What to do?

[frenzymando]

OK, that's why your cut off is 10 Nov, because you opened it 10 July. New rules this year. Get a calendar and look at it every day.

That doesn't make any sense. They just started opening portal about a week ago. Assuming his portal opened the first day, they are giving me until November 10th to take the CFA but they are only giving him till July 28th because his portal opened a week earlier than mine? So you think they decided to give me an extra 3 and a half months because my portal opened a week later than his? I'm not an expert in service academy admissions, but that does not sound right to me.

 

[frenzymando]

frenzy, "ridiculously early" or not, if that's what he's told, that's what USMA is told. Perhaps it is because he submitted them first to USMA? I am not an admissions counselor, so I can't say. But, I do know that ALL deadlines are shortened this year and a prospective cadet or mid would do well to keep a calendar close to hand.

If I were him I would contact my admissions counselor and/or ALO about the situation. They may have made an error in the letter or they may be able to push the deadline back.

USMAHopeful97, on my portal under "Your application is:" it says "In order to be considered for an appointment, you must complete the following forms and/or take the approriate actions by November 10, 2015." Under that it says "USAF Academy Candidate Fitness Assessment". Does your portal have a different date? Is "USAF Academy Candidate Fitness Assessment" not listed where it's listed on mine?

Frenzy, this is USMA's re-take of his CFA. I am assuming (loaded word) that you have not submitted your first CFA scores as of yet. I agree with the others, if they say have it done by the 28th of July, then he had better have it done. It is a gift that they are letting him try it again and not one that he should overlook. USMA, take heed and get on the phone and call some people that can administer it. Seek out your local JROTC units, call your ALO; even if he/she can't do it, they may know someone who can. Time is wasting! Good luck.

That explanation makes more sense. Since he is retaking it the deadline is earlier. If I were the OP, given his situation, I would try to see if they can move the deadline back a bit. It can't hurt to try.

 

[Pima]

Than go outside and run. Practice your CFA. Start writing your essays.

As falconsrock stated this is a retake, and they reopened it for him. Get it done by the 28th because failure to do so can equate to them that you are not going to pursue the AFA any further.
~ Do not expect a third try. In all of my years here, maybe a handful will be offered a retake. I have only seen 1 candidate that got a 3rd try. I believe that candidate had a principal nomination, which maybe why they got 3 shots.

This is really when the rubber starts meeting the road. Everything from your DoDMERB to MOC applications are going to have a drop date.

 

[USMAHopeful97]

Falcon, deadlines are changed this year, and are 4 months from when the app was opened.

My sons' ALOs administered the exams at the local Y. USMA, I trust you have been preparing for the CFA all along?

Yes, I have been preparing for the CFA since I've taken it at West Point SLE. The CFA at West Point wasn't too great, but they said I had no risk.

 

[USMAHopeful97]

frenzy, "ridiculously early" or not, if that's what he's told, that's what USMA is told. Perhaps it is because he submitted them first to USMA? I am not an admissions counselor, so I can't say. But, I do know that ALL deadlines are shortened this year and a prospective cadet or mid would do well to keep a calendar close to hand.

If I were him I would contact my admissions counselor and/or ALO about the situation. They may have made an error in the letter or they may be able to push the deadline back.

USMAHopeful97, on my portal under "Your application is:" it says "In order to be considered for an appointment, you must complete the following forms and/or take the approriate actions by November 10, 2015." Under that it says "USAF Academy Candidate Fitness Assessment". Does your portal have a different date? Is "USAF Academy Candidate Fitness Assessment" not listed where it's listed on mine?

It says that I must complete my application by November 1st. Also I submitted my CFA scores from West Point SLE, and the Air Force Academy wants me to retake it by their given date.

 

[USMAHopeful97]

frenzy, "ridiculously early" or not, if that's what he's told, that's what USMA is told. Perhaps it is because he submitted them first to USMA? I am not an admissions counselor, so I can't say. But, I do know that ALL deadlines are shortened this year and a prospective cadet or mid would do well to keep a calendar close to hand.

If I were him I would contact my admissions counselor and/or ALO about the situation. They may have made an error in the letter or they may be able to push the deadline back.

USMAHopeful97, on my portal under "Your application is:" it says "In order to be considered for an appointment, you must complete the following forms and/or take the approriate actions by November 10, 2015." Under that it says "USAF Academy Candidate Fitness Assessment". Does your portal have a different date? Is "USAF Academy Candidate Fitness Assessment" not listed where it's listed on mine?

