USNA Class of 2029 Application

[Rb3106]

Hey everyone,

As a junior, I applied for the summer seminar on the opening day but haven't received any candidate info yet other than the completed application email. I have some questions about the application process:

1. Can the entire USNA application be filled out upon receiving official candidate status, or are there specific portions that can/can't be filled?
2. When can CFA scores be submitted?
3. Can teachers start submitting their evaluations/recommendations?

I'm asking because my English teacher, who I planned to ask for a recommendation, is moving away, so I would like to get all the recommendation parts figured out before the academic year ends. Also, I'm attending a CVW, which has an opportunity for a CFA, soon and wonder if I can use the CFA score from that event for my application.

Any insights would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Littleval_Navy]

1) yes, all of these "tasks" open when your application opens. The DodMERB will not be launched from the application, it will be a separate email with instructions.
2) the CFA can be taken multiple times, but the proctor will submit your scores and you'll track it in CIS. The scores are not visible in CIS, only "qualified" status. Take it whenever you can and submit the best score.
3) ask your teacher for their email, as long as they taught you during junior or senior year, they can complete your recs once you are to that stage in application. It will be sent to their email with clear instructions and you'll track completion in CIS

 

[Rb3106]

1) yes, all of these "tasks" open when your application opens. The DodMERB will not be launched from the application, it will be a separate email with instructions.
2) the CFA can be taken multiple times, but the proctor will submit your scores and you'll track it in CIS. The scores are not visible in CIS, only "qualified" status. Take it whenever you can and submit the best score.
3) ask your teacher for their email, as long as they taught you during junior or senior year, they can complete your recs once you are to that stage in application. It will be sent to their email with clear instructions and you'll track completion in CIS

This information is greatly appreciated. Regarding the CVW visit, would I still be able to use that CFA for my application even if I still don't have an official candidate status? For reference, my CVW starts on the 25th, and I am still not sure if I will get my candidate letter by then, even though it will be released by the 28th. Do you know if I can use the CFA score if I don't receive official candidate status at that time?

 

[Academician]

You should clarify this point at CVW, but I believe my students have used the scores from the event in the past. If nothing else, it will be good practice for you. Also, you can always ask a PE teacher at your school to administer the test in April/May/June for you. The scores can then be officially uploaded by the administrator later when the USNA application is open and you designate the administrator in the application. I've had several students do the same to gain an 'early' start on the application process.

 

[Capt MJ]

It’s great to see you leaning into the process, especially the CFA. Far too many leave that too close to deadline, and then an injury, problem with proctor or venue, bad weather or other issue derails a late-scheduled CFA.

Be sure you are practicing for the CFA per the required form, both by individual element and by taking periodic inventory tests run exactly in order and per timetable, to see where you are. The test as a whole is designed to fatigue you, and your scores will drop from when you perform them on their own in training sessions.

Find Stew Smith’s YouTube videos and website for good prep and technique tips. He is a USNA grad, former SEAL and USNA staff officer, now a fitness pro.