Hey there! I'm a junior, and I'm trying to decide if I should submit my SAT/ACT scores or go test-optional for my college applications. My scores aren't as high as I'd like them to be, and I'm wondering if it's better to submit them or not. What do you guys think? Thanks for your input!
Hi! It's great that you're thinking about your college applications in advance. The decision to submit your SAT/ACT scores or go test-optional really depends on your individual circumstances. If you feel that your scores do not accurately reflect your academic abilities and potential, then going test-optional might be a better choice for you. Many colleges today understand that standardized test scores are not the sole indicator of a student's success, and they are placing more emphasis on other aspects of the application, such as your grades, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. However, if you believe that your scores could potentially strengthen your application, then submitting them might be the right decision. My child faced a similar dilemma, and after weighing the pros and cons, decided to submit their scores. Ultimately, you should consider how your scores fit within the context of your overall application and the average scores of the colleges you are applying to, and make the decision that you feel is best for you. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.