In today’s admissions world, more colleges than ever offer test-optional policies — leaving students asking, “Should I send my SAT scores anyway?” Let’s break down the key factors to help you decide should you send SAT scores to colleges that are test-optional?
Introduction: What Test-Optional Really Means
Test-optional policies:
✅ Allow applicants to choose whether to submit SAT (or ACT) scores.
✅ Promise that applicants won’t be penalized for not submitting scores.
These policies grew in popularity after the COVID-19 pandemic, but they aren’t all the same — and the decision to submit scores should be strategic.
When Sending SAT Scores Can Strengthen Your Application
It’s usually smart to send SAT scores if:
- Your score is at or above the school’s middle 50% SAT range — this shows you’re academically competitive.
- You want to balance out a slightly lower GPA or inconsistent grades.
- You’re applying to selective schools where every strong data point counts.
✅ Tip: Check each college’s admissions stats to see where your score fits.
When It’s Better Not to Send SAT Scores
You might choose not to send SAT scores if:
- Your SAT score is below the school’s middle range and wouldn’t add strength to your application.
- The rest of your application — GPA, essays, recommendations, and activities — tells a strong story on its own.
- You’ve applied to truly test-blind schools that don’t consider SAT scores at all (e.g., University of California system).
How SAT Scores Impact Merit Aid at Test-Optional Schools
Even at test-optional colleges:
✅ SAT scores are often used to award merit-based scholarships.
✅ Some aid programs require SAT scores, even if admissions doesn’t.
👉 Before deciding, check the college’s scholarship criteria — don’t miss out on financial aid by skipping score submission.
Special Considerations: Honors Programs, Accelerated Degrees, and Placement
Beyond general admissions:
- Honors colleges, dual-degree programs, or accelerated tracks may still require or strongly encourage SAT scores.
- SAT scores can influence course placement, helping you skip introductory classes.
✅ Even at test-optional schools, submitting strong scores can open additional doors.
How to Make an Informed Decision About Score Submission
Follow these steps:
1️⃣ Research the college’s score ranges and test policy details.
2️⃣ Compare your score honestly to admitted student data.
3️⃣ Consider how the rest of your application looks without the SAT.
4️⃣ Ask: Will this score help me stand out?
A thoughtful approach ensures you submit scores only when they’ll work in your favor.
Common Myths About Sending SAT Scores to Test-Optional Colleges
⚠️ Myth: Test-optional means test-blind.
👉 Reality: Most test-optional schools will consider SAT scores if you submit them.
⚠️ Myth: Submitting SAT scores to a test-optional school can hurt you.
👉 Reality: Strong scores will help — admissions teams aren’t penalizing students for sending them.
⚠️ Myth: All parts of the school use the same test policy.
👉 Reality: Specialty programs may have separate score requirements.
FAQs About Should You Send SAT Scores to Colleges That Are Test-Optional?
Q1: Is it better to submit any SAT score than none at all?
A: No — only submit if the score strengthens your application.
Q2: Can I send SAT scores to some colleges and not others?
A: Yes! You control where your scores are sent.
Q3: Do SAT scores help with scholarships at test-optional schools?
A: Often, yes — many merit awards still consider test scores.
Q4: Should I submit SAT scores to reach schools?
A: If your score meets or exceeds their median range, it can help. Otherwise, weigh the strength of other parts of your application.
Conclusion: Make SAT Score Submission a Strategic Choice
The decision of should you send SAT scores to colleges that are test-optional? depends on your unique profile. Strong scores can boost your application and open scholarship doors — so review each college’s policy, compare your scores thoughtfully, and submit where it counts.
Need help deciding where to send scores? Plan your strategy with RevisionDojo’s free SAT tools today!
