CFA Scores and Questions

D

dadencale

Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2020
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102
Hello,

I recently fully completed my DodMERB process needing no waivers. I have received mixed opinions on my CFA scores.

I am a male and scored
6:36 Mile
14 Pullups
Max Situps
35 pushups
8.8-second shuttle run
and an 81 foot basketball throw

It is my understanding that my pushups are low, but I was told my other scores compensate. Should I attempt a retake?

1.) Does my electronic transcript need to be received before my application can even be reviewed? I have heard of it taking forever.
2.) Are decisions being posted only in portals?

Thanks!
 
Those are not bad scores at all for a CFA. Keep in mind that your push-up score would be failing for the Navy Physical Readiness Test. At the end of the day it is in your best interest to perform well on the PRT because it is a big factor in your performance grade. Continue working on planks, push-ups, and a 1.5 mile run. Best of luck!
 
dadencale said:
Hello,

I recently fully completed my DodMERB process needing no waivers. I have received mixed opinions on my CFA scores.

I am a male and scored
6:36 Mile
14 Pullups
Max Situps
35 pushups
8.8-second shuttle run
and an 81 foot basketball throw

It is my understanding that my pushups are low, but I was told my other scores compensate. Should I attempt a retake?

1.) Does my electronic transcript need to be received before my application can even be reviewed? I have heard of it taking forever.
2.) Are decisions being posted only in portals?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
The CFA total score will tell you if you’re a CFA failure. See attached.
 

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I have questions pertaining to the best possible workout program for a successful overall pass on the CFA for the class of 2026 application cycle. I learned from this time around how important it is to prep months to a year in advance to really improve all areas of the test. I was unable to execute one single pull-up as I lack the upper body strength. Plan to get after it knowing exactly what to expect now and ensuring I’m ready and not on a whim. As a college student it’s been challenging to find resources that can assist with my fitness plan.
 
a_gerardoz said:
I have questions pertaining to the best possible workout program for a successful overall pass on the CFA for the class of 2026 application cycle. I learned from this time around how important it is to prep months to a year in advance to really improve all areas of the test. I was unable to execute one single pull-up as I lack the upper body strength. Plan to get after it knowing exactly what to expect now and ensuring I’m ready and not on a whim. As a college student it’s been challenging to find resources that can assist with my fitness plan.
Click to expand...
what are your questions?
 
Checkout www.stewsmith.com . Otherwise, my DS aced his CFA but he is a long distance track/XC runner (runs 400-750 miles ea quarter), avid backpacker, he combined that with daily core and daily sets of max pull ups (with rest days, strength days in basic home gym, stretching). You don't have to go as far as DS to pass the CFA.
 
a_gerardoz said:
I have questions pertaining to the best possible workout program for a successful overall pass on the CFA for the class of 2026 application cycle. I learned from this time around how important it is to prep months to a year in advance to really improve all areas of the test. I was unable to execute one single pull-up as I lack the upper body strength. Plan to get after it knowing exactly what to expect now and ensuring I’m ready and not on a whim. As a college student it’s been challenging to find resources that can assist with my fitness plan.
Click to expand...
You know your body best so only you can decide what type of workout you should do. I had a meniscus repair surgery in February 2020 and couldn't run for 7 months. When I got back to it I couldn't even run a 12-minute mile. I had 4 months to get ready for the CFA so I bulked up to gain as much muscle as possible. Happy to say that I did pretty well on the CFA. But you are preparing a well 10 months in advance so your strategy will most likely be different.

Anyway, the best way to prepare for the CFA in my opinion is to do it over and over again. I will give my strategies for each exercise below.

Basketball Throw: This is all form. Practice it. Over and over again. I wish I did this. I threw like a soccer player instead of a baseball player and it showed.

Pullups: Get a pullup bar, install it near the kitchen- every time you go get food- do a few. Some people have a hard time doing a pull-up- we were all there at one time. Get a resistance band and do assist pullups instead- you will grow your rep numbers. It's all in the progressive overload. Once you can do 1 pullup you will then be able to do 2 and then so on. Use proper form, do not swing your body like those cross fits. If you keep your body straight you use less energy to pull yourself up. Make sure to follow the proper form- read the instructions carefully.

Pushups: Get a timer. Set it to 2 minutes. Do as many pushups as you can. When you can't do anymore, do not fall down. Instead, raise your hips in a downward dog position. You can take a short break like this (as long as your hands and feet don't move). Then rep out 5-10 more and repeat till the time is up. These last few reps will be hard- but push through. Remember to use the proper form.

