Agree with @MWolf. Not sure there is much evidence this has been the case with test optional applicant results of past years or this year. The current TO kids are doing very well. This year, some feel they are doing too well - if you are a pro-test type. My child is in a friend group with 8 smart students. 7/8 went test optional and 6 of the TO group are already into top 50’s. The one ED rejection submitted his 34. I realize this is a small sample, but I see no evidence of what you are implying.