CFA Scores

[tweety_bird]

Hello, I took my 1st CFA for USNA today. My deadline for USAFA is coming up soon on Nov. 8th, and I am hoping to take the test again. The biggest issue is my pull ups, but I have been working on them every day (assisted, negatives, etc.), along with going to the gym about 4x/week to build some muscle. I can pull myself up to about my nose right now, so I am hoping to at least do at least one in time for the test. (I already run every day for XC. This year is my first year on the team, so I am not the fastest).

I am hoping to improve, obviously, but if I had to submit these scores today would they be a pass? (I am a female)

Scores:
BB Throw: 41 ft
Flexed Arm Hang: 19 sec (think I could've held a little longer, but I misunderstood my administrator and thought he called the time)
Shuttle Run: 10.7
Sit ups: 95 (finished before the 2 min timer ran out)
Pushups: 42
Mile Run: 7:18

 

[MidCakePa]

Have you gone to the USAFA website and looked at the CFA averages? Seeking primary resources is a great practice to develop. And making decisions based on those primary sources is another great practice. Won’t take you more than a couple minutes to see how your results stack up.

 

[tweety_bird]

Have you gone to the USAFA website and looked at the CFA averages? Seeking primary resources is a great practice to develop. And making decisions based on those primary sources is another great practice. Won’t take you more than a couple minutes to see how your results stack up.

Thanks! I saw the averages on the Academy Admissions website, but I am not sure what the cutoff is to fail an exercise. I noticed that the average time for the FAH is higher for USAFA than for USMA, so I wondered if anyone here could provide me with an idea of what that would be for USAFA based off their experiences.

I'm not trying for the minimums, but would like to know if I failed or not because I heard that failing one exercise causes you to fail the whole test.

 

[USAFA10s]

Those are probably passing based on other scores I have seen on here, but you are right that your FAH is a little low. Your shuttle run is also pretty slow. Based on your mile time, I think you can probably do A LOT better - make sure you have a good surface with lots of traction, and spend some time practicing turning efficiently. The key to a good shuttle run is really all about how fast you can turn. BB throw is also a little low for how strong you are (42 push-ups, nice!) - that's another one where a little time spent on improving technique can probably help. Search this forum for threads on it - lots of good advice.

 

[tweety_bird]

Those are probably passing based on other scores I have seen on here, but you are right that your FAH is a little low. Your shuttle run is also pretty slow. Based on your mile time, I think you can probably do A LOT better - make sure you have a good surface with lots of traction, and spend some time practicing turning efficiently. The key to a good shuttle run is really all about how fast you can turn. BB throw is also a little low for how strong you are (42 push-ups, nice!) - that's another one where a little time spent on improving technique can probably help. Search this forum for threads on it - lots of good advice.

Thanks for you input, I really appreciate another pair of eyes!

I will definitely add extra technique research/practice to my list of things to work on before the next test. I thought I was lacking strength for the BB throw, but it sounds like I need to refine my methods to get it any further. My dad is a lot stronger than me but couldn't throw the ball very far when he tried, so that makes sense.

 

[hopeful25]

Hello, I took my 1st CFA for USNA today. My deadline for USAFA is coming up soon on Nov. 8th, and I am hoping to take the test again. The biggest issue is my pull ups, but I have been working on them every day (assisted, negatives, etc.), along with going to the gym about 4x/week to build some muscle. I can pull myself up to about my nose right now, so I am hoping to at least do at least one in time for the test. (I already run every day for XC. This year is my first year on the team, so I am not the fastest).

