Test optional
When a school says they’re test optional, does that include applications for merit scholarships also? Does it put you at a disadvantage if you apply for scholarships test optional?
Earn karma by helping others:
2 answers
That depends on the school. Some won't allow you to apply for certain merit scholarships while others will go only off your GPA. I would only send my scores if they are really good (24+) or if they showcase your intelligence better than your GPA. Other wise its just a waste of money to have them sent.
However, most schools do not put you at a disadvantage if you choose not to include your schools. I applied test optional to a lot of schools and some even gave me the option to send my scores after I was accepted if I wanted to.
Since most merit scholarships are tied to a high GPA and high test scores it's rarely the case you can secure a merit scholarship at a competitive college without a test score.
Therefore you have to research each college on your list you are applying to for a merit scholarship and see what their requirements are. Many like Washington and Lee and William & Mary and UVA have on the merit scholarship applications places to enter your ACT or SAT composite score for consideration.
Your chance of acceptance
Your chancing factors
Community Guidelines
To keep this community safe and supportive:
- Be kind and respectful!
- Keep posts relevant to college admissions and high school.
- Don’t ask “chance-me” questions. Use CollegeVine’s chancing instead!