When should I opt out of sending test scores?

You should opt out of sending test scores when they fall below the middle 50% range of admitted students at your target college. For selective institutions like Duke University, where the middle 50% SAT range is typically 1500-1560, sending scores below this range could potentially weaken your application, especially if you have strong grades and other compelling components in your profile.

Test-optional policies allow you to showcase your academic abilities through other means, particularly your GPA and course rigor. If your grades demonstrate consistent excellence, especially in challenging courses like AP, IB, or Honors classes, these achievements may represent your academic potential more effectively than standardized test scores. The decision becomes clearer when your grades place you in the top portion of your class while your test scores fall short of the school's typical admitted student profile.

Consider withholding scores if you experienced testing challenges due to circumstances beyond your control, such as limited test preparation resources, test anxiety, or external factors that affected your performance. In these cases, your consistent academic performance in the classroom provides a more accurate picture of your capabilities. Many admissions officers confirm that they would rather see strong grades without test scores than strong grades with below-average test scores for their institution.

Remember that test-optional truly means optional. Schools like Duke have committed to evaluating applications holistically, and thousands of students are admitted each year without submitting test scores. Focus on strengthening other aspects of your application, such as your extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation, which can often provide more meaningful insights into your potential contributions to the university community.