I know it says SAT optional...but...?

My senior is applying EA to the top choice school. They recently decided not to require SAT submission. The SAT score falls on the lower end of the middle 50% spectrum. Do we submit the score or take them at their word that it doesn’t penalize an applicant?

How selective is the school?

It’s a fairly strong state school in the Mid-Atlantic region. They accept about 60% of applicants and enroll <20% of applicants. We’re OOS if that matters. UWGPA = 3.3 with mostly Honors courses all 4 years but no AP’s. Essays are strong and EC’s are extensive. 2 sport athlete, captain of one team for multiple years. Volunteered multiple years with a program that teaches high functioning autistic teens to play tennis. Worked multiple years as a high level soccer referree. Three strong letters of recomendation to choose from.

Also, not applying for a program like engineering that may be too selective. Going in as a Liberal Arts Major.

In this case if the score is above the 25% mark, I would submit to show she/he fits in academically, as the gpa, while good, is not particularly strong

If a student applies EA can they send later test scores if they happen to go up significantly? My thought being, should there be a deferral to RD, the score may boost chances.