Should I Send My Scores or Not?
First things first, the Princeton Review has a college search tool that can help you tremendously in making score sending and college list decisions! Check it out!
When you’re researching your schools, take a look at their current stats. We’re considering numbers based on the common data set for the 2023-2024 school year. It’s also important to note that these are data from the students who were enrolled, not just admitted. If you rise above that 75th percentile score of freshmen who enrolled in the last admissions cycle– then why hesitate? Let the school know that you fit in the profile, so far as standardized tests go.
So let’s discuss the 50th percentile rule. Very generally, if you’re at or above the 50th percentile score of incoming freshmen at that particular school, you should consider submitting your test scores. The caveat is this: colleges will also evaluate your test scores against your high school’s historic performance on the exams.
If you’re applying to a very selective school and you’re just at that 50th percentile score, but your scores are a little more on the modest side when measured against your peers with the same educational background, then it might actually NOT help to submit in this circumstance. However, if you’re below the 50th percentile score, but your ACT or SAT scores far exceed the scores of those who have similar educational backgrounds, then it might HELP to submit.
That’s why you need to make these kind of decisions on a case-by-case basis, with the help of trusted, knowledgeable advisors, such as your high school counselor!
But could a “bad” test score impact your application negatively?
One instance is UChicago’s ‘No Harm’ policy for application review when considering SAT or ACT scores. Any SAT or ACT score submitted will only be used in review if it will positively affect an applicant’s chance of admission.” The University of Iowa told us the same thing. And, for another instance, The University of Southern’s admissions website indicates that “applicants will not be penalized or put at a disadvantage if they choose not to submit SAT or ACT scores.”
Again: admissions officers want reasons to accept students, not deny them.
Finally, I want to give you my vote of confidence
These tests are coachable. Duke and Harvard both say so. The College Board says so, which is why it offers practice for its own test in the Bluebook App. Ultimately, the ACT and the SAT test how well you take the ACT and SAT. These tests are standardized, coachable, and beatable.
Sometimes we think of the ACT and the SAT as obstacles to our dream colleges when we should be thinking about them as tools to get there. Particularly now, in this era of test-optional admissions, when schools are emphasizing that your test scores are only one element of a holistic process, we should think of them as an opportunity. Research each school’s individual policy – and research the college profiles on our website.
Remember that policies can change, so follow the news, follow the schools on your list, and follow us, we’re here to help!