Test optional

Okay, so I had to do a little research for this one because I didn’t really know anything about UW Seattle. Its acceptance rate is around 55% (correct me if I’m wrong, that’s just what Google told me) and your ACT score is the equivalent of around a 1370 on the SAT. The average range of accepted scores for the ACT is 29-34, and for SAT it’s 1320-1500. Your score is on the lower end, but it’s still in the range. Yes, your score will lower your chances, but so will applying test optional. Really, it’s not that bad of a score, and in my opinion, it’s better to apply with the ACT since it’s still in the average range. Test optional really only helps you when your score is so low it ruins your chances of getting in (well, maybe not ruin, but significantly lowers). If you really aren’t confident with it, you could take the ACT again. There’s no shame in trying over and over for the best score possible. However, either way, you need to try and compensate for it by getting good grades, having outstanding extracurriculars, and an essay that really reflects your personality. I hope this helped with your decision!

I like to think of it as this: If you get a below-average ACT score for a school, you should go test optional. Applying test-optional is better than applying below-average. If you have an above-average score, I would apply with ACT.