As more colleges give students the choice to apply test-optional, this decision has become a key part of the application process. Some students wonder if submitting scores will give them an edge, while others worry that low scores might hold them back. And with so much conflicting advice out there, it’s easy to feel stuck.
Knowing when to send your scores and when to leave them out can make your application stronger. It all comes down to knowing what colleges are looking for and how your unique strengths fit the bigger picture.
Key Takeaways
- Test-optional lets you choose whether to send SAT or ACT scores.
- Submit scores if they match or exceed a school’s average.
- Leave out scores if they may weaken your application.
- Focus on GPA, coursework, essays, and activities if applying test-optional.
- Merit scholarships at some schools may still require test scores, even if the college is test-optional for admission.
Test-Optional Policies in College Admissions
Test-optional policies give students the choice to include their SAT or ACT scores when applying to college. These policies are meant to create a more flexible and inclusive admissions process, especially for students who feel their test scores do not reflect their true potential.
Over the last few years, thousands of colleges have shifted to test-optional admissions. In fact, more than 1,900 U.S. colleges and universities adopted test-optional or test-free policies for the 2024 admissions cycle. Many schools made the change during the pandemic, but a growing number have kept these policies in place for the long term.
Test-optional does not mean colleges are lowering their standards. Instead, it means they are looking at students more holistically. That includes your GPA, course rigor, extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation. If you choose not to send scores, colleges will focus on the other parts of your application.
This approach is especially helpful for students who may not have access to strong test prep resources or who face college admissions testing anxiety. It also opens doors for students with strong academic records but lower test scores.
Still, many colleges will consider test scores if you choose to submit them. Strong test results can help support your application and even improve your chances for scholarships at some schools.
Should You Submit Your SAT or ACT Scores?
Choosing whether to send your test scores is an important part of your application strategy. The right choice depends on your scores, the schools on your list, and the overall strength of your application. Some students benefit from sharing their results, while others are better off leaving them out.
When Submitting Scores Can Help Your Application
Submitting your SAT or ACT scores can boost your application if your results fall at or above the middle 50 percent range for the colleges you’re applying to. These score ranges are usually listed on each college’s admissions page. If your scores match or exceed that range, they show that you’re academically prepared for that school.
Test scores can also help support other parts of your application. If your GPA is slightly lower or your school does not offer many advanced classes, strong test scores can fill in the gaps. They show colleges you are ready to handle college-level work.
Submitting SAT scores is often a smart move for merit scholarships. Many colleges still use test results to award financial aid or determine eligibility for honors programs. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, about 50 percent of institutions consider test scores when awarding merit aid.
When It’s Okay to Hold Back Your Scores
If your scores are below the middle 50 percent range for a college, it may be better to leave them out. Test-optional policies give you the freedom to focus on what you do best. A strong GPA, challenging course load, meaningful activities, and a great essay can speak louder than a low test score.
It also makes sense to go test-optional if you have limited access to testing or prep resources. Many colleges understand that students face different challenges and opportunities when it comes to standardized tests. Choosing not to submit scores will not hurt you as long as the rest of your application is solid.
Before making your decision, check each college’s policy. Some schools are test-optional, while others are test-blind or require scores for certain programs. Use college websites and tools like College Journey to compare policies and make a confident choice.
How Colleges Evaluate Test-Optional Applications
When you apply without test scores, colleges take a closer look at the rest of your application. This process is called holistic review. It means admissions teams consider many parts of who you are.
They start with your academic performance. Your GPA, class rank, and the types of courses you have taken carry a lot of weight. Colleges want to see that you have challenged yourself and stayed consistent. In fact, grades in college prep courses are the top factor in admissions decisions.
Next, colleges look at what you do outside the classroom. Your activities, leadership roles, and community involvement will help show your interests and character. Essays and personal statements are just as important. They give you space to explain your goals, values, and what makes you a strong fit for a school.
Letters of recommendation add more context. They give insight into your work ethic, personality, and how you show up in school or your community. These pieces have more influence on test-optional applicants because there are no scores to provide extra data points.
Some colleges may also consider demonstrated interest. This means whether you have visited campus, attended info sessions, or interacted with admissions reps. It helps them gauge how serious you are about attending.
Choosing to apply test-optional will not put you at a disadvantage if the rest of your application tells a clear, strong story. Schools that offer this policy have trained their admissions teams to review applications fairly, with or without scores. Your job is to give them a full picture of your potential and what you bring to their campus.
