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When to send SAT Scores to Test Optional Colleges

sending SAT scores to test optional colleges

Most high school seniors want to know whether they should send SAT scores when applying to a test optional college.  This is a tricky question because the college application process is a little different for each college.  On top of that, we are living in a time of rapid changes.

 

What is Test Optional?

Test Optional means a college does not require you to send SAT, ACT, or other test scores with your application.  However, if you did take a test, you may choose to send your scores and have them considered in the admissions process.  Before 2020 there were only a handful of colleges in the US that were test optional, but the covid pandemic had a big effect.  For several months during 2020 the SAT and ACT were not offered in many states.  In response, most colleges that previously required the SAT and/or ACT became test optional on a temporary basis.  We are now in a chaotic time where each college is making its own choices as to what to do next.

Schools that require tests

Some schools, such as Georgetown University and the Air Force Academy, are already requiring all applicants to send SAT or ACT scores.  Others, like Howard University, strongly encourage students to submit SAT or ACT scores but only require them for certain academic programs.  Finally, some schools like The University of Pennsylvania and Northeastern University, are test optional for the 2021-2022 testing cycle, but are not likely to remain so for much longer.

There are also many schools, such as the University of Chicago and Bowdoin, that had test optional policies before the covid pandemic and are likely to continue being test optional for years to come.  You may have even read in the news recently that the University of California system has decided to become test blind.  This means that the admissions officer won’t look at your SAT or ACT scores even if you do send them.

(Each of the links above will take you to the page where the school gives its testing policy.)

 

Deciding whether to take the SAT

While it is no longer an absolute requirement, I still recommend that most students who hope to attend a selective college take the SAT and/or ACT.  My reasoning is that most colleges are using test scores in a way that can only help you.  So, taking test tests is all reward and no risk.  Furthermore, you are probably planning on applying to several colleges and may not have your final list ready yet.  Skipping the test means that you may be closing the door on opportunities that you might become interested in as you continue to research and visit different colleges.

Taking the test does mean that you will need to spend a Saturday morning on a rather unpleasant task.  Furthermore, if you’re going to take an SAT or ACT, you should do it correctly and study first.  At a minimum, you should take a full length practice test.  Most of my students improve their SAT score by about 50 points simply from the experience of trying an accurately timed practice test.  If you are ambitious enough to attend a class or hire a tutor, you might improve your SAT score by 200-300 points.  All of this will be more than worth it when you get that acceptance to your top choice college or thousands of dollars in merit aid.

 

Gathering the Data

Once you’ve gotten your official scores, it’s time to decide if they are good enough to send to your favorite colleges.

First, look at the testing policies for each of the schools to determine whether they superscore the SAT.  This means, that if you took the test multiple times, they put together your highest ever math score with your highest ever reading/writing score for one total superscore.  (Some schools superscore the ACT as well, but not as many.)  If the school superscores, then you should make decisions based on your superscore.  You can find these testing policies on the webpage for each college’s admissions department.  If you have trouble finding the information you need, send an email to the admissions department and ask directly.

Second, find the average test scores for each college on your list.  You should look for this information either on the college’s admissions page or through the common data set.  I prefer to use the common data set because I know the data is based on the freshman class.  Some colleges report the average SAT score of the admitted students, which is a little higher.  It makes them look more competitive but makes you feel less confident. You can find it by doing an internet search on the words “common data set” followed by the school’s name.  For instance, when I googled “common data set Lehigh University” the first result was this link.  Open the most recent data set for that school, and go to section C.  There is a great deal of information on this form, but the one you are looking for right now is the 25th-75th percentile for the freshman class’s test scores.  Lehigh’s scores look like this:

Lehigh University Common Data Set from 2020

Finally, find a copy of your high school’s profile.  This sheet of paper is sent to the colleges you apply to along with your high school transcript.  Here’s an example of the profile for Parkland High School, which is my local district. You can see on the last page that their average SAT score is 1170.  Here is the profile for Perkiomen, which is a nearby boarding school with average SAT scores of 1275.  If you can’t find the profile on your school’s website, ask your guidance counselor for a copy.

Making your Decision

If your SAT superscore is below the school’s 25th percentile, you should not send your scores.  Keep in mind that if you are an athlete and are in touch with a coach at the school, you may be required to send the scores anyway.  If you attend a high school with extremely low scores and you are close to the college’s 25th percentile, you might be an exception.

If your SAT superscore is above the school’s 50th percentile, you should send your scores.  (For Lehigh, I estimated a 50th percentile of 1350 by taking the average of 1280 and 1420.)

If your SAT superscore is in-between the school’s 25th and 50th percentile, this is a judgment call.  If you are significantly above your school’s average scores, they can work to your advantage.   Imagine you have a 1320 on the SAT and are applying to Lehigh University.  If you were a Parkland student, I would tell you to send your scores.  However, if you were a Perk student, that might not be such a good idea.  Also remember, if you find yourself in this category, a little more studying, switching from the SAT to ACT, or requesting accommodations if you qualify for them can get you where you need to be.

 

Keeping your Perspective

Finally, don’t get so caught up in the process that you lose track of your priorities.  Always remember that the competition to get into certain colleges is fierce, but there are enough excellent schools that everyone can find a place to attend.  In the end, it’s not the reputation or competitiveness of the college that will give you a good experience.  Instead, it’s your go-get-it attitude and your willingness to immerse yourself in a learning community that will make all the difference.  Good luck and best wishes as you take your next steps toward your own personal exciting future.