I am hoping to improve, obviously, but if I had to submit these scores today would they be a pass? (I am a female)

Scores:
BB Throw: 41 ft
Flexed Arm Hang: 19 sec (think I could've held a little longer, but I misunderstood my administrator and thought he called the time)
Shuttle Run: 10.7
Sit ups: 95 (finished before the 2 min timer ran out)
Pushups: 42
Mile Run: 7:18

I think you’ll definitely pass. I passed and was worse than you in 4 areas. Here are my scores that passed:
BB throw: 54 ft
FAH: 16.7 seconds (the bar was really bad and was shaking, I usually got about 23 seconds so I was worried about this)
Shuttle: 9.45
Sit-ups: 91
Pushups: 30
Mile: 7:36

 

[USAFA10s]

I did WAY less push-ups than you on mine- somewhere under 30, it was over 12 years ago, so I don't really remember - and zero pull-ups, but I threw the ball 60 feet because I am a tennis player, and the motion was a familiar one from hours spent working on my serve. You can definitely improve there.

 

[tweety_bird]

I think you’ll definitely pass. I passed and was worse than you in 4 areas. Here are my scores that passed:
BB throw: 54 ft
FAH: 16.7 seconds (the bar was really bad and was shaking, I usually got about 23 seconds so I was worried about this)
Shuttle: 9.45
Sit-ups: 91
Pushups: 30
Mile: 7:36

Thanks! Congratulations on passing! Did you do anything in particular to get such a good BB throw?

 

[hopeful25]

Thanks! Congratulations on passing! Did you do anything in particular to get such a good BB throw?

Thank you and nice job with the pushups those were really tough right after the sit-ups!
I’m a soccer goalie so that helps with the BB throw but I watch some YouTube videos on the grenade technique and practiced a throwing it a lot with my dad who passed it back to me. When I started to use my core to twist my whole upper body forward instead of just using my arm it brought me up like 10 feet. Also, I have pretty small hands so holding the ball against your wrist instead of just palming the ball is super helpful.

 

[crymsonwynters]

I am a male reapplicant, so I can't speak perfectly to the female side of the CFA, but I'll try to translate from male to female...

Long story short, your scores are most likely going to pass.

Here are my (hot garbage) scores from last year that passed (but certainly had a big role in keeping me from an appointment):
BB throw: 78ft (10 ft above avg)
Pull-Ups: 17 (4 above avg)
Shuttle: 9.0 (.3 s below avg)
Sit-Ups: 71 (11 below avg)
Push-Ups: 58 (4 below avg)
Mile Run: 7:58 (1:27 below avg)

If those scores are able to pass, then your scores are able to pass. If you're being honest and think you can nail a pull-up on the day of the test, you'll be fine. That being said... shoot for the maximums, and don't settle down and become too confident in your current scores. There's always room and plenty of time to improve. My scores have improved significantly, and if you'd like me to give you some test-day tips that I think can help any candidate, feel free to PM me.

 

[BuckeyeDad20]

I am a male reapplicant, so I can't speak perfectly to the female side of the CFA, but I'll try to translate from male to female...

Long story short, your scores are most likely going to pass.

Here are my (hot garbage) scores from last year that passed (but certainly had a big role in keeping me from an appointment):
BB throw: 78ft (10 ft above avg)
Pull-Ups: 17 (4 above avg)
Shuttle: 9.0 (.3 s below avg)
Sit-Ups: 71 (11 below avg)
Push-Ups: 58 (4 below avg)
Mile Run: 7:58 (1:27 below avg)

If those scores are able to pass, then your scores are able to pass. If you're being honest and think you can nail a pull-up on the day of the test, you'll be fine. That being said... shoot for the maximums, and don't settle down and become too confident in your current scores. There's always room and plenty of time to improve. My scores have improved significantly, and if you'd like me to give you some test-day tips that I think can help any candidate, feel free to PM me.

To be fair, your CFA probably did not have a "big role" in keeping you form getting an appointment. It has a low weighting in the admissions process. Of course, try to improve them, but you'll likely see more marginal benefit from improved grades and test scores.

Good luck on your next go.

 

[PositiveEnergy]

To be fair, your CFA probably did not have a "big role" in keeping you form getting an appointment. It has a low weighting in the admissions process. Of course, try to improve them, but you'll likely see more marginal benefit from improved grades and test scores.

