I have very good academics(4.0 GPA) and extracurriculars, but unfortunately im not very good at standardized testing and scored a 1270. If I apply to a test optional school and don’t send in my score, will that hurt my chances of admission?
No. Just make your best application possible, and use your strengths. If your scores detract from your candidacy, leave them at home. At Bowdoin, the Dean of Admissions says each year there are candidates who send them who shouldn’t have and those who didn’t who should have. Only send those things that support your candidacy.
Have you tried the ACT?
Preparing for a test is similar to preparing for a sporting event or theater or band performance—lots of practice before the event (test). If you are prepared, you are confident, which generally leads to better scores.
Wake Forest is test optional and about half of students don’t send scores and get in. It was one of the first and truly test optional. I’m sure there are many others like it. If they advertise as test optional then take them at their word.
What is your financial need to pay for college? Do you need merit aid? At test optional colleges which meet need, applying test optional/not should not make a difference in your aid package if accepted.
Some larger competetive merit scholarships may require that test scores be submitted to be considered for them. There may also be a separate set of merit scholarships available for test optional applicants. If you need merit aid to attend, be sure to research the amounts and availability for test optional applicants for each college you are considering.
There are so many other ways than scores, to match what a college looks for. Try to know what that is, for each target. A dean at a top TO put it this way: do you think your scores represent your work and potential?
There’s nothing easier about going to a strong TO college. But you do need to match what they look for and it needs to show in the rest of your record. That potential to thrive on that campus needs to show.