Presidential Nomination Timeline/Chances

[MrSTOCK]

I got my Presidential (service connected) Nomination roughly in August, and I have completed most of my packet, except for the candidate statements, the CFA, and my medical exam.
I took my CFA yesterday and got scores as such: BB throw 76ft, pull ups 14, shuttle run 8.4 sec, sit ups 85, pushups 56, 1 mile 6:30.

I am definitely considering retaking my CFA. But I would also like to finish my packet ASAP. What benefit is there to finishing my packet early with my presidential nomination? And could I continue improving my packet till November? It’s a question of earliness VS quality of my packet.

Just for context: My ACT is a 33, I have varsity letters in track, I have roughly 40+ volunteer hours (this will grow), I have a 4.0 GPA not including APs (which would make it a ~4.3). I have done football and BJJ. I am a tutor for college students/high school students. And there is more that I could dig up but I am trying to pose the question.

 

[txfwindian]

I think the wise folks here would also advise you to apply for any/all nominations you are qualified for.

 

[MrSTOCK]

I think the wise folks here would also advise you to apply for any/all nominations you are qualified for.

Of course! I am applying for every possible nomination I can. I was just confused on the conundrum of having my application in sooner, or improving some of the aspects to my packet.

 

[Capt MJ]

The general advice is to submit your best packet early, finding the balance. You can research what items may still be added/updated after your final submission. That is best done with an official source.

If you look at the USMA 2025 appointments thread, someone with a service-connected nom has reported the first appointment here. Of course, you might also wait until 1 May.

Please reassure us you have also applied for the VP nom and your 3 elected official noms. That gives you additional bites at the apple. Only 100 appointments can be charged to the Presidential category, and there may be several hundred candidates who are eligible and will see that same nom pop up in their portal. You essentially compete against all of those candidates if they are fully qualified.

 

[goalsetter2025]

Great stats, my CFA was also around that (I had less distance on BB throw, but more pushups) and I passed according to my RC. But I'm just curious... 6:30 mile time and Varsity in Track? Are you a sprinter?

 

[MrSTOCK]

The general advice is to submit your best packet early, finding the balance. You can research what items may still be added/updated after your final submission. That is best done with an official source.

If you look at the USMA 2025 appointments thread, someone with a service-connected nom has reported the first appointment here. Of course, you might also wait until 1 May.

Please reassure us you have also applied for the VP nom and your 3 elected official noms. That gives you additional bites at the apple. Only 100 appointments can be charged to the Presidential category, and there may be several hundred candidates who are eligible and will see that same nom pop up in their portal. You essentially compete against all of those candidates if they are fully qualified.

Yes I am applying to all nomination sources I can! Does my CFA look good to you? Or I there anything lacking to my packet that you feel needs to be improved?

 

[MrSTOCK]

Great stats, my CFA was also around that (I had less distance on BB throw, but more pushups) and I passed according to my RC. But I'm just curious... 6:30 mile time and Varsity in Track? Are you a sprinter?

I made the mistake of practicing my basketball throw before my CFA for 20 minutes because I kept on hitting the lights in the gym, as I practiced outside. I normally run a 5:30 mile fresh. I have practiced my CFA down to the dot with my Mom and I have gotten much better scores, 66 pushups.. 15 pull-ups... 5:50 run.

 

[DiscoF15]

I’m no expert, but your CFA seems good enough. I think that “beating the rush” has its advantages, especially if you already have a nomination and your numbers. Put yourself in their shoes - you have a 100% complete application with above average stats. When your packet comes across their desk for review I doubt they will say “if only he did 2 more pull-ups we’d admit him, put him back in the pile to review when we have 5000 complete applications.” That’s pretty great for the USMA if they are using minor variations in CFA scores to find the cut line, but I doubt it normally comes down to that. You especially want to get your medical done in case additional work is needed. That being said, I’m basing this theory off of grading promotion and awards packages, maybe admissions is a whole different animal...but with the military I doubt it.

 

[MrSTOCK]

I’m no expert, but your CFA seems good enough. I think that “beating the rush” has its advantages, especially if you already have a nomination and your numbers. Put yourself in their shoes - you have a 100% complete application with above average stats. When your packet comes across their desk for review I doubt they will say “if only he did 2 more pull-ups we’d admit him, put him back in the pile to review when we have 5000 complete applications.” That’s pretty great for the USMA if they are using minor variations in CFA scores to find the cut line, but I doubt it normally comes down to that. You especially want to get your medical done in case additional work is needed. That being said, I’m basing this theory off of grading promotion and awards packages, maybe admissions is a whole different animal...but with the military I doubt it.

I appreciate the feedback, thank you! How about my ACT and other aspect of my packet? Could they be improved more? And can I submit my packet, then re send a new CFA? Just to have it in their hands.

 

[SF_DAD]

I would recommend getting the medical exam done ASAP. Medical tends to be the most time consuming and/or problematic.

 

[DiscoF15]

I appreciate the feedback, thank you! How about my ACT and other aspect of my packet? Could they be improved more? And can I submit my packet, then re send a new CFA? Just to have it in their hands.

Your ACT and grades are great. Nothing you said speaks to the “leadership pillar” on the surface so be sure to highlight those roles and get it done. If you improve/add something along the way then update it.

 

[MrSTOCK]

Your ACT and grades are great. Nothing you said speaks to the “leadership pillar” on the surface so be sure to highlight those roles and get it done. If you improve/add something along the way then update it.

Thank you, I think that’s what may be a bit low in my packet. What are some examples of positions that show leadership? Since you are a graduate, what did you do to fill that portion of the packet?

 

[DiscoF15]

Thank you, I think that’s what may be a bit low in my packet. What are some examples of positions that show leadership? Since you are a graduate, what did you do to fill that portion of the packet?

Well, there are the tried and true - Eagle Scout, ROTC, Civil Air Patrol, Team Captain. If you don’t have one of those now it’s probably too late to do something about that, so focus on what you can influence - your volunteer work can be a leadership experience. I tell people you don’t have to be an Eagle Scout to do an Eagle project. Find a community need and lead a team to do something about that need (look up Eagle projects as examples of what I mean). You can start a club at your school (my son did this), or combine the two and lead your club in a community service project. I won’t tell you it’s an easy fix, but if was easy everyone would do it. Good luck, if a service academy is your goal I’m confident you’ll find a way.