Frenzy, this is USMA's re-take of his CFA. I am assuming (loaded word) that you have not submitted your first CFA scores as of yet. I agree with the others, if they say have it done by the 28th of July, then he had better have it done. It is a gift that they are letting him try it again and not one that he should overlook. USMA, take heed and get on the phone and call some people that can administer it. Seek out your local JROTC units, call your ALO; even if he/she can't do it, they may know someone who can. Time is wasting! Good luck.

Thank you, I've recently contacted my Coach, and he says that he might be able to administer my test by the 27th. I will also contact my ALO and ask the same. Thank you everyone for your guidance!

 

[FalconsRock]

It says that I must complete my application by November 1st. Also I submitted my CFA scores from West Point SLE, and the Air Force Academy wants me to retake it by their given date.

USMA, no one here knows exactly why you were given the July 28th date, especially considering the rest of your application is due November 1st. My guess is because it is a re-take. You can either accept it and get it done, or you can call USAFA admissions and verify the date. You have nothing to lose by calling, that is what they are there for. Your ALO certainly can help, so you are wise to contact him.

For all others reading this post, it may not be wise to submit your CFA scores too early unless you are super jock and maxed out all phases of the test. I am not saying to wait until the last minute, but it would behoove you all to practice the whole test a few, or many times on your own before you take it officially. Most people only get one chance, so don't expect that you will be offered a re-take; fail one portion, you fail the whole test and no one here knows the minimum, so shoot for max.

 

[USMAHopeful97]

It says that I must complete my application by November 1st. Also I submitted my CFA scores from West Point SLE, and the Air Force Academy wants me to retake it by their given date.

USMA, no one here knows exactly why you were given the July 28th date, especially considering the rest of your application is due November 1st. My guess is because it is a re-take. You can either accept it and get it done, or you can call USAFA admissions and verify the date. You have nothing to lose by calling, that is what they are there for. Your ALO certainly can help, so you are wise to contact him.

For all others reading this post, it may not be wise to submit your CFA scores too early unless you are super jock and maxed out all phases of the test. I am not saying to wait until the last minute, but it would behoove you all to practice the whole test a few, or many times on your own before you take it officially. Most people only get one chance, so don't expect that you will be offered a re-take; fail one portion, you fail the whole test and no one here knows the minimum, so shoot for max.

Is it a good sign if they want me to retake the CFA? How many people are actually given the chance to retake? Thank you.

 

[FalconsRock]

Is it a good sign if they want me to retake the CFA? How many people are actually given the chance to retake? Thank you.

Please understand that I am not speaking with any kind of authority, but like Pima said earlier, they do not do it often and I would consider it a good sign that you are allowed to re-take. However, I would not take any deep sighs of relief and think you are free and clear. Keep striving to put forth the best application possible and don't read too much into it. It is only a small but required portion of your total WCS and there will be many candidates who only need to take it once and they are your competitors. Carry on!

 

[frenzymando]

It says that I must complete my application by November 1st. Also I submitted my CFA scores from West Point SLE, and the Air Force Academy wants me to retake it by their given date.

USMA, no one here knows exactly why you were given the July 28th date, especially considering the rest of your application is due November 1st. My guess is because it is a re-take. You can either accept it and get it done, or you can call USAFA admissions and verify the date. You have nothing to lose by calling, that is what they are there for. Your ALO certainly can help, so you are wise to contact him.

For all others reading this post, it may not be wise to submit your CFA scores too early unless you are super jock and maxed out all phases of the test. I am not saying to wait until the last minute, but it would behoove you all to practice the whole test a few, or many times on your own before you take it officially. Most people only get one chance, so don't expect that you will be offered a re-take; fail one portion, you fail the whole test and no one here knows the minimum, so shoot for max.

Is it a good sign if they want me to retake the CFA? How many people are actually given the chance to retake? Thank you.

It could simply be because you took the CFA so early, but it could be a good sign. If I had to guess I would say a little bit of both, but I'm just a candidate like you.

Also, USAFA posts the average CFA scores on their website. If you meet the average in a section you will pass that section, but it is in your best interest to get the best score you can. If you are a little below the average you may pass the section too.

 

[fencersmother]

It is VERY good advice to practice taking the WHOLE CFA over and over again, in order that you will take the "real" test. If you can, take it in the venue where the test will be administered.

My one son had to do the run on a very short track, rather than on the 1/4 mile track with which he was familiar. I think he had to run around this old old gym something like 28 times, and he had to have 3 people counting to make sure the laps were right. It was super difficult because he runs with a kick at the end and it was hard to judge when to throw that into gear.