Sit-ups: Same as pushups. Get a timer. Set it to 2 minutes and max it out. Keep doing this till you get the max score. Practice the proper form.

Shuttle Run: The most time is used up when you have to get low and touch the line before sprinting the way back. Work on this. Just practice this. Have someone time you.

Mile Run: Don't practice by just running a mile. Run more. Like 2-5 miles. The mile comes last in the CFA. You will be tired from the last few exercises. That's the whole point so prepare for that. A friend of mine was able to run a sub 5:30 mile but ran a 6:50 because he was tired from the other exercises. I recommend the Nike Run Club. But during your actual mile run test you are not given a way to pace yourself so take this into account.

This process will be hard. Just remember why you are doing this.
 
NickyZ17 said:
Mile Run: Don't practice by just running a mile. Run more. Like 2-5 miles. The mile comes last in the CFA. You will be tired from the last few exercises. That's the whole point so prepare for that. A friend of mine was able to run a sub 5:30 mile but ran a 6:50 because he was tired from the other exercises. I recommend the Nike Run Club. But during your actual mile run test you are not given a way to pace yourself so take this into account.
Click to expand...
I can attest to this, even as a xc and track athlete. I can run a sub 5 mile most days, but struggled (lowkey dying) to keep it under 5:35. Best of luck to you, you are starting much earlier than I did!
 
Do a practice test following the EXACT CFA format in terms of rest times, etc. Compare your scores to the max scores. Figure out the events with which you need the most help. Work on those. And also practice the CFA as a complete test for the reasons stated above. Once you're generally satisfied with your scores, take the test for real so that you record a decent score. If you think you can continue to improve, then do so, but don't wait until January to submit your first scores -- too much can go wrong.

Finally, keep in mind that the CFA is only one component of your application, and NOT the most important one. You want to do well, but a fully-maxed CFA will not overcome other significant weaknesses.
 
Why were your push ups so low compared to the rest? Did you watch videos and practice your form? You are early in the game, with practice and strategy you can probably improve most of those areas. What my DS (candidate 2025) has learned in this whole process is that you should not settle for "it's good enough" ANYWHERE in your application. DS got a 1280 on the SAT (2 attempts) and in November with only one test date left that would have met the USMA/USNA deadline we decided "it's good enough" since the rest of his application was pretty strong. He got a TWE from USMA recently (USNA still pending) and fell short of the finish line because it was not good enough. I say push harder for CFA, make sure your essays for the application and nom applications are outstanding and polished, and turn in an application that you are truly proud of.
 
FrauTeufelshund said:
Why were your push ups so low compared to the rest? Did you watch videos and practice your form? You are early in the game, with practice and strategy you can probably improve most of those areas. What my DS (candidate 2025) has learned in this whole process is that you should not settle for "it's good enough" ANYWHERE in your application. DS got a 1280 on the SAT (2 attempts) and in November with only one test date left that would have met the USMA/USNA deadline we decided "it's good enough" since the rest of his application was pretty strong. He got a TWE from USMA recently (USNA still pending) and fell short of the finish line because it was not good enough. I say push harder for CFA, make sure your essays for the application and nom applications are outstanding and polished, and turn in an application that you are truly proud of
Click to expand...
TheRightStuff said:
FTH - I think @dadencale is a 2025 applicant so my guess is the USNA app was turned in by 2/28/21 but I could be wrong.
Click to expand...
Yes, I am a 2025 applicant. My application was fully submitted. I used the same scores for USMMA and was deemed triple q.

I am not sure why my pushups that day were that low, I was scoring pretty well in the lead up to it. The other areas of my application are pretty decent (In comparison) so I am hoping that the low pushup score does not break my entire application. Thank you for your kind words.
 
usna1985 said:
Do a practice test following the EXACT CFA format in terms of rest times, etc. Compare your scores to the max scores. Figure out the events with which you need the most help. Work on those. And also practice the CFA as a complete test for the reasons stated above. Once you're generally satisfied with your scores, take the test for real so that you record a decent score. If you think you can continue to improve, then do so, but don't wait until January to submit your first scores -- too much can go wrong.

Finally, keep in mind that the CFA is only one component of your application, and NOT the most important one. You want to do well, but a fully-maxed CFA will not overcome other significant weaknesses.
Click to expand...
This cycle I took it twice and failed. Just want to know how I can turn that around. I did a practice one and can attest it helps immensely!!
 
