ACT score to test-optional GWU?

My DS is planning to apply ED to GWU. He has a 3.6 unweighted GPA, a 3.73 weighted GPA, and scored 27 on the ACT, so it is definitely a reach for him. However, he is hoping that by applying ED, he may make the cut.

My question is whether or not he should submit his ACT score with his application. Although his score is slightly below average for kids accepted RD, it seems to me like it still might help him given his grades, the fact that he’s applying ED, and the likelihood that the test scores the school does receive are likely inflated by because kids who don’t score super high don’t submit them.

For what it’s worth, he is an unusual kid, very focused on specific goals, and also has special needs (he has autism and is visually impaired, among other things). I’m not sure how, or if, that will (or should) be captured in his application, but he has definitely had to overcome some major obstacles in getting to this point. Suggestions regarding whether this may help or hurt him in his college apps (i.e. should or should not be divulged - and how) would be appreciated as well.

thanks!

At different test optional school we visited the admissions officer was very clear that an applicant should submit standardized test scores only if they are at or above the average for the college. It looks to me like a 27 is on or around the 25th percentile for GWU so I would not submit the score.

^^"that’s what I heard as well.