To Submit or Not to Submit: Navigating Test-Optional Colleges

More and more colleges are going test-optional, some even score-free; one wonders if submitting your scores is the intelligent thing to do. Today, we will explore the nuances of test-optional policies and discuss whether or not submitting your test scores is beneficial. Going test-optional has been directly linked to decreasing acceptance rates. For example, Yale says, “the test-optional approach has been linked to a general increase in international applicants — who often face greater barriers to testing — and to greater racial diversity in the overall pool.”

Test-optional policies vary by college and university. However, in general, test-optional means that applicants can choose whether or not to submit their ACT or SAT scores. Suppose you decide not to submit your test scores. In that case, the admissions committee will evaluate your application based on other factors, such as your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. If you choose to submit your test scores, they will be considered part of your application.

Some students may not perform well on standardized tests but excel in other areas. Test-optional policies allow admissions committees to consider a more holistic picture of each applicant.

Now is it really beneficial to submit your scores? It depends. If you have strong test scores, submitting them can be beneficial to your application, especially if you are applying to a highly selective college or university. Admissions committees still value test scores as an indicator of academic ability. If your test scores are significantly higher than the average for admitted students, submitting them can help your application stand out. Highly selective schools receive thousands of applications each year and must make difficult decisions about who to accept. The overall takeaway is clear. Having a good test score affirms your academic readiness to the admissions officer. When you’re competing with thousands of other applicants, every little thing helps.

However, submitting your test scores may not be beneficial if your test scores are average or below average. Admissions committees will evaluate your application based on other factors, and mediocre test scores may not add much to your application and might actually put you in poor light. In conclusion, colleges are really test-optional, and submitting your ACT or SAT scores can be beneficial in some cases, and you should carefully weigh the pros and cons.