<p>I’m hoping someone else has encountered this issue, and has some suggestions on a way to proceed in seeking scholarships in light of this. It is just asinine to me that someone can work hard to make a 4.0 in a honors/AP level college-prep school for all 4 years of high school, and then be penalized or judged on the basis of a single test (ACT/SAT)!</p>
<p>What about the colleges that make test score submission optional? Do they give scholarship awards and, if so, do they base them on the high school record, test scores, or a combination of both?</p>
<p>Well, I’m not sure I agree with you that it is asinine that someone is punished because of a low score on the SAT, but I can certainly empathize with you. I would advise your daughter to apply to solid state schools like Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State, etc. Most public schools really care a lot about the grades and less about the test scores. If your D is a valedictorian you should check in to see if KY has a program where they waive tuition for valedictorians at the flagship schools. I know some states do this. Most schools, at least the schools where a 4.0 student would be looking to attend, don’t give scholarship awards without at the very least considering test scores in part. I’m also rather certain not all the test-score-optional schools will give scholarships without looking at the test scores-but you should look into each individual school. Lastly, if your D took the SAT but not the ACT (or vice-versa) she may want to try the other test. Some people do considerably better on the other test and it would be good to leave as many options open as possible when considering colleges and scholarships.</p>