 

[fencersmother]

As far as being a "good sign", personally, I would allow my sons to put zero credence in that

Consider this opportunity, given to very very few, your one and only shot to do your absolute best. Practice, practice, practice, and max out all the sections.

 

[Pima]

I think it is a good sign, but not to the level you may believe. It is just saying that from the little they know about you that you are competitive and want to make sure you put the best foot forward.

One thing that candidates don't understand about the CFA and PFA it is a Pass/Fail. Failing just one portion of the exam equates to total failure. It is not max 5 out of 6, bust the 6th and they average it out. It is fail the run, you failed it all.

A tip also for those that can max areas, the test is done with specific details regarding time and resting periods. Let's say you max the pull ups (18) with 15 seconds left. Stop at 18. You get no more points for 19. This allows your body 15 more seconds to rest on top of the rest period given before moving onto the next section.

 

[USMAHopeful97]

I think it is a good sign, but not to the level you may believe. It is just saying that from the little they know about you that you are competitive and want to make sure you put the best foot forward.

One thing that candidates don't understand about the CFA and PFA it is a Pass/Fail. Failing just one portion of the exam equates to total failure. It is not max 5 out of 6, bust the 6th and they average it out. It is fail the run, you failed it all.

A tip also for those that can max areas, the test is done with specific details regarding time and resting periods. Let's say you max the pull ups (18) with 15 seconds left. Stop at 18. You get no more points for 19. This allows your body 15 more seconds to rest on top of the rest period given before moving onto the next section.

Thank you, and it turns out that Admissions has given me more time for my CFA retake. They have changed the deadline to November 1st. I now have more time to train.

 

[FalconsRock]

I think it is a good sign, but not to the level you may believe. It is just saying that from the little they know about you that you are competitive and want to make sure you put the best foot forward.

One thing that candidates don't understand about the CFA and PFA it is a Pass/Fail. Failing just one portion of the exam equates to total failure. It is not max 5 out of 6, bust the 6th and they average it out. It is fail the run, you failed it all.

A tip also for those that can max areas, the test is done with specific details regarding time and resting periods. Let's say you max the pull ups (18) with 15 seconds left. Stop at 18. You get no more points for 19. This allows your body 15 more seconds to rest on top of the rest period given before moving onto the next section.

Thank you, and it turns out that Admissions has given me more time for my CFA retake. They have changed the deadline to November 1st. I now have more time to train.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Good for you, now knock it out of the park!

 

[USMAHopeful97]

Does anyone have any tips to improving my mile time? I'm currently running a 6 minute 32 second mile, and I wanted to improve it to under 6 minutes.

 

[fencersmother]

USMA, what is the max time for which you will receive "credit?"

 

[frenzymando]

USMA, what is the max time for which you will receive "credit?"

5:20, and you are probably going to say he should shoot for 5:20. But shooting for an unrealistic goal like that imo doesn't make as much sense as shooting for a goal that's actually achievable(a 6 minute mile). Like the Steelers shouldn't shoot for something unrealistic like winning their division, they shoot for something semi-realistic like winning 6 games or something(6 is probably a bit of a stretch though). It's impossible to go from a 6:32 mile to a 5:20 mile in a couple months.

Does anyone have any tips to improving my mile time? I'm currently running a 6 minute 32 second mile, and I wanted to improve it to under 6 minutes.

You might want to try out that guy's method of breathing while running. I tried it but it didn't work, it might work for you though. I use a similar breathing method with push ups and sit ups and it helps me considerably.

 

[USMAHopeful97]

USMA, what is the max time for which you will receive "credit?"

5:20, and you are probably going to say he should shoot for 5:20. But shooting for an unrealistic goal like that imo doesn't make as much sense as shooting for a goal that's actually achievable(a 6 minute mile). Like the Steelers shouldn't shoot for something unrealistic like winning their division, they shoot for something semi-realistic like winning 6 games or something(6 is probably a bit of a stretch though). It's impossible to go from a 6:32 mile to a 5:20 mile in a couple months.

Does anyone have any tips to improving my mile time? I'm currently running a 6 minute 32 second mile, and I wanted to improve it to under 6 minutes.

You might want to try out that guy's method of breathing while running. I tried it but it didn't work, it might work for you though. I use a similar breathing method with push ups and sit ups and it helps me considerably.

Thanks for the help! I really want to max out my mile, but I know that it isn't realistic to drop nearly a minute within three months. However, I know I can break it under 6 minutes if I work hard enough.