Decide on test submission

Overview

For test-optional schools, decide whether to submit your scores. Submit if scores are at 25th percentile or above of admitted students; don't if below.

Test-Optional Context

Since 2020-2021, many colleges went test-optional. Some have reverted (see test-required task). Check each school's current policy.

Submission Decision Framework

Submit If

Scores Strong (25th percentile+)

• Adds data point
• Strengthens application
• Demonstrates capability

Schools You Applied To

• Verified still test-optional
• Currently test-optional in 2025-26
• Not reinstated test requirement

No Other Data Weakness

• If scores hide weakness in application
• Reconsider if submitting right move

Don't Submit If

Scores Weak (below 25th percentile)

• Weakens application
• Data point against you
• Other strengths shine

Test-Required Changed

• School now requires scores
• Must submit
• Use best score

Uncertain on Strength

• When in doubt, don't submit
• Test-optional benefits students without scores
• Strong application alone sufficient

How to Find School's 25th Percentile

Common Data Set

• Section C7 typical
• Published by school
• Search "[college name] common data set"
• Reliable source

College Scorecard

• studentaid.gov
• Federal data
• Average scores

Big Future

• College Board data
• Admitted middle 50% ranges

Test Score Submission Decision

For Each College

School A (test-optional, 25th percentile SAT 1400)

• Your score 1450: Submit (above 25th)
• Your score 1420: Submit (at 25th - positive)
• Your score 1380: Don't submit (below 25th)

School B (test-required)

• Must submit
• Use best score
• Strategic sending

School C (test-blind like UC)

• Don't submit
• Won't be considered
• Save the fee

Score Sending

Free Sends

• From registration (4 schools)
• Use wisely

Paid Sends

• $15 per school per test
• Strategic choices

Cost Analysis

• Only send where beneficial
• Skip where not helpful
• Save money

College-Specific Considerations

Highly Selective

• Scores often expected
• 25th percentile submission common
• Competitive applicant

Moderately Selective

• Test-optional often genuine
• Many don't submit
• Applications still reviewed fairly

Less Selective

• Scores matter less
• Submission based on strength

Research Each School

School Admissions Page

• Test policy clearly stated
• What's considered
• Submission guidance

Research Admission Outcomes

• Test-submitters vs. non-submitters
• Some publish this data
• Varies by year

Recent Class Profile

• Common data set
• Most recent year
• Trends

Super-Scoring

What It Is

• Colleges take highest section scores across tests
• Compose "super-score"

How It Helps

• Retake exam
• Higher in different sections
• Benefits strong students

Which Schools

• Most schools super-score
• Check each policy
• Submit all scores

Score Choice

Allowed At Some Schools

• Submit specific test dates
• Withhold others

Required At Others

• Must submit all attempts
• Even poor scores visible

Strategic Consideration

• Know each school's policy
• Submit accordingly

Specific Decision Scenarios

Scenario 1: Strong Across Board

• Submit everywhere
• Confident profile
• Data point positive

Scenario 2: Mixed Scores

• Submit super-score if allowed
• Only submit strongest single score if not
• Carefully consider

Scenario 3: Weak Scores

• Test-optional application
• Don't submit
• Strengthen other parts

Scenario 4: Improvement Across Tests

• Shows growth
• Submit if trend positive
• Super-score benefits

Strategic Submission

Which Schools First

• Strongest match
• Highest probability
• Most important to you

Holdouts

• Safety schools
• Where other parts dominate
• Test-blind anyway

Later Sending

• After results return
• Based on response
• Adjust strategy

Time Management

Decide Early

• Before deadlines
• Time for sending
• Strategic choices

Submit with Other Materials

• When applying
• Alongside application
• Coordinated approach

Follow Up

• Check each school's portal
• Verify received
• Address missing

Special Situations

Low SES / First-Gen

• Schools may consider context
• Strong application despite scores
• Test-optional helpful

International Students

• Different expectations
• Check each school
• Some require

Homeschoolers

• Scores may carry more weight
• Document everything
• Strategic submission

Students with Learning Disabilities

• Accommodations available
• Additional test taken
• Submit with context

For Seniors Now

October 2025 Decisions

• Based on current scores
• Apply test-optional if appropriate
• Don't stress about more testing

If Taking December SAT/ACT

• Scores arrive January
• Only helpful for regular decision
• Strategic decision

Focus on Strengths

• Essays
• Activities
• Recommendations
• Grades

Applications Overall

Test Scores Are One Factor

• 10-20% of decision at most schools
• Essays, grades, activities matter
• Well-rounded application

Strong Narrative

• Your story beyond scores
• Genuine interests
• Authentic voice

Confidence

• Submit what you believe in
• Trust your profile
• Own your decisions

Cost-Benefit

Sending Scores

• $15 per school per test date
• Strategic choices
• Don't send everywhere

Preparation Costs

• Test prep courses
• Practice tests
• Registration fees

Opportunity Cost

• Time spent on testing vs. applications
• Essay quality vs. test prep
• Balance matters

Mental Model

Your Application is One Whole

• All parts work together
• Strong essay + weak scores might work
• Strong scores + weak essay might not

Test Scores Support Story

• They should align with profile
• Don't contradict other data
• Paint consistent picture

If Scores Don't Fit

• Consider test-optional
• Tell different story
• Authentic to you