Over the past few years, many colleges shifted to test-optional admissions, meaning students are not required to submit standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT.
At first glance, this sounds simple: if your student doesn’t want to submit scores, they don’t have to. But the reality is more nuanced. In many cases, submitting scores can still strengthen an application, while in other situations it’s better to leave them out.
For parents of college-bound teens, the key question becomes: Should my student submit their test scores even if the college is test-optional?
Here’s how to decide.
Test-Optional vs. Test-Flexible vs. Test-Blind
While some schools do require testing for admission, many colleges and universities are adopting diverse policies on standardized testing; students now have multiple pathways to showcase their academic abilities, academic rigor, and interests. These options, test-optional, test-flexible, and test-blind, each offer distinct approaches to admissions that align with different applicant needs and academic backgrounds.
What “Test-Optional” Really Means
Test-optional does not mean test-blind.
At test-optional colleges, admissions officers will review applications with or without standardized test scores. If your student submits scores, they will be considered. If they don’t, admissions teams evaluate other academic indicators such as:
- GPA and course rigor
- AP/IB or dual-credit classes
- Essays and personal statements
- Extracurricular involvement
- Letters of recommendation
Some schools also adopted test-optional policies during the COVID-19 pandemic when testing access was limited, and many have kept the policy in place since.
What is Test-Blind?
Many colleges have gone a step further than test-optional and adopted what’s called a “test-blind” policy. This is the most extreme version of test-optional admissions. With a test-blind policy, the college will not review SAT or ACT scores, even if a student submits them.
Instead, admissions decisions rely solely on other parts of a student’s application, such as grades, the rigor of their high school courses, extracurricular activities, essays, and personal achievements.
Several colleges and universities have implemented test-blind policies in recent years, including many schools within the University of California system. These institutions say their aim is to create a fairer admissions process, as standardized test scores can be affected by factors beyond a student’s control—such as access to costly test prep, family income, and other advantages or barriers.
What is Test-Flexible
Some colleges are now using a test-flexible admissions policy, which gives students another option besides submitting SAT or ACT scores.
Unlike test-optional schools, where test scores are not required at all, test-flexible colleges still want to see some form of testing, but students can choose which scores to submit. Instead of the SAT or ACT, students may be allowed to send other academic results, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exam scores.
This approach lets students highlight their strengths using the tests that best reflect their abilities.
Test-flexible policies can be especially helpful for students who perform well in specific subjects or have taken challenging AP or IB courses in high school. For example, a student planning to study science or engineering might submit a strong AP Calculus exam score instead of SAT or ACT results. This allows the student to demonstrate college readiness in a way that directly connects to their intended major.
Overall, test-flexible admissions reflect how colleges are expanding the ways students can show academic achievement. Instead of relying on one standardized test, schools are recognizing that students can demonstrate readiness for college in different, and sometimes more meaningful, ways.
When Your Student Should Submit Test Scores
Even at test-optional schools, strong scores can give your student an advantage.
Consider submitting scores if:
1. The Score Is Above the School’s Middle 50% Range
Most colleges publish the middle 50% ACT/SAT scores for admitted students.
If your student’s score falls within or above that range, it can:
- Reinforce academic readiness
- Improve admissions chances
- Strengthen scholarship opportunities
2. Your Student’s GPA Needs Context
If a student attends a less competitive high school or has a GPA that doesn’t fully reflect their academic ability, strong test scores can help validate their performance.
Admissions officers often use standardized tests as a common benchmark across different schools.
3. Your Student Is Applying for Merit Scholarships
Many colleges still use standardized test scores when awarding merit-based scholarships. Even at test-optional schools, a high score can significantly increase financial aid opportunities.
4. Your Student Is Applying to Highly Selective Schools
At competitive institutions, many admitted students still submit test scores.
Even if the school is technically test-optional, strong scores may provide an edge.
When It May Be Better Not to Submit Scores
There are situations where skipping test scores may strengthen an application.
1. Scores Are Below the School’s Typical Range
If your student’s score falls well below the college’s average admitted scores, submitting it may hurt more than help.
In this case, letting other parts of the application shine is usually the better strategy.
2. Your Student Has a Strong GPA and Rigorous Coursework
If your teen has:
- Excellent grades
- Challenging classes (AP/IB/honors)
- Strong extracurricular achievements
Admissions officers may already have enough evidence of academic readiness.
3. Testing Doesn’t Reflect Their Ability
Some students simply don’t perform well on standardized tests. Test-optional policies were designed partly to reduce this barrier.
If the score doesn’t reflect your student’s academic strength, leaving it out can be a smart move.
Questions Parents Should Ask Before Submitting Scores
Before deciding, families should consider:
- Is the score within the school’s admitted range?
- Could the score help qualify for scholarships?
- Does the score add something new to the application?
- Would the application be stronger without it?
College admissions is holistic. Test scores are just one piece of the puzzle.
A Strategic Approach for College Applicants
Instead of treating test-optional policies as a simple yes-or-no decision, many families now take a school-by-school strategy.
Your student might:
- Submit scores to some colleges
- Apply test-optional to others
This approach allows students to highlight their strengths depending on the school’s admissions profile.
FAQ About Test-Optional
Do test-optional colleges prefer students who submit SAT or ACT scores?
Not necessarily, but strong scores can strengthen an application and may improve scholarship opportunities.
Will applying test-optional hurt my student’s chances?
If the score is below a college’s middle 50% range, applying test-optional may actually help the application.
Do test scores matter for merit scholarships?
Yes. Many colleges still use SAT or ACT scores to determine eligibility for merit-based scholarships.
Are most colleges test-optional now?
Over 1825 (80% of U.S. colleges) no longer require SAT or ACT scores for admission. However, several highly selective colleges have recently reinstated test requirements.
The Bottom Line for Parents
Test-optional admissions has created more flexibility but also more decisions.
Submitting strong scores from the SAT or ACT can still strengthen an application and increase scholarship opportunities. But if the scores don’t reflect your student’s ability, applying test-optional can allow other achievements to take center stage.
The goal isn’t just getting into college; it’s helping your student present the strongest possible application.