goforspaatz is spot on for candidates lurking in future classes. So many candidates freak out when they test because they have not done a test under exact test like conditions. They will time themselves on events every so often. I think every candidate should do a test run with a facilitator that will hold them to the standards. Doing it in sequence teaches you how to pace yourself and prepare yourself mentally. Also do not wait until the week of the deadline to do your test! We hear every excuse in the book from candidates who wait until the last minute that they were hurt, in a certain sports season and not in the right shape, sick, bad weather, etc. If you wait until the end then you don't have a chance to tell your facilitator to ignore that one and do it again. Its all about prepping early and staying in shape.
As Pima has mentioned, barely passing the CFA will only get you into the USAFA, but it will make your Doolie life miserable. At USNA the standard jumps to a 10:30 1.5 miles to pass. So an 8 minute mile will put you at a failure for the USNA PRT. If you have completed your CFA and passed at this point turn your attention to whichever SA you applied to or accepted an appointment to PT test standards. They are more aggressive, longer and different then what you just did for the CFA. Focus on cardio, core exercises, pull ups, push ups, abs as you train. Stretch and don't get injured. If you are prone to shin splints do some research, talk to the XC coach, go to a running store and ask for exercises and treatment to help prevent them. Get fitted for good running shoes and take in a broken pair with you. All these will help. The USAFA is unique because of the altitude. You could be a premier athlete and in incredible shape and those first few runs at altitude will crush you. It makes being in shape even more important. Even at USNA the first run we do the morning after I Day the kids are zombies are honestly pretty much suck. We know this and more than anything they start to snap back from the walking dead a day or two later. The shock the next morning really shows, I couldn't imagine it with altitude factored in.
As Pima has mentioned, barely passing the CFA will only get you into the USAFA, but it will make your Doolie life miserable. At USNA the standard jumps to a 10:30 1.5 miles to pass. So an 8 minute mile will put you at a failure for the USNA PRT. If you have completed your CFA and passed at this point turn your attention to whichever SA you applied to or accepted an appointment to PT test standards. They are more aggressive, longer and different then what you just did for the CFA. Focus on cardio, core exercises, pull ups, push ups, abs as you train. Stretch and don't get injured. If you are prone to shin splints do some research, talk to the XC coach, go to a running store and ask for exercises and treatment to help prevent them. Get fitted for good running shoes and take in a broken pair with you. All these will help. The USAFA is unique because of the altitude. You could be a premier athlete and in incredible shape and those first few runs at altitude will crush you. It makes being in shape even more important. Even at USNA the first run we do the morning after I Day the kids are zombies are honestly pretty much suck. We know this and more than anything they start to snap back from the walking dead a day or two later. The shock the next morning really shows, I couldn't imagine it with altitude factored in.