A lot of times, people forget to look at the academy application and even other college apps, as their "Job Interview of a lifetime". What I mean is: Not everything is black and white on a check list of items that need to be completed and you're scored on those. The truth is: Just like ANY Job Interview, there's a lot of "subjective" scoring that is done. By the ALO, MOC, and review board. This is no different than like I said about wearing a nice set of clothes vs jeans and sneakers. No different than saying "Yes Sir/Ma'am" vs yup, okay, yea, etc...
I know it's important to do your BEST on an application. Especially something as important as an academy or university entrance application. But 30-45 days is more than enough. Especially for the academy. Everyone knows that the academy cherishes athletic and physical fitness. And the majority of applicants are athletes. Not necessarily Inter-Collegiate recruited athletes, but they are usually high school athletes of some level. They should have no problem passing the CFA with decent scores. Also; as with ANY university, SAT/ACT scores are also important. You should have known this for "YEARS". Again; there's really no reason the academy application can't be done in 30-45 days and PRIOR to senior year starting.
I will say however, that the individual who truly believe that their chances of being accepted are "Slim"; e.g. 3.4 gpa; 26 ACT, etc... They may want to try and max out their CFA. But other than that, everything else should be 100% completed. You can always add NEW ACT/SAT scores later when you take them again. DON'T WAIT to take them again prior to submitting your application. "Unless you bombed the ACT/SAT with below 25 ACT and below 500 SAT scores".