Pros and Cons: Submitting Scores vs. Going Test-Optional
Choosing whether to send your SAT or ACT scores depends on your academic profile and the schools you’re applying to. Both options have benefits, and understanding the difference can help you make a confident choice.
| Factor | Submitting Scores | Going Test Optional |
| Application Strength | Adds value if your scores are at or above the school’s average | Highlights your GPA, coursework, and activities without test scores |
| Academic Confidence | Shows strong test-taking ability and reinforces academic readiness | Keeps the focus on consistent academic performance if scores are weaker |
| Scholarship Opportunities | Increases eligibility for merit aid at many colleges | May limit access to certain merit-based scholarships or honors programs |
| GPA Support | Helps balance a slightly lower GPA or limited advanced coursework | Relies more heavily on GPA and class rigor to show academic strength |
| Application Review | Adds another data point for colleges to consider | Encourages a holistic review with more focus on essays, recs, and extracurriculars |
| Equity and Access | May favor students with access to prep courses and tutoring | Offers flexibility for those facing test anxiety or lacking access to test resources |
| College Policy Fit | Best when applying to schools that prefer or expect scores | Ideal for test-optional or test-blind schools with a clear policy |
| Flexibility and Control | Less control if your scores are average or below the school’s middle range | Empowers you to choose what supports your application best |
| Popularity Among Applicants | Still used by many students, especially at selective colleges | Nearly 95 percent of four-year colleges accepted test-optional applications |
How to Decide What’s Best for You
Choosing between submitting your scores or applying test-optional is all about knowing your strengths and understanding how colleges will view your application. It takes a little research and self-awareness, but the right choice can make a real difference. Follow these simple steps to help you decide with confidence.
Step 1: Review Score Ranges at Your Target Schools
Start by looking up the average SAT or ACT score range for each college on your list. This is usually called the middle 50 percent range, and you can find it on the school’s admissions page. If your scores are within or above that range, sending them could work in your favor. If they are far below, applying test-optional might be a better move.
For example, if the middle 50 percent SAT range at a college is 1250 to 1400 and your score is 1350, it supports your application. However, if your score is 1100, leaving it out may help the rest of your application stand out instead. More than 80% of applicants who applied test-optional to selective schools did not report scores below their target range.
Step 2: Consider the Strength of the Rest of Your Application
Take a good look at your overall academic record. Strong grades in rigorous classes show that you are prepared for college-level work. Solid extracurriculars, leadership roles, and thoughtful essays also help paint a full picture of who you are.
If your transcript, recommendations, and activities tell a strong story, you may not need test scores to back it up. On the other hand, if there are gaps in your academics, strong test scores can provide helpful support.
Admissions officers often rely more heavily on essays and course rigor when scores are not submitted. Most colleges believe that writing and academic performance became more important in their test-optional review process.
Step 3: Talk to Your Counselor or Use a College Planning Tool
Your school counselor can help you look at your scores in context and offer advice based on past students who applied to similar schools. They know how to evaluate your academic profile and can guide you through the decision with personalized advice.
If you are not sure where to start, college planning tools like College Journey can help you compare schools, explore test policies, and organize your application strategy. These tools are designed to make the process easier, especially if you are applying to a mix of test-optional and test-required schools.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to submit your SAT or ACT scores is a personal choice, and there’s no one right answer for everyone. What matters most is understanding how your scores fit into your overall application and what each college expects. With test-optional policies becoming more common, you have more flexibility to choose the path that shows you at your best.
About College Journey
Making decisions like whether to submit test scores is just one part of the college application process—and it helps to have the right support along the way. That’s where College Journey comes in. Powered by Alice, your personal AI college counselor, College Journey offers clear, step-by-step guidance to help you understand how colleges evaluate everything from GPA and test scores to extracurriculars and essays.
If you’re unsure how your academic profile fits into a test-optional policy or need help strengthening other parts of your application, Alice is here to help. You will get personalized advice, college comparisons, and smart tools to keep you on track from start to finish.
College prep can be stressful, but it does not have to be. With College Journey, you get the support you need to make confident decisions—and it’s completely free to sign up.
FAQ
Do test-optional schools still look at test scores if I send them?
Yes. If you choose to submit scores, test-optional schools will consider them as part of your application. They simply leave the decision up to you.
What is the difference between test-optional and test-blind?
Test-optional schools allow you to decide whether to include test scores. Test-blind schools do not consider scores at all, even if you send them.
Can going test-optional hurt my chances at competitive schools?
No. If a college is truly test-optional, they will not penalize you for not submitting scores. Just make sure the rest of your application is strong.
Are international students allowed to apply test-optional?
Some colleges require test scores for international students, especially if English is not their first language. Always check the specific school’s policy.
Will applying test-optional affect financial aid?
Need-based aid is not affected, but some merit-based scholarships may still require test scores. Review each college’s scholarship guidelines carefully.
