Rate my CFA #

L

Lovahboy222

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Joined
Mar 6, 2017
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I took a mock CFA recently and I was hoping to get some feedback and compare my score between other applicants for the class of 2022.

Basketball throw: 65 ft.
Pull ups: 18
Shuttle: 8.5sec
Sit-ups: 81
Pushups: 70
Mile: 6:23
 
Lovahboy222 said:
I took a mock CFA recently and I was hoping to get some feedback and compare my score between other applicants for the class of 2022.

Basketball throw: 65 ft.
Pull ups: 18
Shuttle: 8.5sec
Sit-ups: 81
Pushups: 70
Mile: 6:23
Click to expand...

I'm applying for the class of '22 so here's mine:

Basketball throw: 66 ft.
Pull ups: 9
Shuttle: unknown
Sit-ups: 95
Pushups: 75
Mile: 6:42
 
Those are both passing scores. Get your mile times down and you'll both be fine
 
This is less than 10% of the overall candidate score and after watching the process from the inside, all you really need to do is pass. Start working on your ACT / SAT scores and keep the grades up. I saw many candidates who barely passed the CFA get in as long as everything else was above the standard.
 
West Point admission is a very competitive deal, even within congressional districts. The difference between the person who "wins" an MOC slot, for example, and all those who didn't win that slot may come down to a dead heat, or only a point or only a few points on the WCS. Respectfully, I believe those who figure the 10% for the CFA is insignificant are being irresponsible. Applicants can distinguish themselves, and gain or catch up on WCS points via the CFA. The CFA is pass fail in one sense, in that you must have a minimal qualifying score to be suitable for appointment, but it is also scored separately, and better scores get more points on the WCS. No one should lose sight of that, or take the CFA lightly.

Test scores and CFA are two things candidates can control. Why not put 100% into it.
 
Be advised you will be asked to upload videos of your pullup and pushup techniques - lots of 'grade inflation' in past CFA results apparently.

Above looks good but as stated won't compensate for substandard test scores / leadership record. Budget your prep time wisely to focus on your weakest link; if its ACT/SAT prep then spend that extra hour a day cramming on prep tests instead of at the gym or track.
 
Not to disagree with others opinions. At SLE I was disappointed in my scores. I was recovering from an upper respiratory infection and had all intentions to retake the test. I was told by 2 different admissions people and my cadre if you score "NO RISK" do not take it again. It is strictly a pass/fail. The CFA combined with athletic participation make up the 10% of your score.
 
Obviously what advice to follow is up to the candidate. It is entirely possible to work on the CFA without giving up any time commitment to studying for tests. Indeed, physical exercise is a great break from the monotony of study and other obligations.

I do challenge the contention the the CFA "is strictly a pass/fail", because that is wrong, and any WP RC will confirm unequivocally that the CFA is scored, and a better performance on the CFA results in more points towards the overall WCS score than a minimally passing CFA score. What that means is that two candidates from the same district may have very close applications, but even though they both "passed" the CFA, all other things being close to equal it my be that the one who got a higher score on the CFA will win the appointment. Bet in that case if the one who didn't get the appointment could have a redo, he/she would work to get better than a minimal passing score. Just saying.
 
You need to pass every event in order to pass. If your numbers are between averages and the maximums then you'll be fine. But I'm a girl and I bball toss 73.. you guys should definitely get those up for more points.
 
Agreeing with tx2022 on this one. 2 admissions officers told me to not retake the CFA because I was at "NO RISK". What I was told is that they're looking for a candidate to do the bare minimums therefore they won't struggle in beast.
 
tx2022 said:
Not to disagree with others opinions. At SLE I was disappointed in my scores. I was recovering from an upper respiratory infection and had all intentions to retake the test. I was told by 2 different admissions people and my cadre if you score "NO RISK" do not take it again. It is strictly a pass/fail. The CFA combined with athletic participation make up the 10% of your score.
Click to expand...
Athletic participation is not included in the 10% fitness score. Only the CFA is scored for that. Athletic participation is included in the leadership score.
 
