Does anyone know how the fitness test scoring works for the Coast Guard Academy? I'm curious about what tests they prioritize and how they rank performance. It'd be great to know what areas I should focus on to score high.
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy uses a Physical Fitness Examination (PFE) to assess the physical readiness of cadets for military service. It includes three components: a timed 1.5-mile run for aerobic fitness, push-ups for upper body endurance, and sit-ups for core strength. Each component is scored separately, but all are important and contribute to your total score.
In terms of scoring, each event is scored on a point scale, with the total being out of 300 points (100 points for each test). For example, for male candidates, running the 1.5 miles in under 9:30 earns you a perfect score of 100, while on the upper end, anything over 15:54 earns zero. For push-ups, performing over 72 in two minutes will notch you 100 points, with anything below 29 earning zero points. For sit-ups, 95 or more in two minutes equals 100 points, whereas anything less than 38 gives you zero. The ranges for scores will be slightly different for female candidates.
You should aim to be well-rounded in your fitness and perform well in all three tests to maximize your score. It's important to build endurance for the run and strength for the push-ups and sit-ups. Regular and consistent training in all these areas will certainly bolster your overall fitness and PFE score.
Lastly, remember that the physical fitness test is only one aspect of the assessment for the Coast Guard Academy. They also look at academics, leadership experiences, and character in their admissions decisions. So while working on your fitness, don't forget to focus on those areas as well. Good luck with your preparation!
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