COVID). I am really worried about the pull-ups. Will I fail just because of the pull ups? I am strong in all the other events. However, I can barely do 1 pull up. I am going to keep training but the deadline is coming up. Will I fail the CFA just because of pull ups? If I fail is there still an opportunity for acceptance? Thank you.

I would like to share my DS’s actual CFA test results. In his USNA portal, it was tagged pass with a score of 300+. Note: I’ve never seen evidence (or trying to figure out) of how 300 or 400 scoring system works. I hope this will help you in your journey. Using my DS as an example, 0530 alternating workouts between track, free weights, and light machine workouts. There’s no substitute for advanced prep.
——————————/—————
CFA scores:

1. Basketball Throw: 52
2. Pull-ups: 10
3. Shuttle: 8.9
4. Modified Sit-ups: 72
5. Push-ups: 44
6. 1-mile run: 6:26

 

[Capt MJ]

Thank you for all of this information! I’ve been training every day and plan to try to get as many pull ups as possible, but that is really great that two may get me in! I’m 6’7, which has also made pull ups and upper body strength hard for me . My ROTC instructor is administering my CFA! Thank you for the help!

Put a 1 in front of that 2 if you can, at least. There are always anomalies, and 2 is definitely the dot on the outer edge of the regression analysis plot. Admissions has the flexibility to act as they see fit and evaluate the entire application. Do your best to at least hit the average or better. Eyes in the boat! Good luck, do your best, leave it all out there.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

Mostly, it's just a hoop to jump through. The academy never advertises what constitutes "pass" or "fail." Some candidates find the CFA so intimidating they do not even continue the application process.

^ I agree with this ......it seems like this Forum overemphasizes the importance of CFA, as if a great CFA is going to get a Candidate in. Yes, you need to "Pass" to get in, and while USNA never posts what score is passing, I would expect that there is a black and white line between "pass" and "fail". Beyond that, a super CFA isn't going to get a weak Candidate in, and a weak (but passing) CFA isn't going to keep a super Candidate out.
Bottom line -- do the best that you can do !

 

[Maertyn]

I saw that negatives were mentioned, which are a very good way to build the back strength needed for pullups. Additionally, resistance bands can be used to assist your body adapt to the strain of a pull-up. I'm not sure how long you have before your CFA, but I have had friends go from 0 pullups to almost 10 in a month or two. If you're still struggling, message me and I'll hook you up with some more exercises that'll get your pull-ups "up" in no time. Good luck.

 

[THParent]

...I’m 6’7"...

I hope you've stopped growing. 6'-8" (80") is the absolute maximum height for the armed forces.

The only way to get better at pull ups is to to do pull ups, every day. As for the CFA, you just have to pass and it's just one of several things.

 

[Devil Doc]

I hope you've stopped growing. 6'-8" (80") is the absolute maximum height for the armed forces.

The only way to get better at pull ups is to to do pull ups, every day. As for the CFA, you just have to pass and it's just one of several things.

I was thinking the same. Hopefully OP isn't the second coming of David Robinson.

On second thought, maybe he could switch to basketball.

 

[USMAROTCFamily]

I was thinking the same. Hopefully OP isn't the second coming of David Robinson.

On second thought, maybe he could switch to basketball.

If he is another David Robinson, they will find a way to make an exception for him, I bet! I had a picture taken with David at a football game. It's so funny to see how short I look next to him.

 

[Devil Doc]

If he is another David Robinson, they will find a way to make an exception for him, I bet! I had a picture taken with David at a football game. It's so funny to see how short I look next to him.

Most people are short next to him.

One day at Waikiki Beach a friend and I saw Wilt Chamberlain hanging with some people. He was a basketball nut and wanted me to take his picture with Wilt. We went over and asked and Wilt was as cool as an ice cream cone. Friend was 6'3" but next to Wilt Chamberlain looked like a short person. I took the pic, we chatted a couple minutes, and then left. A few minutes later I wondered why I didn't get my picture taken with him.

 

[SLg]

Failure in any one "event" is failure of CFA. You cannot be appointed without being 3Q (Academic Board, Medical and CFA). Continue working on upper body strength and good luck !

What is defined as a "failure" of an event? This seems subjective - just curious.

 

[dddad]

What is defined as a "failure" of an event? This seems subjective - just curious.

The SAs do not publish minimum acceptable scores. Nonetheless, there are minimum acceptable scores for each event and for the combined scores of all events. These minimums are not subjective. For example, if one throws a basketball one foot, it will not meet the minimum standard. Even if you maxed every other event, you would fail the CFA. Nothing subjective about it.

 

[fighterjetlover]

Hi there! I just wanted to thank everyone and let you all know that I passed the CFA. Through one and a half months of hard work, I have been able to develop decent upper body strength. I got from my 0 not even being able to get up to the bar to four clean form pull ups. I want to let other prospective pull-up deficient candidates know what I did so they can do so as well. I did so by making a DIY (wide grip) 9.5' high pull up bar out of thick PVC pipe and attaching it with duct tape to the roof racks of my garage. I also ordered "pull up bands" to help me and did lots of inverted pull ups, as well as lat pull downs at the gym and inverted rows. I plan to keep training (as CFA is the biggest place still with room to improve) but this CFA was a good safety as winters in my area render the track unusable. Thank you all.

 

[Capt MJ]

Hi there! I just wanted to thank everyone and let you all know that I passed the CFA. Through one and a half months of hard work, I have been able to develop decent upper body strength. I got from my 0 not even being able to get up to the bar to four clean form pull ups. I want to let other prospective pull-up deficient candidates know what I did so they can do so as well. I did so by making a DIY (wide grip) 9.5' high pull up bar out of thick PVC pipe and attaching it with duct tape to the roof racks of my garage. I also ordered "pull up bands" to help me and did lots of inverted pull ups, as well as lat pull downs at the gym and inverted rows. I plan to keep training (as CFA is the biggest place still with room to improve) but this CFA was a good safety as winters in my area render the track unusable. Thank you all.

Will+skill=success!