Regarding @My5Kiddos question it seems SAT/ACT test scores are frequently utilized at test-score-optional schools as a basis for academic merit aid. While this might seem a bit contradictory, one has to remember that the kids with the higher scores (and 1550 fits well within the range of a higher score at HC) tend to submit their test scores in any case. Because GPAs (varying from high school to high school) and rankings (where they even exist) are problematic comparators one can see the advantage of utilizing test scores as a major determiner for academic merit aid. (Anecdotally, it seems HC has been offering about 10K (?) in academic merit aid to its strongest applicants the last couple of years …this is beyond the limited - but established - music and classics offerings.)