I was wondering if my application packet is sub-par and not outstanding should I be looking to get it in early rather than later? I am taking the SAT's again in November so November will probably be the earliest I can submit it but I was hoping not to submit my CFA until late November because I want to get the best results that I can. But since my resume is at most average and not really amazing should I just take the CFA now and complete my packet? My CFA scores will be decent but I want to try to max out on most areas.
Getting Application Done Early
- Thread starter Minichan6
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usna1985
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If you can score at least average on the CFA (see my sticky above for what constitutes average scores), I'd submit them now.
USNA will always consider your highest SAT/ACT scores. Thus, there is really no downside to waiting to submit them; if you get higher scores later, USNA will typically revisit your application, if that was the only thing standing in the way of an appointment.
In terms of your general question of a weak packet now vs. a strong packet later, it really depends on how weak, how strong, and how likely you can substantively improve it. The most important thing for USNA is your courseload in h.s. and your class rank. That's unlikely to change significantly first semester sr. year. Likewise, your sports and ECAs are mostly set (and you're allowed to project those activities in which you fully expect to participate sr. yr). Thus, there is little downside to waiting as it's unlikely you can do much to improve.
That said, if you think you'll fail your CFA or if your scores are very low (along with low grades and class rank), you may want to see if things improve first semester. But, by the time you have this info to submit, you'll be at the end of the line to have your packet reviewed.
USNA will always consider your highest SAT/ACT scores. Thus, there is really no downside to waiting to submit them; if you get higher scores later, USNA will typically revisit your application, if that was the only thing standing in the way of an appointment.
In terms of your general question of a weak packet now vs. a strong packet later, it really depends on how weak, how strong, and how likely you can substantively improve it. The most important thing for USNA is your courseload in h.s. and your class rank. That's unlikely to change significantly first semester sr. year. Likewise, your sports and ECAs are mostly set (and you're allowed to project those activities in which you fully expect to participate sr. yr). Thus, there is little downside to waiting as it's unlikely you can do much to improve.
That said, if you think you'll fail your CFA or if your scores are very low (along with low grades and class rank), you may want to see if things improve first semester. But, by the time you have this info to submit, you'll be at the end of the line to have your packet reviewed.
falconchic88
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I would submit your package as soon as possible--you can always update scores and credentials as the year progresses. As far as the CFA, my son took his at NASS, and did great on most of it--almost maxed, but only ran an 8 min mile. He had been contemplating retaking it because of that, but decided to go with those scores and get package completed. He just recieved an Appointment (the BFE) yesterday, so he's happy he didn't wait.
usna1985
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OT a bit but be sure he continues to work on his running. He should report for Plebe Summer being able to run at least a 6:30 mile and preferably closer to 6:00. Guys who are slow runners have a worse time only to girls who are slow runners . . . actually, on second thought, it's worse for guys.
Bottom line: Passing the CFA does NOT necessarily mean you're in shape for plebe summer.
Bottom line: Passing the CFA does NOT necessarily mean you're in shape for plebe summer.
Memphis9489
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Funny story told to me by one of my twins.
He said on the first day of PEP they ran the entire class. He said he really worked hard to get a very good time. What he didn't realize, at the time, was that they were using those results to divide the Plebes up into 8 different running groups for future PEP sessions. Group #1 were like all the track stars. Group #8 were the kids who were really struggling, out-of-shape, and maybe a bit overweight. He ended up in Group #4. So, every time they split up for Group running he had to go with Group #4 and they had a particular pace they maintained in that group.
He said that the pace was a little uncomfortable for him and that he wished he had not tried so hard in that initial run. He said, "I think I would have been more comfortable running around the Yard in, ummm, maybe Group #6."
WARNING: Be careful not to overachieve in that first evaluation run. Because you are likely going to have to maintain that pace for the rest of Plebe Summer. They don't give out medals for PEP.
falconchic88
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He's actually a very fast runner, he runs a 4.5 50, and maxed the shuttle run, but reported to NASS after getting over a chest cold, so his endurance was not where it should have been. He's planning to report with at least a 6 min mile! I told him stories of his mama in combat boots training to report to that other school in the rockies
