What should my priority be?

[H2Opolodude]

I recently was informed that I received a principal nomination. I am academically and medically qualified for the USAFA, however I still have to take the CFA. In my current state, I know I can do well, but I'm training to try and max it out.
Should my priority be to take it now so I can have my application complete and reviewed sooner, or should I wait and get the best scores I can in a few weeks?
I am under the impression that waiting will not harm my chances because I already have a principal nomination and I am not competing with other nominees in my slate anymore...but I just hope that waiting is not seen as procrastination by the academy.
Another thing I feel should be taken into account is the holidays and that it might slow down over within the next few weeks...
Help!
Thanks in advance, everyone.

 

[Blackbird]

Waiting to submit the best CFA scores you can will not negatively impact your application or be viewed as procrastination by USAFA as long as the scores are submitted by the deadline. CFA scores are important to Admissions as they are an indicator of how well you will perform physically at altitude. USAFA is at 7200 feet which is no joke. A poor CFA score can disqualify you and there are no officially posted minimum scores so IMHO I would spend a little extra time to get the highest possible scores you can.

 

[icarus]

You can also do a full CFA when you're ready and able but not submit it until you're satisfied that it's your best effort. A PE teacher or ALO can administer it. You can do the CFA as many times as you like before the deadline but can only submit once. (there have been instances where candidates have been asked to retake CFA) You input your own scores on your portal only once.
There's also the risk of injury if you are involved in other sports activities so-
if you have trained and are able to, just do it and get it out of the way.

 

[Pima]

The CFA is if you bust one section, you bust the entire CFA. As others have stated they do not publish mins, only max. If you are running an 8 min mile mark, a BBall throw of 50, or can only do 5 pull ups, I would wait. However, if you are runnung a 7 min mile, your BBall throw is 85, and you can do 10 pull ups along with strong shuttle (8-9 sec), push ups (high 70s- low80s) and sit ups, submit.(high 80s) than submit.

You won't bust the CFA, and will get your appointment due to an LOA. I would never stop working out because as others have stated the AFA is at a high altitude and it takes time for your body to adjust.

 

[Christcorp]

If you did in fact receive a "PRINCIPAL" nomination, then maxing the CFA does absolutely NOTHING for you. With a "PRINCIPAL" nomination, you are guaranteed 100% of receiving an appointment, IF, you are 100% qualified. That means, you only have to pass the CFA. You don't have to beat anyone else's score. With a Principal nomination, you aren't even competing with anyone else. The appointment is yours. Guaranteed. 100%. The academy CAN'T SAY NO!!! unless you aren't qualified.

But again, you're the one saying you have a Principal Nomination. Very few MOC's give Principal's. If yours is one, then congratulations. Take the CFA; pass it; make sure your application is complete; be 100% qualified; and enjoy your appointment. Mike....

 

[Luigi59]

If you did in fact receive a "PRINCIPAL" nomination, then maxing the CFA does absolutely NOTHING for you.

I concur, the only thing you risk by over-training to "max" the CFA is an injury that will keep you out of action and possibly change your DODMERB status.

Just submit average scores and you're in. You'll never take the test again as USAFA (and the USAF) use a different PT test.

 

[H2Opolodude]

Thank you all for your responses.
Pima - I have taken "practice" CFA's on my own and I am scoring at or above the second scores you mentioned.
Christcorp - If what you say is true, that I only have to PASS the CFA and not MAX it out, then that is really good news
Then again, I received a call about the principal nomination, so do you think I should probably wait until I see it in writing?

 

[Christcorp]

Thank you all for your responses.
Pima - I have taken "practice" CFA's on my own and I am scoring at or above the second scores you mentioned.
Christcorp - If what you say is true, that I only have to PASS the CFA and not MAX it out, then that is really good news
Then again, I received a call about the principal nomination, so do you think I should probably wait until I see it in writing?

I'm not you and I'm not your MOC/Staff. While I may be Omnipotent, unfortunately I'm not Omnipresent. So I wasn't there during your phone calls or to ask questions.

But; if you are positive that you received your MOC's "PRINCIPAL" nomination, then it doesn't matter if you got the LOWEST PASSING CFA score allowed. It doesn't matter if you have a 3.1gpa. It doesn't matter if you have all 25's on your ACT scores. It doesn't matter ANYTHING. If you got a Principal nomination; and you are academically qualified; and medically qualified; and physically qualified; then you are GUARANTEED the appointment. There isn't anything that the academy can do to say no. Doesn't matter if they want you or not. They have no say so over a "Principal" nomination. They MUST GIVE YOU THE APPOINTMENT, assuming the MOC indeed has a vacant slot, (Which s/he wouldn't have submitted a nomination slate if S/He didn't have a slot); and assuming you are 100% qualified and have completed your application.

 

[H2Opolodude]

While I may be Omnipotent, unfortunately I'm not Omnipresent.

Haha. I guess I was just starstruck after hearing the word "principal." It seemed too good to be true!

But; if you are positive that you received your MOC's "PRINCIPAL" nomination, then it doesn't matter if you got the LOWEST PASSING CFA score allowed. It doesn't matter if you have a 3.1gpa. It doesn't matter if you have all 25's on your ACT scores. It doesn't matter ANYTHING. If you got a Principal nomination; and you are academically qualified; and medically qualified; and physically qualified; then you are GUARANTEED the appointment. There isn't anything that the academy can do to say no. Doesn't matter if they want you or not. They have no say so over a "Principal" nomination. They MUST GIVE YOU THE APPOINTMENT, assuming the MOC indeed has a vacant slot, (Which s/he wouldn't have submitted a nomination slate if S/He didn't have a slot); and assuming you are 100% qualified and have completed your application.

Thank you for the information. It was exactly what I was hoping to hear. I'll focus on completing my application and continuing to stay in shape!