What test-optional policies really mean — and how to decide whether to submit scores.
The Short Answer
Yes — submitting SAT or ACT scores can influence how your college application is evaluated under test-optional policies.
That does not mean students should avoid testing altogether. And it does not mean that every lower score is harmful.
The key point is this:
If you submit a test score, colleges are allowed to consider it.
That makes score submission a strategic decision, not a default one.
What “Test-Optional” Really Means (And What It Doesn’t)
Many families misunderstand test-optional admissions.
Test-optional does NOT mean:
- SAT or ACT scores are ignored if submitted
- Scores are treated neutrally
- Colleges no longer care about testing
Test-optional DOES mean:
- You choose whether to submit test scores
- If you submit scores, admissions officers may evaluate them
- If you don’t submit, your application is reviewed without them
That distinction matters — especially at selective colleges.
What the Evidence Shows About Submitting SAT or ACT Scores
Strong Scores Help When Submitted
Institutional research and external studies consistently show that strong SAT or ACT scores can improve admission odds when submitted, particularly at selective private colleges.
In practice:
- Test-optional policies did not eliminate the value of high scores
- They gave students control over whether to include them
This is why many admitted students at selective schools still submit test scores, even when testing is optional.
Colleges Consider Scores If You Send Them
Admissions offices are explicit about this:
If a test score is part of your application file, it becomes one data point among many.
It does not outweigh:
- Grades
- Course rigor
- Essays
- Recommendations
But it does contribute to the overall academic evaluation.
Can Submitting a Lower Score Hurt Your Application?
This is the question families are really asking when they search “should I submit SAT scores test optional.”
Here’s the honest, evidence-based answer:
There is no single published study proving that a low score directly causes rejection.
However, admissions logic is consistent:
- Strong scores help when submitted
- Submitted scores are considered
- Scores well below a school’s typical range are unlikely to help and may subtly weaken an otherwise strong application
That doesn’t mean a score “ruins” an application — but it can change how the file is read.
Why This Matters Most at Test-Optional Private Colleges
This question does not apply to:
- University of California (UC) schools (test-blind)
- California State Universities (CSU) (test scores not used)
It does apply to:
- Selective private colleges
- Out-of-state public flagships
- Schools that publish SAT/ACT ranges for enrolled students
At these institutions, admissions officers compare applicants who:
- Submitted strong scores
- Submitted no scores
- Submitted weaker scores
That context matters.
How AJ Tutoring Advises Families on Test-Optional Decisions
We don’t use a single cutoff score. Instead, we ask three questions:
How Does the Score Compare to the School’s Enrolled Range?
- At or near the middle 50% → usually submit
- Well below the 25th percentile → usually withhold
How Strong Is the Rest of the Academic Record?
- High GPA and rigorous coursework may stand on their own
- A weaker transcript may benefit from a confirming test score
Is There Important Context?
- School environment
- Access to test prep resources
- First-generation or under-resourced background
- Clear upward academic trends
Test scores are contextual, not absolute.
The Biggest Mistake Families Make With Test-Optional Policies
Families often ask:
“Is this score good enough?”
The better question is:
“Does this score strengthen the story our application is already telling?”
If it does — submit it.
If it doesn’t — test-optional gives you permission not to.
Final Takeaway: How to Use Test-Optional Policies Strategically
- Submitting a strong score can help
- Submitting a weak score rarely helps
- Not submitting is not a red flag at test-optional schools
- Score decisions should be made school by school
College admissions today rewards strategic clarity, not blanket rules.
Want Help Making the Right Test-Optional Decision?
At AJ Tutoring, we help students decide:
- When to submit SAT or ACT scores
- When not to submit
- How to build a balanced application strategy across UC, CSU, and selective private colleges
