CFA & Scholastic Qualification
In 2007, the Candidate Guidance Office changed the CFA scoring and it is no longer pass/fail. Candidates' raw scores will be converted to scale scores (0-100 points) based upon their performance on each event. The 100-point maximum scores, by event and gender, are listed
here. It does now matter how well a candidate scores on the CFA and can have a positive impact to a candidates record.
The Admissions Board reviews candidate admission files for scholastic qualification as they are completed. The board meets every Thursday to review records beginning in late August and continuing until mid-April. Those candidates qualified scholastically by the Admissions Board will receive a a Scholastic Qualification Letter (known as a 'Q' letter). Those candidates determined by the Admissions Board to be highly qualified candidates may receive Conditional Offers of Appointment (known as Letters of Assurance or 'LOA').
Typically, in order to trigger a candidate admission file to go before the Board for scholastic review, a candidate must submit the following documents:
- Math and English recommendations (1 each)
- Candidate Activities record (ECA)
- Personal Data record /Personal Statement
- Transcript request
- Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA)
I say above 'typically' because there are always exceptions to rules. The Admissions Board may review a candidate file before all documents are submitted if the candidate appears to be highly qualified. Regardless, all documents must be submitted to be considered for an appointment.
Echoing the advice already given, focus on an appointment and not an LOA. In order to be eligible for an appointment, a candidate must be:
- Found scholastically qualified by the Admissions Board
- Medically qualified
- Competitively score on the CFA (be physically qualified)
- Receive an official nomination
Once your daughter is Triple Q'ed (A term used when a candidate is qualified scholastically, physically and medically) and has secured a nomination, she will be in the running for an appointment. USNA has no 'rolling admissions' and your daughter is still tracking for a competitive admissions file. USNA starts offering appointments typically toward the end of the calendar year and will make offers through the following spring.
If you have not spoken with your BGO about this please do so as soon as possible. He/She will help you navigate through the Admissions process and will help with your questions. The information I have provided above is directly out of the The Naval Academy Information Program Handbook published by the USNA Candidate Guidance Office for all BGOs. I encourage you to use him/her as a resource in addition to the blogs.
Good luck and BEAT ARMY!