I'm considering applying to the Naval Academy and I'm curious about the specifics of the fitness test requirements. What should I focus on training to meet their standards and improve my chances of acceptance?
When applying to the United States Naval Academy, you're required to take the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) as part of the application process. The CFA is a tool to evaluate a candidate's physical readiness for the service academies. It consists of six different events performed in the following order with brief periods of rest between each:
1. Basketball Throw: This is from a kneeling position and is used to gauge upper body strength.
2. Pull-Ups/Flexed Arm Hang: Male candidates are required to do pull-ups, while female candidates often do a flexed arm hang for a maximum time of 70 seconds, but they have the option to choose either. This gauges muscle strength and endurance.
3. Shuttle Run: This is a short sprint to gauge speed and agility.
4. Crunches: Candidates have two minutes to do as many crunches as possible to measure core strength.
5. Push-Ups: Again, these are as many as you can do in two minutes to measure upper body strength and endurance.
6. One-Mile Run: This is to assess your cardiovascular fitness.
Keep in mind that these tests need to be completed sequentially, so practicing the sequence in order can also be beneficial. Also, remember, enhancing your physical abilities could not only improve your chances of admission but also ensure that you are prepared for the physically demanding lifestyle at the academy.
Of course, each of these areas is important in its own right, but focusing on improving your performance in the areas where you struggle the most could be beneficial. That way, you can ensure that you have a well-rounded physical profile upon applying. Good luck with your test preparation and application process!
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