Understanding Test-Optional Colleges: Should You Submit Your Scores?

10 December 2025

Let’s be real—college admissions are stressful. Between the essay prompts, figuring out where to apply, and squeezing in extracurriculars, it can feel like a full-time job just trying to stand out. And now, toss in another dilemma: Should you send your SAT or ACT scores to test-optional colleges?

If you’ve been scratching your head over this one, don’t worry. You’re not alone. The whole “test-optional” movement has left many students wondering what really gives them the edge in college applications.

Grab a snack and settle in. We're going to break this whole thing down in plain English so you can make the best decision for YOU.

What Does “Test-Optional” Even Mean?

Let’s start with the basics.

A test-optional college is one that allows students to apply without submitting standardized test scores, like the SAT or ACT. Yep, you read that right. If you don’t feel your test scores represent your true potential, you can choose to leave them out of your application—and you’ll still be seriously considered.

But here’s the kicker: just because you can leave them out doesn’t mean you should.

We’ll get into that later.

Why Did Colleges Go Test-Optional?

Once upon a time (okay, pre-2020), most schools required standardized tests. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic like a wrecking ball, and testing centers were shutting down left and right. Colleges had to adapt, fast.

The result? A massive wave of schools went test-optional.

But even after COVID-related restrictions faded, many institutions decided to stick with test-optional policies. Why? A few reasons:

- Access and Equity: Not everyone has the same access to resources or test prep. Removing the testing requirement levels the playing field.
- Holistic Review: Colleges want to see the full picture—your grades, essays, activities, recommendations—not just a number.
- Changing Perspectives: More and more schools are realizing that test scores aren’t always a great predictor of success in college.

Test-Optional vs. Test-Blind vs. Test-Flexible: What’s the Difference?

Yeah, the lingo can get a bit confusing. Let’s straighten it out real quick:

- Test-Optional: You decide whether or not to include your test scores. They’ll be considered if you submit them.
- Test-Blind: Schools won’t even look at your test scores, even if you send them.
- Test-Flexible: Some alternative forms of testing might be accepted, like AP scores or IB exams, instead of SAT/ACT.

So, make sure you check exactly what each school requires before you start clicking “submit.”

Should You Submit Your Test Scores?

Ah, the million-dollar question.

The answer? It depends. (Sorry, but it’s true.)

Let’s walk through some scenarios to help you decide:

🎯 Scenario 1: You Crushed the SAT/ACT

If your scores are above the average for the schools you’re applying to, go ahead and send them! A strong score can absolutely strengthen your application.

It’s like adding sprinkles on a cupcake. Your GPA, essays, and rec letters are the cake—but that test score? It’s the sweet bonus that makes admissions officers take notice.

🚫 Scenario 2: Your Scores Are Just Okay (or Honestly, Kind of Meh)

If your scores fall below the school’s average, they might hurt more than help. In that case, you might want to skip submitting them—especially if the rest of your application is solid.

Think of it this way: Would you highlight something in a job interview that doesn’t show you at your best? Probably not.

🕵️ Scenario 3: You’re Somewhere in Between

If you’re in the middle—maybe your scores are decent but not amazing—it’s worth a bit of strategy. Here’s what you can do:

- Check the school’s middle 50% score range. If your score falls in or above that range, you’re likely okay.
- Talk to your school counselor. They know your academic history and can offer personalized advice.
- Consider how the rest of your application looks. Are your grades strong? Your essay compelling? Maybe you don’t need the score to tell your story.

What Colleges Really Look at in Test-Optional Applications

Let’s peek behind the curtain.

If you're not submitting scores, admissions officers will pay even closer attention to:

- Your transcript (hello, GPA and course rigor)
- Letters of recommendation (are you a classroom superstar?)
- Personal statement (this is your time to shine)
- Extracurricular activities (what makes you tick outside of school?)
- Demonstrated interest (have you visited campus, attended virtual events, or followed their social media?)

So if you’re skipping the tests, make sure the rest of your application is airtight.

Common Myths About Test-Optional Admissions

Let’s bust some myths.

❌ Myth #1: Not submitting scores = automatic rejection

Nope. Thousands of students get into great schools every year without sending scores. Your application isn’t built on a single number.

❌ Myth #2: Only “less competitive” schools are test-optional

Also false. Many top-tier schools, including the Ivies, are test-optional (at least for now). It’s becoming the new normal.

❌ Myth #3: If you don’t send scores, colleges will think you did badly on the test

Not necessarily. They might assume you had scheduling conflicts or focused more on schoolwork. Remember, they look at the whole package.

Tips for Making the Decision

Ready to make the call? Keep these tips in your back pocket:

1. Do Some Research

Most colleges share data on the average test scores of admitted students. Find those numbers and compare yours.

2. Trust Your Gut

You know yourself better than anyone. If a test score doesn’t reflect who you are as a student, don’t stress over it.

3. Get Feedback

Talk to your counselor, teachers, or even a trusted friend or family member. Sometimes another perspective can help you see things clearly.

What If You’re Still Planning to Take the Test?

Great! There’s nothing wrong with keeping your options open. Just keep a few things in mind:

- Even test-optional schools will consider scores, so having them in your back pocket can’t hurt.
- Some scholarships or honors programs might still require test scores.
- Prepping for standardized tests also helps build valuable skills—like time management and critical thinking.

But if you take it and don’t love your score? No stress. You can still apply without it.

The Bottom Line

Test-optional policies give YOU the power. You get to decide how you present yourself to colleges—and that’s kind of amazing, right?

If your score is strong, send it. If it’s not, or it doesn’t showcase your strengths, leave it out. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s okay.

The key is to be intentional. Make your decision based on your unique strengths, and own it confidently.

Remember, you’re more than a number. You’re a student, a thinker, a dreamer—and colleges want to see the full picture.

So take a deep breath. Whether you submit your scores or not, your college journey is just beginning.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

- Test-optional means you can choose whether or not to submit SAT/ACT scores.
- Good scores? Submit them. Meh scores? Maybe sit them out.
- Colleges look closely at everything else in your application if you don’t submit scores.
- Use school data, your gut, and advice from counselors to make the call.
- You’ve totally got this.