🎓 Why High Test Scores Still Matter in a Test-Optional World
In recent years, many colleges and universities have gone “test-optional,” allowing students to decide whether to submit ACT, SAT, or CLT scores as part of their applications. On the surface, that sounds like a relief — less pressure, fewer Saturday mornings spent testing, and one less box to check.
But here’s the truth most families don’t realize until it’s too late: high test scores still matter — a lot. Even in a test-optional world, strong scores can open doors that grades and essays alone can’t.
1. Test Scores Still Unlock Merit Scholarships
While some colleges may not require test scores for admission, many still use them to determine merit-based scholarships. A higher ACT or SAT score can mean the difference between paying full tuition and earning thousands (or even tens of thousands) in automatic scholarship money. In my work as a Scholarship Consultant and Judge, I’ve seen how scholarship committees rely on objective data — like GPA and test scores — to quickly identify top academic performers. A high score signals academic readiness and often serves as the deciding factor when two students look equally strong on paper.
2. Strong Scores Strengthen Your Overall Application
Colleges may be test-optional, but that doesn’t mean they’re “test-blind.” When students submit a competitive test score, it validates the strength of their transcript and shows consistency between grades and performance. For homeschool or smaller private school students, scores provide an additional layer of credibility — helping admissions officers see that a 4.0 GPA truly reflects academic excellence. In short, test scores remain one of the clearest, most universal benchmarks of college readiness.
3. Scores Can Offset a Lower GPA or Gaps in Rigor
If a student’s GPA isn’t as high as they’d like, or their transcript lacks advanced coursework, a strong test score can balance the equation. It demonstrates growth, discipline, and mastery — all qualities colleges value. Many schools still use “superscoring,” meaning they’ll combine a student’s highest section scores from multiple test dates. That gives students multiple chances to show improvement — and every few points can make a significant difference in both admissions and scholarships.
4. Competitive Programs Still Expect Them
While general admission may be test-optional, certain programs — such as honors colleges, STEM tracks, or direct-entry nursing and business programs — still look closely at test scores. In these competitive fields, submitting strong scores demonstrates seriousness and preparation. It’s not uncommon for students to gain acceptance to the university overall but be denied entry to a specific program because their test scores weren’t submitted.
5. Scholarship Applications Go Beyond College Admissions
Private scholarships, corporate awards, and community foundations still ask for test scores. Why? Because they’re investing real dollars in a student’s potential — and standardized scores remain one of the easiest ways to compare academic readiness across applicants. I remind families often: college admission gets you in the door, but scholarships help you afford to stay there.
đź’ˇ Bottom Line:
Test-optional doesn’t mean test-irrelevant. It means students now have the freedom to decide whether their scores strengthen their story — and when they do, submitting them is still one of the smartest financial decisions a family can make. So while some may skip testing altogether, I encourage my students to think strategically. A strong test score isn’t just a number — it’s a scholarship strategy.
If you’d like to learn how your student can raise their ACT, SAT, or CLT scores — and position themselves for scholarships — schedule a FREE test prep consultation with Horton Test Prep by clicking the link below. You can also learn about my digital course Secrets to Earning Scholarships. As a scholarship judge myself, I reveal insider secrets that help students learn how to win scholarships that make college affordable.
