SAT scores for optional submissions - pros and cons?

Hi, peeps! With all these colleges going test-optional, I'm torn about whether to submit my SAT scores or not. Is there any advantage to submitting them even if they're optional? What if my score isn't as high as I would've liked it to be?

Hello! It's true that many colleges have opted to go test-optional due to the ongoing pandemic and concerns surrounding access to standardized testing. Whether or not you should submit your SAT scores depends on a few factors.

Pros of submitting SAT scores:

1. If your score is strong relative to the college's average or 25th to 75th percentile range, it can boost your academic profile and demonstrate your readiness for college-level work.

2. If your high school doesn't rank students or if your GPA isn't as high as you'd like, a solid SAT score might provide additional context to your academic abilities.

3. For some scholarships and honors programs, SAT scores might be required or taken into consideration.

Cons of submitting SAT scores:

1. If your SAT score is below the college's average or 25th to 75th percentile range, it could potentially hurt your chances, especially if the rest of the applicant pool is submitting stronger scores.

2. If your high school performance and other application components already shine a positive light on your academic abilities, the SAT score may not add as much value to your application.

To make the best decision, you can compare your SAT score to the middle 50% SAT range for accepted students at each college you're considering. If your score falls within or above the middle 50% range, submitting your score could be beneficial. If it falls below, it might be better to focus on other aspects of your application, such as your essays and extracurricular activities. Keep in mind that schools with test-optional policies will not penalize you if you choose not to submit your scores.

Ultimately, weigh the pros and cons in the context of your personal academic performance and the requirements of each college on your list. Good luck with your applications!