Good luck on your next go.

~10% of the application so it definitely wasn't the only thing. From what I've been able to understand its more of a pass/fail thing on the application, of course doing good will look better but it seems like it won't break your application if you don't pass with amazing results. Seeing a checkmark in the portal is the thing that matters most.

 

[tweety_bird]

I am a male reapplicant, so I can't speak perfectly to the female side of the CFA, but I'll try to translate from male to female...

Long story short, your scores are most likely going to pass.

Here are my (hot garbage) scores from last year that passed (but certainly had a big role in keeping me from an appointment):
BB throw: 78ft (10 ft above avg)
Pull-Ups: 17 (4 above avg)
Shuttle: 9.0 (.3 s below avg)
Sit-Ups: 71 (11 below avg)
Push-Ups: 58 (4 below avg)
Mile Run: 7:58 (1:27 below avg)

If those scores are able to pass, then your scores are able to pass. If you're being honest and think you can nail a pull-up on the day of the test, you'll be fine. That being said... shoot for the maximums, and don't settle down and become too confident in your current scores. There's always room and plenty of time to improve. My scores have improved significantly, and if you'd like me to give you some test-day tips that I think can help any candidate, feel free to PM me.

Thanks! I am definitely still going to work on improving my scores, and after the test, I will still be working hard to improve my fitness either to reapply next year or for basic cadet training.

One main reasons I was curious to see if I had passing scores is in case I get sick/injured before my next test. I am glad I took the official test at least once for USNA, so I am able to complete my USAFA application by sending the scores over if something bad happens.

Good luck to you with this year's application cycle!

 

[crymsonwynters]

~10% of the application so it definitely wasn't the only thing. From what I've been able to understand its more of a pass/fail thing on the application, of course doing good will look better but it seems like it won't break your application if you don't pass with amazing results. Seeing a checkmark in the portal is the thing that matters most.

For those that are interested:

I never played a sport in high school. In any regard. No varsity, no local sports clubs, nothing. I was a theatre kid in HS.

Trust me when I say that by no means am I trying to show off, but:
I graduated with a 4.32
1510 SAT
7 AP Courses
2 Service clubs and 100+ service hours over high school
Several important leadership roles in a variety of contexts, including founding a club
Several events demonstrating ability to work with a team
Three jobs
Two nominations
A personal letter of recommendation from the Chief of Naval Personnel
And an eventual AFROTC scholarship

My evaluator ALO (who I had never met) praised my application and my character at the end of my interview, saying I was the strongest candidate he had met in a long time.

What isn't there: evidence that I was able to handle the athletic program at the Academy. I played no sports in high school and turned in CFA scores that clearly demonstrated I wouldn't be able to hand Beast. And looking back, even I can say those scores were awful and wouldn't have helped at all during BCT. I fell short of the averages on four of the six events and didn't exceed them by very much on the other two either.

Of course, I am not trying to be rude or arrogant in any way. That is character unbecoming of a cadet. But looking at the facts, it was the athletic portion. The CFA matters. Otherwise they wouldn't have us take it. Sure, it's 10% on paper, but the admissions team is top-of-the-line. They knew if they took me that I couldn't handle basic.

 

[PositiveEnergy]

For those that are interested:

I never played a sport in high school. In any regard. No varsity, no local sports clubs, nothing. I was a theatre kid in HS.

Trust me when I say that by no means am I trying to show off, but:
I graduated with a 4.32
1510 SAT
7 AP Courses
2 Service clubs and 100+ service hours over high school
Several important leadership roles in a variety of contexts, including founding a club
Several events demonstrating ability to work with a team
Three jobs
Two nominations
A personal letter of recommendation from the Chief of Naval Personnel
And an eventual AFROTC scholarship

My evaluator ALO (who I had never met) praised my application and my character at the end of my interview, saying I was the strongest candidate he had met in a long time.

