Unlocking test-optional truths for top school applicants

When should you apply with or without test scores to a test-optional school?

Key takeaways

• At selective colleges, “test-optional” often doesn’t truly mean optional for applicants with abundant resources; strong test scores remain a clear advantage.
• Test-optional policies often help colleges achieve their goals, sometimes more so than students’.
• A high GPA doesn’t always compensate for much lower SAT or ACT scores.
• Exploring nontraditional approaches, such as local scholarships or online course, can help you stand out.

In recent years, test-optional admissions have changed how students approach college applications. Many universities now let applicants decide whether to include SAT or ACT scores. While this option can increase access, it also complicates the decision process. Should you send your test scores to strengthen your application, or could they work against you? Understanding how schools use test scores and who truly benefits will help you make an informed choice.

The reality of test-optional policies for well-resourced students

Test-optional policies were originally hailed as a breakthrough for college access, especially after disruptions caused by COVID-19. For students with advantages, like strong K-12 schooling, private tutoring, and expert counseling, the reality hasn’t shifted significantly. At highly selective schools, submitting impressive test scores still provides a noticeable boost.

Following the adoption of test-optional policies, most students admitted to top-tier colleges continued to include their test results. For instance, in the 2021-22 admissions cycle, a large percentage of accepted students at Ivy League schools submitted SAT or ACT scores. Even when schools advertise that scores are optional, competitive, well-prepared applicants tend to send them in.

This pattern exists because students with greater resources can take tests multiple times, access targeted test prep, and receive expert guidance. These advantages usually lead to higher scores, making test-optional policies yet another area where opportunity is affected by background. Additionally, admissions officers still use standardized scores to help compare students in large applicant pools. When a well-supported student skips submitting scores, admissions staff may take notice, as they expect these applicants to perform strongly.

If you have good access to test prep and can match or surpass a college’s median scores, including your results typically works in your favor. But if your scores fall short of those benchmarks, carefully consider whether submitting them adds value or detracts from the strengths in the rest of your application.

Put simply, while test-optional policies aim to create fairness, they often end up preserving advantages for students with more resources. Keeping this in mind as you apply will help you strategize whether sending test scores benefits you.

Who really gains from test-optional policies?

Schools often frame test-optional admissions as a step toward equity. At the same time, test-optional policies frequently serve colleges’ own interests. When schools make test scores optional, their applicant pool usually grows. This spike in applications lowers acceptance rates and increases perceived selectivity, two metrics that boost a college’s rankings. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, application numbers jumped 10-20% at test-optional schools after the change.

Colleges benefit in other ways, too. These policies can help schools enhance their diversity stats, even if the actual change to campus demographics is small. Test-optional admissions also give colleges more flexibility to shape their incoming class by enrolling more athletes, honoring legacy applicants, or meeting enrollment goals.

For students, test-optional approaches are especially useful if standardized tests aren’t your strength. Those with strong grades, impressive activities, or unique talents, but who struggle with exams, can use the option to present their best achievements. Still, since “test-optional” does not mean test-blind, applicants with access to good test prep very often maintain an upper hand.

If you are undecided about submitting a score, review your overall profile. Ask yourself whether your application is stronger with or without your test results. Colleges usually publish the test score ranges of admitted students: let this information help guide you.

Building a strategic test prep and application plan

To make the most informed choice, compare your grades and test scores to those of admitted students at your colleges of interest. Admissions offices consider both GPA and standardized test results together. A high GPA paired with much lower test scores might raise questions about grade inflation or course difficulty, especially at selective schools. Conversely, high test scores can strengthen an application with a more modest GPA, particularly if you have evidence of improvement or meaningful leadership experience.

Begin by taking a diagnostic exam to see where you stand. Focus your energy on raising scores in your weakest subject areas, as research shows that targeting your lowest sections leads to the largest improvements. Pay close attention to each college’s stance on test scores and where your results fit within their published statistics.

As you prepare, monitor your progress with regular practice tests and check how your scores stack up against the middle 50% of students previously admitted to your target schools. Scores within or above this range generally enhance your application.

In the end, rely on your own data (practice test performance, GPA, and colleges’ published statistics) to guide your plan. A clear, data-driven strategy makes you a more compelling candidate.

Leveraging nontraditional paths for scholarships and admissions success

Looking beyond the usual route can lead to valuable new opportunities. Local scholarships, online courses, and less common subject exams can help differentiate you and increase your chances for scholarships and admission.

Local scholarships, often funded by community groups or small businesses, usually attract fewer applicants and are sometimes overlooked. While individual awards might seem minor, several can add up to significant college savings. Take the initiative to search and apply for these, even smaller ones: they signal both motivation and resilience.

If you're worried about the rigor of your high school transcript, supplement with additional classes. Online platforms such as Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy provide excellent courses, sometimes with certificates, at little or no cost. Completing these during high school shows initiative and a passion for independent learning, a quality valued by admissions officers.

You might also consider taking lesser-known subject tests or electives. Focusing on something unique, like an uncommon foreign language or an advanced science class, sets your application apart. Pick areas that genuinely interest you or connect to your goals for the best results.

Before trying nontraditional options, make sure they fit with your broader academic narrative. Prioritize meaningful, in-depth activities rather than collecting a long list of unrelated experiences. Thoughtfully chosen pursuits outside the standard path can open doors that traditional approaches might miss.

Test-optional admissions: A changing landscape with new challenges

Test-optional admissions have redefined how students apply to college. While these policies aim to broaden access, colleges still tend to preserve their selectivity and long-standing preferences. At selective institutions, strong SAT or ACT scores continue to give many applicants a noticeable advantage, especially those who can access additional support.

When deciding whether to submit test scores, carefully review each college’s policies and student profile data. For many applicants, a high test score can reinforce strengths and distinguish them from others. Test-optional policies have also created fresh opportunities for scholarships and admission, particularly at less selective schools.

By preparing effectively and exploring nontraditional avenues, students can maximize their strengths and opportunities. As colleges continue to adjust their admissions processes, staying informed and intentional will help you make the best choices as you move through each stage of your application journey.