Should My Daughter Send in Her SAT Score of 1490 to Test-Optional Universities?

Should My Daughter Send in Her SAT Score of 1490 to Test-Optional Universities?

The decision of whether to submit an SAT score of 1490 to test-optional universities can be a complex one. Indecision often arises from a myriad of factors, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, and the specific policies of each university.

Context of the Score

A score of 1490 is generally competitive, especially at many selective universities. If her score is at or above the average scores of admitted students at the schools she is considering, it could strengthen her application. However, if her score is significantly below the average, it might not add as much value to her application.

Overall Application Strength

Regardless of the SAT score, if her overall application strength is strong, the SAT score may not be necessary. Strong grades, a solid GPA, impressive extracurricular activities, strong letters of recommendation, and a compelling personal statement can outweigh a slightly lower SAT score. Test-optional policies often allow students to choose whether to submit scores based on their overall application strength.

Review Each School's Policies

It is crucial to review each school's specific policies on test-optional admissions. Some universities might still consider submitted scores favorably, while others might focus more on a holistic admissions process. Understanding the individual policies can help in making an informed decision.

Future Plans and Requirements

If she is applying to programs that may require standardized test scores later, such as certain graduate programs, submitting her SAT score now could be beneficial. It ensures that her current score is on record and can be used if required in the future.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the decision should also depend on her personal feelings about the score. If she believes that the score reflects her capabilities and adds value to her application, she may choose to submit it. Conversely, if she feels that other aspects of her application are stronger and the SAT score might not bolster her application, then she can choose not to submit it.

Conclusion

Given that her score aligns well with her chosen schools' profiles and complements her application, submitting it could be worthwhile. If not, she can focus on other strengths in her application without the need to include her SAT score.

It’s important to weigh all these factors carefully and make an informed decision that best represents her application.