Denied Due to CFA

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mediocrelegs

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Joined
Aug 29, 2022
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7
Hello all.
Unfortunately I’ve received word that my CFA did not meet the required standards for USAFA. As a result, my file was closed. The rest of my application was complete.

I know it’s a long shot, but is there anything at all that I could do to perhaps appeal this, or to retake the CFA? I understand that physical fitness is core to the program, and as a result I’m likely out of luck, but any advice at all would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
 
mediocrelegs said:
Hello all.
Unfortunately I’ve received word that my CFA did not meet the required standards for USAFA. As a result, my file was closed. The rest of my application was complete.

I know it’s a long shot, but is there anything at all that I could do to perhaps appeal this, or to retake the CFA? I understand that physical fitness is core to the program, and as a result I’m likely out of luck, but any advice at all would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
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When did you submit it?
 
I am sorry that your CFA was not acceptable. I have never heard of exceptions or appeals for non-acceptable CFAs or SAT / ACT scores (or anything else required for the candidate to provide.) This is why, both the academy’s website and many of us on this forum emphasize the need to start the process early and pay close attention to the median acceptable scores on CFA and SAT / ACT. These are elements of the candidate application that are totally within the candidate’s control to take over and over until they get scores that they feel will meet the standards and demonstrate their abilities.

i would estimate that the service academies eliminate (close) hundreds (if not thousands) of candidate applications each year because they did not have a nomination, or do not meet acceptable standards for physical (CFA) or academic (SAT / ACT) requirements. The good news is that you know the process and your DODMERB medical qualification (if you got that far) is good for two years. You can re-apply early for the next cycle and begin immediately with practice CFAs and bettering academic performance (if needed) to make the next application even better. Also, please remember that hundreds of FULLY QUALIFIED candidates will not be offered appointments to the academies each year. An appeal for special consideration or extra time because some application element didn’t make the cut or was sub-par is usually not met with much sympathy. But, if you truly want to serve there are many paths forward and re-applicants always stand out for their diligence. Good luck and thank you for your desire to serve.
 
MarTac said:
I am sorry that your CFA was not acceptable. I have never heard of exceptions or appeals for non-acceptable CFAs or SAT / ACT scores (or anything else required for the candidate to provide.) This is why, both the academy’s website and many of us on this forum emphasize the need to start the process early and pay close attention to the median acceptable scores on CFA and SAT / ACT. These are elements of the candidate application that are totally within the candidate’s control to take over and over until they get scores that they feel will meet the standards and demonstrate their abilities.

i would estimate that the service academies eliminate (close) hundreds (if not thousands) of candidate applications each year because they did not have a nomination, or do not meet acceptable standards for physical (CFA) or academic (SAT / ACT) requirements. The good news is that you know the process and your DODMERB medical qualification (if you got that far) is good for two years. You can re-apply early for the next cycle and begin immediately with practice CFAs and bettering academic performance (if needed) to make the next application even better. Also, please remember that hundreds of FULLY QUALIFIED candidates will not be offered appointments to the academies each year. An appeal for special consideration or extra time because some application element didn’t make the cut or was sub-par is usually not met with much sympathy. But, if you truly want to serve there are many paths forward and re-applicants always stand out for their diligence. Good luck and thank you for your desire to serve.
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Thank you for taking the time to type out this response. I understand that I should have prepared more, and thank you for the note about DoDMERB. I’ll be applying again next year :)
 
USAFA publishes mean acceptable scores. Just make sure the CFA submitted is close or over the “average” score for each event.

www.academyadmissions.com

Physical Requirements | U.S. Air Force Academy

The physical requirements for Air Force Academy admissions include satisfactory completion of the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA).
www.academyadmissions.com www.academyadmissions.com
 
MarTac said:
I am sorry that your CFA was not acceptable. I have never heard of exceptions or appeals for non-acceptable CFAs or SAT / ACT scores (or anything else required for the candidate to provide.) This is why, both the academy’s website and many of us on this forum emphasize the need to start the process early and pay close attention to the median acceptable scores on CFA and SAT / ACT. These are elements of the candidate application that are totally within the candidate’s control to take over and over until they get scores that they feel will meet the standards and demonstrate their abilities.

