SAT/ACT optional schools - how optional is it really?

<p>We've made the rounds of a few colleges now, and many are test optional. My question is are the scores really optional? Will my daughters really be given an equal chance if they opt not to send scores? They all say it doesn't matter and that it makes no difference, but if you have two students who appear equally qualified and one gave scores and one didn't, would the preference go to the one with the scores? I guess I'm old-fashioned - I'm leery of this option, as much as I feel it is a great idea as I am not a fan of standardized tests (and I'm an educator!).</p>