In recent years, the phrase “test-optional” has become a familiar term in college admissions. It emerged in response to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s now here to stay—at least for the foreseeable future. As of 2025, more than 1,800 colleges and universities continue to maintain test-optional policies. But what does that mean for students and families navigating the admissions process?

Let’s break it down.

Test-Optional vs. Test-Blind: What’s the Difference?

• Test-Optional means that students can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores with their applications. If scores are submitted, colleges will consider them. If not, the rest of the application carries more weight—transcripts, essays, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters.
• Test-Blind (sometimes called test-free) means that colleges will not consider standardized test scores at all—even if they’re submitted. Only a handful of institutions, like the University of California system and Caltech, are truly test-blind as of 2025.

---

Why It Matters: The Holistic Review Process

Even in a test-optional environment, many colleges still use submitted scores as one part of a holistic review. This means your test scores—if strong—can enhance your academic profile and help validate your transcript, particularly if you’re coming from a high school that colleges may be less familiar with.

Conversely, if your scores aren’t as strong as the rest of your application, it may be wise to leave them out. But this decision should be strategic and individualized.

---

When to Submit Scores (and When Not To)

At AP College Counseling, I guide each student through a thoughtful analysis of whether to submit scores. Some quick rules of thumb:

• If your SAT score is close to or above the middle 50% range for a school, it’s typically worth submitting.
• If you’re applying to highly selective schools and your GPA is strong but unaccompanied by rigorous coursework or context, test scores can add a layer of credibility.
• For students with learning differences or inconsistent grades due to illness or extenuating circumstances, strong test scores can be especially helpful.

---

How Colleges Are Evaluating Students Without Scores

For students who choose not to submit scores, schools will place increased emphasis on:

• Course rigor and performance over time
• Essays that show voice, character, and clarity of goals
• Teacher and counselor recommendations
• Extracurricular activities that show initiative, leadership, and impact
• Contextual factors, such as family background, school resources, and geographic location

In other words, without test scores, everything else in your application needs to shine even brighter.

---

Watch for Shifts in Policy

Some schools are reevaluating their test-optional policies year to year. In 2025, schools like Dartmouth and MIT have reinstated mandatory testing, while others are extending their test-optional pilots or conducting internal research on outcomes. It’s essential to:

• Check each college’s admissions website for the latest policy updates.
• Be aware of how score policies might differ for international students, homeschooled students, or applicants to specific programs (like engineering or nursing).

---

Final Thought: Test-Optional Doesn’t Mean Less Competitive

It’s a common misconception that applying test-optional makes admissions easier. In reality, the competition remains fierce—especially at selective schools where applications have surged in recent years. Submitting strong test scores can still give applicants an edge but knowing when not to submit is just as important.

At AP College Counseling, I help students weigh their options carefully and build balanced college lists where they can thrive—whether test scores are part of the picture.