Test-optional admissions: What every applicant needs

Test-optional college admissions explained: How juniors and seniors should decide whether to submit scores

College admissions policies regarding standardized testing have undergone significant changes in recent years. What was once a universal requirement, the SAT or ACT, is now optional at many colleges and completely ignored at some. For today’s juniors and seniors, this raises a critical and often confusing question: Should I submit my test scores, or is it better to leave them out?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. In the test-optional era, successful applicants take a strategic, data-informed approach that aligns their academic profile with each college’s specific policies and expectations.

This guide explains how test-optional admissions really work, what the data shows, and how students can decide whether submitting scores will strengthen their applications.

Who this guide is for

This article is designed for:

• High school juniors and seniors applying to college
• Parents supporting application and testing decisions
• Counselors and educators advising students on the test-optional strategy

Key takeaways

• Test-optional does not mean test scores are irrelevant; strong scores can still provide an advantage.
• Colleges vary widely in how they evaluate test scores, even when they claim to be test-optional.
• Many schools still consider scores for scholarships, honors programs, or specific majors.
• Higher reported test scores and rankings at test-optional colleges often reflect reporting effects, not changes that benefit applicants.
• The strongest applications use a flexible, data-driven strategy tailored to each college.

What test-optional really means for college applicants

Test-optional policies allow students to choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Test-blind policies, by contrast, mean colleges will not consider scores at all, even if students submit them.

These policies emerged in response to COVID-19 disruptions and long-standing concerns about equity and access. While they’ve increased flexibility, they’ve also introduced new complexity. Applicants must now evaluate not only whether scores are required, but how they are used behind the scenes.

Understanding this distinction is the foundation of a strong application strategy.

How colleges actually use test scores under test-optional policies

Test-optional does not mean test-neutral. Policies vary widely by institution, and sometimes even by major or program within the same college.

Key realities students should know:

• According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), approximately one-third of test-optional colleges still consider submitted scores.
• Highly selective public flagships and private research universities often admit a higher share of students who include strong test scores.
• Certain majors, such as engineering, business, or STEM fields, may recommend or strongly encourage test submission even if the college is test-optional.
• Test scores may still be used for merit scholarships, honors programs, or for out-of-state and international applicants.
• Some requirements are not clearly advertised, making direct verification crucial.

Because of these differences, students should carefully review admissions websites, read policy language closely, and contact admissions offices when details are unclear.

How to decide whether to submit test scores

The most effective test-optional strategy is personalized, not trend-based.

Start by evaluating your test performance honestly. Compare your SAT or ACT scores to the middle 50% ranges of admitted students at each college on your list. As a general guideline:

• If your scores fall within or above the middle 50%, submitting them can strengthen your application.
• If your scores are well below the range, you may be better served by emphasizing grades, coursework rigor, activities, and essays.

Decisions should be made college by college, and sometimes major by major. Competitive programs may have higher expectations even within test-optional schools.

Students should also use available school-based data. Tools like Naviance or Scoir often show historical admissions outcomes by GPA and test scores from your high school, offering valuable context about competitiveness.

Flexibility is key. A student might submit scores to some colleges but not others, depending on the college's fit and policy.

How test-optional policies affect data, rankings, and perception

Why reported test scores increase at test-optional schools

When colleges adopt test-optional policies, students with strong scores are more likely to submit them. This raises reported averages without changing the academic ability of the full class. The Common Application has confirmed that higher median scores often reflect self-selection, not increased selectivity.

The impact on college rankings

Rankings, such as those by U.S. News & World Report, rely partly on test scores and acceptance rates. Test-optional policies can inflate both metrics, improving rankings without necessarily improving educational quality. Rankings can be informative, but should never be the sole decision factor.

What research says about student success

Studies consistently show that students admitted without test scores perform just as well in college as those who submit them, with similar GPAs and graduation rates. High school performance and course rigor continue to be strong predictors of college success.

What this means for students and families

Test-optional admissions create opportunity, but only for students who approach them strategically. Public data and rankings often fail to tell the full story. The most successful applicants focus on fit, academic strength, and alignment with each college’s expectations.

Students should:

• Take standardized tests early to understand their strengths
• Monitor policy updates closely
• Use school-based admissions data where available
• Revisit strategy regularly with counselors or advisors

Conclusion: A strategic, data-driven approach wins in the test-optional era

Test-optional admissions have reshaped the college landscape, but they haven’t eliminated the value of strong preparation and informed decision-making. The goal is not to follow trends or chase rankings, but to present the strongest version of yourself to each college.

By combining honest self-assessment, up-to-date admissions data, and thoughtful guidance, students can confidently navigate test-optional policies and prepare effectively for the ACT or SAT. As these policies continue to evolve, adaptability and curiosity, not anxiety, will be your greatest assets in the admissions process.