Peter2025 said:
I can attest to this, even as a xc and track athlete. I can run a sub 5 mile most days, but struggled (lowkey dying) to keep it under 5:35. Best of luck to you, you are starting much earlier than I did!
Click to expand...
Do you know when the Class of 2026 application opens? definitely plan on establishing a plan of action in the next week so I can get started right away!! This is one of the many areas I lacked in this application cycle but being a college applicant throws different adversities your way. Thank you!!
 
NickyZ17 said:
You know your body best so only you can decide what type of workout you should do. I had a meniscus repair surgery in February 2020 and couldn't run for 7 months. When I got back to it I couldn't even run a 12-minute mile. I had 4 months to get ready for the CFA so I bulked up to gain as much muscle as possible. Happy to say that I did pretty well on the CFA. But you are preparing a well 10 months in advance so your strategy will most likely be different.

Anyway, the best way to prepare for the CFA in my opinion is to do it over and over again. I will give my strategies for each exercise below.

Basketball Throw: This is all form. Practice it. Over and over again. I wish I did this. I threw like a soccer player instead of a baseball player and it showed.

Pullups: Get a pullup bar, install it near the kitchen- every time you go get food- do a few. Some people have a hard time doing a pull-up- we were all there at one time. Get a resistance band and do assist pullups instead- you will grow your rep numbers. It's all in the progressive overload. Once you can do 1 pullup you will then be able to do 2 and then so on. Use proper form, do not swing your body like those cross fits. If you keep your body straight you use less energy to pull yourself up. Make sure to follow the proper form- read the instructions carefully.

Pushups: Get a timer. Set it to 2 minutes. Do as many pushups as you can. When you can't do anymore, do not fall down. Instead, raise your hips in a downward dog position. You can take a short break like this (as long as your hands and feet don't move). Then rep out 5-10 more and repeat till the time is up. These last few reps will be hard- but push through. Remember to use the proper form.

Sit-ups: Same as pushups. Get a timer. Set it to 2 minutes and max it out. Keep doing this till you get the max score. Practice the proper form.

Shuttle Run: The most time is used up when you have to get low and touch the line before sprinting the way back. Work on this. Just practice this. Have someone time you.

Mile Run: Don't practice by just running a mile. Run more. Like 2-5 miles. The mile comes last in the CFA. You will be tired from the last few exercises. That's the whole point so prepare for that. A friend of mine was able to run a sub 5:30 mile but ran a 6:50 because he was tired from the other exercises. I recommend the Nike Run Club. But during your actual mile run test you are not given a way to pace yourself so take this into account.

This process will be hard. Just remember why you are doing this.
Click to expand...

Peter2025 said:
I can attest to this, even as a xc and track athlete. I can run a sub 5 mile most days, but struggled (lowkey dying) to keep it under 5:35. Best of luck to you, you are starting much earlier than I did!
Click to expand...
Thank you SO much for the info and for the easy to read layout you provided for all 6 events of the CFA! This most recent attempt although an overall fail I maxed out curl as I was a competitor on the curl ups team for NJROTC back in high school. There was the famous 5 minute navy down up cadence that would stop at 250 and give 1 minute bonus time to “max out and I would do exactly that circa 307+ what I’ve learned from training for that is do both push and curl back to back AT LEAST 3 times a day and record your numbers on an Excel spreadsheet you’ll notice how much you can push yourself to do after repeating for months and beyond. The key is doing it every day!! personally the events I struggle with the most are the B ball throw, push, pull-ups ( can’t even do 1) (yet), and the mile run
 
03USMC13 said:
Checkout www.stewsmith.com . Otherwise, my DS aced his CFA but he is a long distance track/XC runner (runs 400-750 miles ea quarter), avid backpacker, he combined that with daily core and daily sets of max pull ups (with rest days, strength days in basic home gym, stretching). You don't have to go as far as DS to pass the CFA.
Click to expand...
Thank you!! wow now THAT’S incredible! I had two unsuccessful attempts because of my inability to execute 1 pull up due to lack of upper body strength and I ran a 12 minute mile due to lack of prep beforehand but to be fair admissions granted a retake with a 7 day turnaround so that was pretty good for the time given. I maxed push, curl, and shuttle run but pull up and run probably brought my score down which ended up being a fail.
 
dadencale said:
Yes, I am a 2025 applicant. My application was fully submitted. I used the same scores for USMMA and was deemed triple q.

I am not sure why my pushups that day were that low, I was scoring pretty well in the lead up to it. The other areas of my application are pretty decent (In comparison) so I am hoping that the low pushup score does not break my entire application. Thank you for your kind words.
Click to expand...
Oh sorry, I thought you were a 2026! Original was from Feb, I missed that. Best of luck to you!
 
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