I am looking to apply to relatively selective schools, such as Pomona, Scripps, Wesleyan, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke, Smith, etc. Smith, Bryn Mawr, Wesleyan, Pitzer and Mt. Holyoke are all test-optional. My SAT as a junior was 690 Reading, 700 Writing and 590 Math. My ACT was 28. I’m wondering if it would be in my best interest to include the scores at test-optional schools or not report them. Standardized tests are my weak link: I have a 4.4 GPA, lots of APs, a bunch of volunteering/extracurriculars I’m Hispanic, etc. Should I take the SAT again and hope it improves or just not submit my scores?
First I am hoping that is not your real name and real pic. I will send this so that you can alter it right away if so. Not a good idea. I’ll answer in another post.
Test Optional schools can have a hidden agenda. They may want you as a student but if you have low SAT scores that would bring down their numbers, they may not want you to send them. So being test optional isn’t only for the sake of the student. Some schools have difficulty filling their seats with strong students who also have strong scores. Being test optional allows them to offer admission to students they know will succeed (strong grades) without lowering how they look on the charts, etc.
So, as a general strategy for test optional schools, look at their 25%-75% spread for scores. If you would be below their 50% mark, I’d consider not sending them. Unfortunately for the SAT scores your writing was your strongest but it is the least apt to “count” at most schools. So, take a look at the “Common Data Set” for each school and determine where your scores fall. Also, with the ACT, Some schools look at components of the ACT. The first two are more valid than the composite score as an index for predicting 1st year grades because the final two add error. If your first 2 sub-scores of the ACT are very good I’d consider sending them to schools that look at the sub-scores.