How Test-Optional Policies Affect Merit Scholarships

Q: How do scores influence scholarship tiers?

Some schools publish grids or bands where higher scores alongside GPA/rigor correspond to larger merit awards. Without scores, students may default to lower or 'no-score' tiers.

Q: Can not submitting scores hurt scholarship chances?

It can. Some colleges cap 'test-optional' merit at lower amounts or reserve top awards for applicants who submit strong scores.

Q: What about GPA and rigor—do they offset missing scores?

High GPA, rigorous coursework, and rank can compensate at many schools, but they don’t always replace score-based tiers. Policies vary.

Q: How do deadlines interact with test-optional merit?

Priority scholarship deadlines often precede admission deadlines. Ensure scores arrive before merit review dates if you plan to submit them.

Q: How can we compare offers with and without scores?

Run NPCs in two scenarios, check merit grids, and ask admissions which tier your current profile matches. Compare four-year net cost.

July 1, 2025

Mike Dusombre, CLTC, CRPC

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:

Your student doesn’t have to submit scores—but doing so may still improve chances for merit aid.
Many schools still use test scores when awarding scholarships, even if they’re not required for admission.
Test-optional doesn’t mean test-blind—most colleges will still consider scores if submitted.

Who Should Still Submit Scores:

Students with scores in the top 50% for the college’s admitted class.
Applicants targeting merit scholarships tied to academic achievement.
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?

No. Many colleges remain score-sensitive for merit tiers, honors programs, or competitive scholarships. Strong scores can still unlock higher award levels.

If a college is test-optional, can merit still require scores?

Yes. Admissions can be test-optional while select merit awards, honors, or program-specific scholarships still require reported SAT/ACT scores.

How do scores influence scholarship “tiers”?

Some schools publish grids or bands where higher scores (paired with GPA/rigor) correspond to larger merit awards. Without scores, students may default to lower or “no-score” tiers.

When is it smart to submit scores?

Submit when your score is at or above a college’s middle-50% range or crosses a published/known merit threshold. If scores are below those marks, weigh the trade-offs carefully.

Can not submitting scores hurt scholarship chances?

It can. Some colleges cap “test-optional” merit at lower amounts or reserve top awards for applicants who submit strong scores.

What about GPA and rigor—do they offset missing scores?

High GPA, rigorous coursework, and class rank can compensate at many schools, but they don’t always replace score-based tiers. Policies vary by institution.

Do test-optional policies change by major or program?

Sometimes. Engineering, nursing, business, or talent-based programs may have separate criteria for scholarships, which could include test score thresholds.

How do deadlines interact with test-optional merit?

Priority scholarship deadlines often fall earlier than admission deadlines. If submitting scores, ensure they arrive before merit review dates.

How can we compare offers with and without scores?

Run Net Price Calculators in two scenarios (with/without scores when possible), check merit grids, and ask admissions which tier your current profile matches.

What if our score improves after applying?

Many colleges accept updated scores before scholarship review cutoffs. Verify last-accepted test date and submit promptly if you cross a higher tier.

Does test-optional affect stackable awards?

It can. Some institutions stack merit with departmental or honors awards only when score criteria are met. Confirm stacking rules and renewal GPAs.

How does Diversified College Planning help with the test-optional decision?

We benchmark your GPA/rigor/scores against target schools, model merit tiers with and without scores, align testing timelines with scholarship deadlines, and recommend the submit/do-not-submit path that maximizes aid.

How Test-Optional Policies Affect Merit Scholarships

FAQs: How Test-Optional Policies Affect Merit Scholarships

Related Posts

College Admissions vs. Enrollment Management: How Colleges Really Decide Who Gets In—and Who Pays Less

What to Do if You’re Late Starting the College Planning Process

Financial Aid Pitfalls for High-Income Families—and How to Avoid Them