What isn't there: evidence that I was able to handle the athletic program at the Academy. I played no sports in high school and turned in CFA scores that clearly demonstrated I wouldn't be able to hand Beast. And looking back, even I can say those scores were awful and wouldn't have helped at all during BCT. I fell short of the averages on four of the six events and didn't exceed them by very much on the other two either.

Of course, I am not trying to be rude or arrogant in any way. That is character unbecoming of a cadet. But looking at the facts, it was the athletic portion. The CFA matters. Otherwise they wouldn't have us take it. Sure, it's 10% on paper, but the admissions team is top-of-the-line. They knew if they took me that I couldn't handle basic.

I completely agree, Personally, I'm taking the CFA in the next week or so and my upper body is falling short of what I would like. I will most likely only get 10 on pull-ups and about 50 pushups but in the other events, I feel confident I will meet or exceed averages. I have also participated in 4 different sports throughout highschool (track and swim being my best) so I feel confident that they will see my ability to participate in the physical lifestyle of the school. I am very nervous about my CFA as I think it will be my weakest link, but as long as I can get that checkmark I'm gonna continue to train and get better with my upper body strength before BCT. My application is coming together day by day and I can't begin to describe with words how empowering it feels to have conquered such a hard application.

 

[tweety_bird]

Update: I decided to submit these scores so that they had plenty of time to get to the Academy by my Nov. 8th deadline. I'm glad I did because it took several weeks for the scores to be sent from USNA and processed by USAFA, and I wouldn't have been able to take the test again last week because the air quality was "hazardous" where I live due to wildfires.

Anyhow, they were received at processed with a check mark so it looks like I passed! Now it is time to keep working on my fitness!

 

[maschneider93]

For those that are interested:

I never played a sport in high school. In any regard. No varsity, no local sports clubs, nothing. I was a theatre kid in HS.

Trust me when I say that by no means am I trying to show off, but:
I graduated with a 4.32
1510 SAT
7 AP Courses
2 Service clubs and 100+ service hours over high school
Several important leadership roles in a variety of contexts, including founding a club
Several events demonstrating ability to work with a team
Three jobs
Two nominations
A personal letter of recommendation from the Chief of Naval Personnel
And an eventual AFROTC scholarship

My evaluator ALO (who I had never met) praised my application and my character at the end of my interview, saying I was the strongest candidate he had met in a long time.

What isn't there: evidence that I was able to handle the athletic program at the Academy. I played no sports in high school and turned in CFA scores that clearly demonstrated I wouldn't be able to hand Beast. And looking back, even I can say those scores were awful and wouldn't have helped at all during BCT. I fell short of the averages on four of the six events and didn't exceed them by very much on the other two either.

Of course, I am not trying to be rude or arrogant in any way. That is character unbecoming of a cadet. But looking at the facts, it was the athletic portion. The CFA matters. Otherwise they wouldn't have us take it. Sure, it's 10% on paper, but the admissions team is top-of-the-line. They knew if they took me that I couldn't handle basic.

Did they tell you specifically that you were not admitted because of CFA/fitness?

 

[Mdt127]

My DD is also debating if she should send her score to USNA as well. She wanted to see if she can improve Her shuttle run/1mile and retake on Nov 17th. But we suggested for her to send the score as is.

BBT: 44
FAH: 45 sec
Shuttle Run: 9.5
Sit Up: 95
Push Up: 42
1 mile run: 8:38

Any feedback or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

 

[Airbud123]

My DD is also debating if she should send her score to USNA as well. She wanted to see if she can improve Her shuttle run/1mile and retake on Nov 17th. But we suggested for her to send the score as is.

BBT: 44
FAH: 45 sec
Shuttle Run: 9.5
Sit Up: 95
Push Up: 42
1 mile run: 8:38

Any feedback or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

My scores were almost the exact same and I passed!