Very few cadets are separated West Point due to physical fitness. Most separations are due to academics. Therefore, admissions is more focused on ensuring that the candidate can handle the academics. If they meet a minimum fitness level, then they can probably train the cadet to meet and exceed the fitness standard. Getting extra points on your ACT is worth much more overall then doing a few more pull-ups. Also, there is cheating going on with the CFA, so admissions does not want to make a final decision on scores that may be "inflated".
 
davejean90 said:
Very few cadets are separated West Point due to physical fitness. Most separations are due to academics. Therefore, admissions is more focused on ensuring that the candidate can handle the academics. If they meet a minimum fitness level, then they can probably train the cadet to meet and exceed the fitness standard. Getting extra points on your ACT is worth much more overall then doing a few more pull-ups. Also, there is cheating going on with the CFA, so admissions does not want to make a final decision on scores that may be "inflated".
Click to expand...
There seems to be this misconception on these boards that working on the CFA means you must sacrifice something on the ACT/SAT. There is no argument that the CFA is as important as the ACT/SAT. It isnt at all. Indeed, the ACT/SAT scores are the most important factor. That fact notwithstanding, all academy candidates should do push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups every day, and push themselves. That takes only a few minutes. Then run every other day, trying to beat your personal best each time. Work on the other exercises on the weekend a bit. This does not require that you spend even one minute less studying for the ACT. No kid studies ten hours every day for the ACT, and if they are doing so for several months there is probably a problem. If a kid cant manage his/her time, or find the discipline to study and work out to get good scores both on the ACT/SAT and the CFA, when that kid can see they are both scored elements for admission, that kid shouldn't be applying to West Point in the first place. Likewise, if someone is happy with a "minimally qualifying score" on any of the components of a service academy admissions formula, save the the time and space, because the academies are about leadership and character, and leaders don't do just the minimum needed to get by.
 
Candidates always go on here and ask if there CFA scores are high enough and my point is that the CFA is the least of your worries. If USMA really wants you then will bend over backwards to get you to pass the CFA by granting re-tests. I have seen re-tests after the supposed deadline date and yes, I have even seen candidates afforded appointments with a failure in one of the events. Candidates think that since they have this super CFA score is going to somehow make up for deficiencies elsewhere in the file. In truth a score near all the averages is just as good in the eyes of admissions as a maximum score.
 
davejean90 said:
Candidates always go on here and ask if there CFA scores are high enough and my point is that the CFA is the least of your worries. If USMA really wants you then will bend over backwards to get you to pass the CFA by granting re-tests. I have seen re-tests after the supposed deadline date and yes, I have even seen candidates afforded appointments with a failure in one of the events. Candidates think that since they have this super CFA score is going to somehow make up for deficiencies elsewhere in the file. In truth a score near all the averages is just as good in the eyes of admissions as a maximum score.
Click to expand...
If someone is a "walks on water" candidate, and has everything but a great CFA, then sure; just get that minimum passing CFA, and you are probably solid. But most candidates don't fall into that category, and indeed are competing for a spot against others who are within the same range of competitiveness.

Two separate RC's at WP emphasized to my son (USMA 2020Class) the importance of the CFA, along with his ACT scores; encouraging him to work hard for as high scores as he could achieve. They both explained that a high CFA score, and better yet a perfect CFA score, can add to the WCS, and distinguish a candidate. He was also told to increase his ACT to a 31 or higher. He moved his ACT scores significantly, with 34's in Math and Science, 31 in English, and 30 in Reading; all while working on his CFA exercises, maintaining his grades, playing a varsity sport during fall, winter and spring seasons, and working a part time job, among other responsibilities. My son is neither an academic or athletic superstar. Just a kid who was motivated. Eventually he earned appointment offers to USMA, USNA, and USAFA.

Any kid who really wants an academy spot should have the mental disposition which motivates that kid to drive towards excellence. The application process and formulas are designed to identify those kids. They want well rounded excellence. Very few human beings are born with natural gifts which would make these academy appointments easy. It should and does require discipline and hard work; commitment. Why would anyone think 10% of the total points, or even 2% wouldn't be a BIG deal; particularly when so many spots are decided by far less than that?
 
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