More than 1,900 colleges and universities in the United States have adopted test-optional or test-free admissions policies, according to FairTest. If you're wondering whether you need to submit standardized test scores with your college applications, the answer for many schools is no.
Test-optional means colleges will review your application whether you submit SAT or ACT scores or not. You get to decide if test scores strengthen your application. If your scores are strong, you submit them. If they don't reflect your abilities, you can leave them out without penalty.
Test-free (also called test-blind) means colleges won't consider standardized test scores at all, even if you submit them.
Some highly selective schools still require standardized tests:
Always check each school's current policy, as requirements can change.
Just because a school is test-optional doesn't mean you shouldn't submit scores. Consider submitting if:
Consider not submitting if:
When schools don't require tests, they look more closely at other parts of your application. Your high school transcript becomes more important. Academic performance, course rigor, extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation carry more weight.
If you're not submitting test scores, make sure the rest of your application is strong. Strong grades in challenging courses matter more than ever.
Even with test-optional policies, many students benefit from test preparation. Having strong scores gives you options. You can always choose not to submit scores, but you can't submit scores you never took.
If you're still deciding whether to take the SAT or ACT, consider that some merit scholarships and honors programs still use test scores in their criteria.
Whether you're preparing for standardized tests or focusing on other parts of your application, LifeWorks provides comprehensive support. Our test preparation services help students develop strong reasoning skills that serve them well beyond test day. We also offer college essay support to help you craft compelling personal statements that showcase who you are.
Get in touch to learn how we can support your college preparation journey.
Will not submitting test scores hurt my chances?
Most test-optional schools genuinely evaluate applications without penalizing students who don't submit scores. However, competitive applicants at highly selective schools often still submit strong scores.
Can I submit scores to some schools and not others?
Yes. You decide which schools receive your test scores for each application. You can submit to schools where your scores are strong and skip submission where they're not.
Are test-optional policies permanent?
Some schools have made test-optional policies permanent, while others review policies year by year. Always check the specific school's current policy for your application year.
Do test-optional schools still offer merit scholarships?
Many do, but some schools require test scores specifically for merit scholarship consideration, even if they're test-optional for admission. Check each school's scholarship requirements.
Should I take the SAT or ACT if schools are test-optional?
Consider taking tests to keep your options open. Strong scores give you the flexibility to submit or not. Working with a test prep specialist can help you decide the best strategy.
How do I know if my scores are good enough to submit?
Compare your scores to the school's middle 50% range (usually published on their admissions website). If your scores fall within or above that range, submission usually strengthens your application.
