Would you submit these scores?

[MichaelW22]

BBall Throw - 84'
Pull ups - 13
Shuttle - 9.08
Crunches - 95
Push ups - 71
Run - 7:33

I know that it's not good enough until I max everything, but compared to the average candidate, would you submit a CFA with these scores?

 

[wannabeplebe]

I would say these scores are at least average or above. If you look at USMA's (if you want to assume that the USNA and USMA have similar averages as their maximums are similar) CFA instruction PDF, you'll see that you've surpassed every average score except for the run. Might as well get your packet in early. You can always request a retest but remember, you will have to submit the new scores regardless of if they're lower.

You can always look up the Navy PRT standards for your age group and make sure you have at least passed every category although you ideally want to strive for the higher "good" category at the least. But you're right, there's always room for improvement until you max every event.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

I have no idea what the mins/max is... it's a pass /fail test. If you think this accurately reflects your capability , by all means, submit it. If you think you can do better --do so and submit those scores. It seems to me there is too much emphasis on "maxing" the CFA on this forum. There are a myriad of factors that get you into USNA (including a bit of luck !), and CFA is only one of them. While I heard someone from Admissions say (albeit perhaps facetiously) that they had gone as far as comparing pull up scores for Candidates --this presume that all other factors are near equal. BGO's don't see anything but pass/fail on the CFA - so this is purely speculation, but I would expect extra points on SAT/ACT and/or actual leadership roles has a far greater impact than a few pull ups.

 

[usna1985]

CFA is more important for candidates who aren't active in varsity sports or whose sports may not include the activities that are needed to be successfully physically at USNA. The background is that, at USNA, you must pass the PFT each semester. It consists of max crunches and push-ups in 2 mins and a timed 1.5 mile run. If you don't pass, eventually you'll be kicked out.

Thus, if you are a swimmer or golfer or martial arts expert, USNA may wonder how well you'll do at the PFT events. The CFA helps with this. For those who aren't super active in organized sports, the CFA is really the only measure USNA has of your fitness (and ability to work out on your own). And the PFT is why USNA focuses on the run, crunches and push-ups in the CFA.

In terms of maxing out . . . it's not likely that an appointment will be decided b/c one person did 12 pullups and another person did 13. Rather, someone who excelled across the board on the CFA may get the nod over someone who passed -- but barely -- across the board. So, the test is pass/fail in terms of whether you are "qualified" physically. But there are gradations of qualification. Think of academics -- some candidates are qualified with barely acceptable grades, scores, recs, etc. Others are standouts. Both are qualified, but one has a better chance than the other. Ditto with CFA. Doing better helps you.

For the OP, those scores are good. If you can improve your mile by 30 seconds and keep the rest as is, that would be even better. I suggest submitting now and then, if you can improve, great. But don't retake unless you're quite confident of improving b/c old scores are wiped out and replaced with new ones, whether better or worse.

 

[hthp37]

Mids have been separated for failing the PRT run. 10m30s for 1.5 miles (for males). That is a 7 min/mile pace. I would think anything over 7 would be unfavorable.

 

[usna1985]

Mids have been separated for failing the PRT run. 10m30s for 1.5 miles (for males). That is a 7 min/mile pace. I would think anything over 7 would be unfavorable.

Absolutely true. However, the PFT is only 3 events and the CFA has several more, including the shuttle run, before the mile, which will tire out most folks. Thus, USNA knows that candidates don't generally perform as well on the CFA mile as they might were there fewer events. However, as you also correctly note, the PRT is a longer run, so you have to be able to maintain your pace over a longer stretch.

My gut says that a 7:33 for the OP is going to be on the bubble but probably passing if he is o/w active in athletics and given the scores in the other events which are quite good. That said, if I were the OP, I would focus on improving my mile time to a sub-7:00 and retake so as to be more competitive.

 

[Joedoe]

Retake it. Work on improving your running, even if it means sacrificing a few push or pull-ups as a means of conserving some energy to run at least a sub 7 mile.
Mids do get separated for PRT failures and usually it's because of their run times.

 

[mcneill18d]

Submit it. Submit every test you take. Show that you are working on getting a perfect score. You can take and submit as many times as you want for this reason. They want to see you progress as well as your determination. Those are solid scores anyways! Very good work and keep it up! Best of luck.