How Test-Optional Policies Affect Merit Scholarships
How Test-Optional Policies Affect Merit Scholarships
In recent years, hundreds of colleges have moved to test-optional admissions—giving students the choice to apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. While that flexibility sounds like a win for students, families need to understand the full picture—especially when it comes to financial aid.
Here’s What “Test-Optional” Really Means:
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Your student doesn’t have to submit scores—but doing so may still improve chances for merit aid.
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Many schools still use test scores when awarding scholarships, even if they’re not required for admission.
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Test-optional doesn’t mean test-blind—most colleges will still consider scores if submitted.
Who Should Still Submit Scores:
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Students with scores in the top 50% for the college’s admitted class.
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Applicants targeting merit scholarships tied to academic achievement.
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Students applying to highly competitive programs or honors colleges.
Why It Matters Financially:
In many cases, test scores are the difference between receiving $5,000… and $25,000 in annual merit aid. If your student’s GPA is strong but not outstanding, test scores could boost their total award.
Pro Tip: Even if your student applies test-optional, make sure they ask whether scholarships require separate score submission.
Contact Us Today:
Need help deciding whether your student should submit scores—or how to maximize aid either way?
📞 Call us at 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule a free consultation: Book with Mike
Or visit our Contact Page: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/
FAQs: How Test-Optional Policies Affect Merit Scholarships
Do test-optional policies mean test scores don’t matter for merit?
If a college is test-optional, can merit still require scores?
How do scores influence scholarship “tiers”?
When is it smart to submit scores?
Can not submitting scores hurt scholarship chances?
What about GPA and rigor—do they offset missing scores?
Do test-optional policies change by major or program?
How do deadlines interact with test-optional merit?
How can we compare offers with and without scores?
What if our score improves after applying?
Does test-optional affect stackable awards?
How does Diversified College Planning help with the test-optional decision?
About the Author:
Mike Dusombre, CLTC, CRPC (NPN 20689693), is a Family Financial Aid Expert at Diversified College Planning with more than 4 years of experience guiding families through complex college funding decisions. Mike focuses on financial aid strategy, Student Aid Index (SAI) reduction, and identifying merit-based scholarships.
He helps families evaluate college affordability, build a college list that maximizes aid, understand how financial aid formulas work, and keep student debt to a minimum.
Last Reviewed: September 30, 2025 |
Reviewed by: Jarad Stolz, CLTC, CRPC
College Funding Advisor, Diversified College Planning | NPN: 17371953
Fact Checked by: Mike Dusombre, CLTC, CRPC
Family Financial Aid Expert, Diversified College Planning | NPN: 20689693
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