i would estimate that the service academies eliminate (close) hundreds (if not thousands) of candidate applications each year because they did not have a nomination, or do not meet acceptable standards for physical (CFA) or academic (SAT / ACT) requirements. The good news is that you know the process and your DODMERB medical qualification (if you got that far) is good for two years. You can re-apply early for the next cycle and begin immediately with practice CFAs and bettering academic performance (if needed) to make the next application even better. Also, please remember that hundreds of FULLY QUALIFIED candidates will not be offered appointments to the academies each year. An appeal for special consideration or extra time because some application element didn’t make the cut or was sub-par is usually not met with much sympathy. But, if you truly want to serve there are many paths forward and re-applicants always stand out for their diligence. Good luck and thank you for your desire to serve.
Click to expand...
I got a little nervous reading this because my SAT score is an 1150 superscore and was wondering if it was possible to get an appointment, I do have a 4.0 gpa and a strong resume with passing CFA and medically qualified.
 
rod said:
I got a little nervous reading this because my SAT score is an 1150 superscore and was wondering if it was possible to get an appointment, I do have a 4.0 gpa and a strong resume with passing CFA and medically qualified, and a nom aswell
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USAFA also publishes minimum acceptable SAT / ACT scores for consideration. These are minimums and that is usually not where you want to be applying to a service academy.

www.academyadmissions.com

Academic Requirements | U.S. Air Force Academy

Academic requirements for admission to the Air Force Academy are based on academic record transcript and college admissions tests (SAT or ACT scores).
www.academyadmissions.com www.academyadmissions.com

You will see the minimum scores to be competitive and if you add these together you can get the overall - bottom of page “College Admissions Testing” - ACT / SAT
 
rod said:
I got a little nervous reading this because my SAT score is an 1150 superscore and was wondering if it was possible to get an appointment, I do have a 4.0 gpa and a strong resume with passing CFA and medically qualified.
Click to expand...
Do you have a nomination?
 
There is never the guarantee by admissions of a re-take, either of the whole CFA or an individual event. It is all up to admissions, so no candidate should assume that if they submit an unacceptable CFA they will be allowed to retake it. The green “check” mark is an indication of submission not review and acceptance. Admissions may consider a retake of a CFA or part depending on many factors including overall score and if one element is close to passing but not quite there, and will probably result in an overall CFA “pass” if that one element is improved. Consideration may also involve the competitiveness of the candidate as well. USMA requires videos of pull-ups and push-ups to be submitted and it is not uncommon for a candidate to fail simply because the video does not show the whole body in the video.

The bottom line is, instead of looking back as to “why” look ahead to how to improve and prevent a similar situation next time. As a teaching point for future candidates - again, (1.) median acceptable standards are published and available to review, and (2.) start early, practice, and don’t submit your - for the record - CFA until you KNOW that you are at least in the “Average” zone! Do NOT assume you have the time or ability for a re-do. When there are five, or more, nominated candidates for every spot - and most meet or exceed the averages - don’t give admissions a reason to move you to the bottom - or off - the list! CFAs and standardized tests are things the candidate can start early keep attempting till they ensure those items are in the “acceptable” range. And, if a candidate works hard during both their junior and senior years and still cannot hit the “averages” then maybe the SA is not for them. Desire is important but not enough without performance to back it up.
 
MarTac said:
I don’t know if you are looking for @mediocrelegs CFA results or the standards?
Here are the publishers USAFA averages: (look at “Competitive Scores” midway down page…

www.academyadmissions.com

Physical Requirements | U.S. Air Force Academy

The physical requirements for Air Force Academy admissions include satisfactory completion of the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA).
www.academyadmissions.com www.academyadmissions.com
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Thank you for this, but I would like to know @mediocrelegs CFA results if he's comfortable with sharing. Just to see what events lead to him being denied and compare with my current stats.
 
If you were denied, you can either take a different route or start preparing to try again next year.
 
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