How Test-Optional Policies Can Still Cost You Money

Q: What does “test-optional” really mean?

Colleges don't require SAT/ACT scores, but many still consider them—and may favor applicants who submit strong scores for admission, merit scholarships, or special programs.

Q: Why could skipping test scores cost more financially?

Skipping test scores may limit access to scholarships that require them, potentially costing thousands in gift aid.

Q: Do test-optional policies affect merit aid?

Yes. Many merit awards still use test scores for tier placement. Not submitting, or submitting low scores, can reduce merit potential.

Q: How do policies differ across colleges?

Each college sets its own rules. Some tie top scholarships to score thresholds; others don’t. Verify requirements for every school.

Q: What evidence shows these financial risks?

At many colleges, applicants who submit strong scores are more competitive for larger merit awards. Outcomes vary by institution.

Q: When is it worth submitting a low or average test score?

Submitting can help if your score is near or above the school’s middle-50% range. If well below, consider test-optional but weigh the loss of score-based merit.

Q: Do some colleges require scores for aid even if admissions are test-optional?

Yes. Some scholarships require score submission even when admission is test-optional.

Q: How can I tell if my score will improve offers?

Compare your score to the school’s middle-50% range and review merit bands. Run with-score and no-score scenarios to see net-cost differences.

Q: What other parts of the application also matter?

GPA, rigor, essays, recommendations, and extracurricular impact are critical. Tests are one piece of a broader evaluation.

Q: How can using test-optional strategically save money?

Submit scores where they unlock merit/benefits; omit where they don’t. Compare offers across both strategies to minimize net cost.

July 7, 2025

Mike Dusombre, CLTC, CRPC

How Test-Optional Policies Can Still Cost You Thousands

With more colleges going test-optional, many families assume standardized tests are no longer necessary. But while students aren’t required to submit scores, choosing not to test can have serious financial consequences.

At Diversified College Planning, we help families understand when scores can help—even in a test-optional environment—and how to use them to unlock hidden merit aid, gain a competitive edge, and widen college options.

How Test-Optional Policies Can Still Cost You Thousands

Test-Optional Is Not Test-Blind

Here’s what most families miss: “test-optional” doesn’t mean scores aren’t considered. It just means they’re not required. But many schools still use test scores for:

Merit scholarship eligibility
Program-specific admissions
Academic placement or honors colleges

In short, submitting scores can still boost your student’s chances of acceptance and aid.

When Should You Submit Scores?

Our team at Diversified College Planning helps you run the numbers: If your student’s score is above a school’s median, it may strengthen both their application and aid potential. If it’s below, we may recommend withholding it—but we’ll help you make that decision strategically, not emotionally.

Contact Us Today:
Not sure whether your student should take or submit test scores? We’ll help you decide with clarity and confidence.

📞 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 Can Still Cost You Thousands

What does “test-optional” really mean?

It means colleges don’t require SAT/ACT scores, but many still accept them—and sometimes give an advantage to those who submit strong scores (for admissions, merit scholarships, or honors programs).

Why could skipping test scores cost more financially?

Your eligibility for merit scholarships may drop. Some scholarships or grants are only available to students who submit test scores. By not submitting, you might lose access to thousands in gift aid.

Do test-optional policies affect merit aid?

Yes. Even with test-optional admissions, many merit awards still use test scores as a key factor. If you don’t submit—or submit low scores—you may miss higher merit tiers.

How do policies differ across colleges?

Schools vary widely: some weigh scores heavily for scholarships, others barely consider them. Some limit top grants to applicants who meet specific test thresholds. Always check each college’s rules.

What evidence shows these financial risks?

At many institutions, applicants who submit strong scores tend to access larger merit tiers or more competitive aid pools. Policies and outcomes vary by college.

When is it worth submitting a low or average test score?

If your score is near or above a college’s middle-50% range, submitting can help—especially for merit. If well below, consider going test-optional, but weigh the risk of missing score-based scholarships.

Do some colleges require scores for aid even if admissions are test-optional?

Yes. Some schools treat scores differently for scholarships than for admission. Confirm whether specific awards require score submission.

How can I tell if my score will improve offers?

Compare your score to each college’s middle-50% range and review published merit grids or sample awards by score band. Run scenarios both with and without submitting scores.

What other parts of the application also matter?

GPA, course rigor, essays, recommendations, and a clear extracurricular “spike” remain crucial. A strong score can add value, but it’s only one lever.

How can using test-optional strategically save money?

Submit scores where they strengthen eligibility for merit or honors; omit them where they don’t. Compare offers under both scenarios to see the true net-cost impact.

What pitfalls do families overlook?

• Assuming “optional = no disadvantage”
• Missing score-based merit thresholds
• Ignoring renewal GPA/credit requirements
• Comparing colleges without aligning “score submitted vs. not submitted” assumptions

How does Diversified College Planning help with test-optional decisions?

We map each college’s policy, model merit with/without scores, run NPC scenarios, and recommend a score-submission strategy that maximizes aid and minimizes net cost.

How Test-Optional Policies Can Still Cost You Thousands

FAQs: How Test-Optional Policies Can Still Cost You Thousands

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