<p><strong><em>I realize this question is for a specific college, but I'm sure that when applying to different schools, people have had a similar dilemna--to apply or not apply test optional. I wanted to see what CC'ers would recommend.</em></strong></p>
<p>I am applying to American University, with hopes of receiving the Presidential Scholarship. I'm not sure whether to apply test optional or not. My GPA is a 4.1, and my SAT's were a 700 CR and a 540 Math (as of June). I just retook the SAT's this week, and believe I improved on the reading. I think it's feasible I got at least a 750. I am retaking the SAT's in November, and will study more for the math, with a goal of getting at least a 600 (math isn't my strong suit). However, seeing that I won't get my scores back for several weeks, I'm not sure if I want to apply test optional or not. Finances are tight, and I am aiming for American's Presidential Scholarship. I recognize that my GPA is a tenth below their average for the Presidential Scholarship (which is typically a 4.2), and my SAT's at this point are significantly below their average of a 1400. Should I study extra hard for the November SAT's and try for a 1400 (and take the chance that I will not reach a 1400 and receive scores that will not support my case for receiving the Presidential Scholarship)? Or, should I apply test optional and have them consider solely my GPA, which is slightly below the average for the Presidential Scholarship?</p>
<p>I think that schools (even test optional schools) use your test scores for merit scholarship consideration. That often seems to be in the fine print of “test optional schools” because so many kids have high GPA’s, but only a few have high test scores and high GPAs. So, the test scores seems to determine who should get the scholarships.</p>
<p>Did you name this school to receive your new test scores? If not, you need to do that. Then this school will receive your scores before you do. They will use your best scores for consideration.</p>
<p>How much is the Presidential Scholarship for at American U?</p>
<p>Before you send your scores to American University, you need to find out if they are REQUIRED for the scholarships you are seeking. If not, do not send them.</p>
<p>Some schools use essays instead of the standardized test scores. YOU need to check to see what American requires. Obviously, if they require test scores, send them. If not…you need find out what they DO require.</p>
<p>We know several students attending SAT optional schools who NEVER sent their SAT scores and received good merit aid from the schools (Muhlenberg is one school we know several students at…it is SAT optional and the students we know got good merit awards for this school without sending SAT scores).</p>
<p>thumper: I could have sworn that Muhlenberg actually requires test scores for their merit scholarships and tells students to submit if they are over 1850 or 28 ACT for consideration…
I know they are SAT optional for admission though…
is it possible that they advise to submit AFTER admission in order to be eligible for scholarship consideration?</p>
<p>Not really relevant to the OP for American though; he/she really needs to find out given that American has only been SAT optional for two admissions cycles (this one being the second; and last year was only for ED)</p>
<p>Rodney, the students we know graduated from college this May. I’m pretty sure they both had to submit extra essays and maybe a term paper…but I don’t think they had to submit their SAT scores. Both received their merit awards with their acceptances.</p>
<p>Of course, times could have changed and policies as well.</p>