Test-Optional Admissions: Should You Submit Your SAT or ACT Score?
Not sure whether to send SAT or ACT scores to test-optional colleges? Learn how test-optional, test-required, and test-blind policies work and how to decide.
Standardized testing policies have shifted more in the last few years than in decades. Many colleges went test-optional, several highly selective universities have since brought back testing requirements, and a few schools ignore scores completely. If you are applying this year, you need to know exactly where each of your colleges stands and whether your score will help or hurt you.
Understanding the Three Policy Types
- Test-required: You must submit an SAT or ACT score. A growing number of selective universities fall into this category again.
- Test-optional: You choose whether to submit a score. If you do not submit, the college says you will not be penalized, and it reviews your application based on other factors.
- Test-blind (or test-free): The college will not consider scores even if you send them.
Policies change often, so check each school's admissions website during the year you apply rather than relying on older articles or lists.
Why Some Colleges Brought Testing Back
Several universities have said that test scores, combined with grades, help them predict how students will do in college, especially when high schools use very different grading standards. Some also argued that scores help them identify talented students from under-resourced high schools. Whatever the reasoning, the trend means that strong scores can still carry real weight in admissions.
How to Decide Whether to Submit
For test-optional schools, the most widely used rule of thumb is to compare your score to the college's middle 50% range of admitted students, which you can find in the school's Common Data Set or admissions profile.
| Your Score | General Recommendation |
|---|---|
| At or above the 75th percentile | Submit. Your score strengthens your application. |
| Between the 50th and 75th percentile | Usually submit, especially if it is in line with your GPA. |
| Between the 25th and 50th percentile | Consider the rest of your application. Submit if you lack other evidence of academic strength. |
| Below the 25th percentile | Usually do not submit, unless the school recommends it for your situation. |
Keep in mind that the middle 50% at test-optional schools may be inflated, since students with lower scores often choose not to submit. Your score might need to be a bit higher than you would expect to stand out.
Other Factors to Weigh
Your High School's Context
If your school offers few AP or honors courses, a strong test score can show colleges you are ready for rigorous coursework. Admissions offices consider your school's profile when reviewing your file.
Your Intended Major
For engineering, math, computer science, and other quantitative programs, a strong math score can provide extra evidence of readiness, even at test-optional schools.
Merit Scholarships
Some colleges and states still use test scores to award merit aid or place students in courses. A school can be test-optional for admission but still consider scores for scholarships or honors programs. Read the fine print.
Homeschool and International Applicants
Some test-optional colleges still recommend or require scores from homeschooled applicants or students from certain education systems.
Should You Even Take the Test?
For most students, yes, at least once. Taking the SAT or ACT keeps your options open for test-required schools, scholarships, and programs. Many high schools offer a free in-school test day. If your first score is lower than you hoped, you can prepare and retake it, or simply choose not to send it to test-optional schools.
Superscoring and Score Choice
Many colleges superscore, meaning they combine your highest section scores across multiple test dates. The College Board's Score Choice and the ACT's score reporting options let you decide which test dates to send to many colleges. Some schools require all scores, so check each policy.
Making Your Application Strong Without Scores
If you apply without a score, the rest of your application carries more weight. Focus on challenging coursework, strong grades (especially in core subjects), meaningful activities, thoughtful essays, and detailed recommendations.
The Bottom Line
Test-optional does not mean test-irrelevant. Check each college's current policy, compare your score to their admitted student range, and consider your major, scholarships, and school context. When your score helps tell a stronger story, send it. When it does not, let the rest of your application speak for you.
This guide is for general educational purposes. Policies, deadlines, and requirements change — always confirm details with the official source or your school. See our disclaimer.
