Test-Optional / Test-Blind: Can You Still Skip Standardized Tests?

Published on May 14, 2026

Every November, the most anxious message I receive from parents is: "Teacher, UPenn is Test-Optional. My son's SAT is 1380. Should he submit it?"

My answer is always: "1380 is too low compared with UPenn's median of 1510, so do not submit it. But you need to understand that Test-Optional does not mean 'standardized tests are not considered.' It means 'scores will be reviewed if submitted, and if not submitted, other materials must make up for them.'"

Parents become even more anxious: "Then if we do not submit scores, will there be a gap in the application?"

The answer is: Test-Optional is a "double paradox". Submitting a low score hurts you, but not submitting also creates a "Q&A gap" for the AO. Drawing on my 15 years of experience, this article breaks down the real impact of the latest 2026 policies.

1. Definitions of the 3 Policies

2. Major Policy Shifts from 2024 to 2026

2.1 Schools Returning from Test-Optional to "Mandatory Testing"

2.2 Schools That Remain Test-Optional

2.3 Test-Blind Schools (Special Case: Scores Fully Ignored)

3. The "Double Paradox" of Test-Optional

3.1 Submitting a Low Score Hurts You

If you have an SAT 1380 and UPenn's median is 1510, then once you submit the score, the AO will think, "This student's standardized testing is not strong enough," and the overall quality of the application drops.

3.2 Not Submitting Makes the AO Assume Your "Testing Is Weak"

Not submitting = the AO automatically fills in the blank: "This student probably did not have strong test scores, so they chose not to submit." The overall quality of the application also drops.

3.3 When Should You Submit, and When Should You Not?

3.4 SAT 25th Percentiles at Top Schools: Your "Safety Threshold" for Submitting Scores

4. Compensation Strategies When You Do Not Submit Scores Under Test-Optional

If you decide not to submit scores, you must strengthen the application through other materials:

4.1 Strengthen AP Scores

• At least 5-7 AP exams with all 5s
• Core APs such as math / physics / CS / Bio / Chem must be 5s

4.2 Strengthen GPA and Rigor

• GPA must be 3.95+ unweighted
• The most challenging courses in all of Grade 11 (AP / IB / Honors)

4.3 Strengthen ECs (Activities)

• The spike must be extremely strong: international / national top 10 Olympiad results, or published research
• The "substance" of the top 1-3 activities in the Activities Section must be extremely high

4.4 Strengthen Recommendation Letters

• Both academic teachers should clearly express academic depth in their recommendation letters
• Language such as "rare student" or "top 1 of my 20 years teaching"

4.5 Strengthen Essays

• The PS must be exceptionally strong
• Supplements must be fully customized and absolutely not generic

The truth: Students who do not submit standardized test scores must be exceptionally strong across the other 5 dimensions. If you are simply "not strong enough in testing" and the other dimensions are only okay, you are out.

5. The Special Nature of the UC System's Test-Blind Policy

All 9 UC campuses have been Test-Blind since 2021. Even if you submit scores, they will not be reviewed.

5.1 What This Means for Taiwanese Students

• Do not strengthen standardized testing for UC. They do not consider it
• The entire review focus is on GPA + course rigor + 4 PIQs
• UC is the fairest option for Taiwanese international students because differences in standardized testing aptitude do not affect review

5.2 The 4 Major Focus Areas in UC Review

For detailed strategy, see "How to Choose the 4 UC PIQs of 350 Words Each".

6. The Real Blind Spot for Students in the SAT 1400 Range

6.1 Students in the SAT 1400 Range (25th-30th Percentile)

Applying to Top 10: Strongly not recommended to submit.

Applying to Top 11-30: Decision zone.

6.2 Students in the SAT 1300 Range

Applying to Top 30: Do not submit anywhere. Applying to Top 50: Some scores can be submitted (all UC campuses are Test-Blind, and for other public universities in the Top 50 range, SAT 1300 may be around the median).

7. The Real Difference in Application Quality Under Test-Optional

7.1 Data Disclosure

From publicly available Common Data Set information:

The truth: Even at Test-Optional schools, the proportion of admitted students who submitted scores is higher than the proportion of applicants who submitted scores. This means students who do not submit scores have lower admission odds.

7.2 Why?

Possible reasons:

1. AOs still prefer standardized evidence: Standardized testing is a quality signal, and without it, AOs lose a reference point
2. The "double evidence" burden is harder for non-submitters: The other 5 dimensions must all be extremely strong
3. Many non-submitters are students who are not strong enough: Choosing not to submit = an implicit signal of weak testing

8. Special Considerations for Taiwanese International Students

8.1 The Impact of Test-Optional on International Students vs U.S. Domestic Students

For U.S. domestic students: Test-Optional is truly optional For Taiwanese international students: Not submitting under Test-Optional clearly lowers the perceived quality of the application

Reasons:

1. AOs are familiar with U.S. high school curricula and can evaluate GPA
2. AOs are not familiar with Taiwanese high school curricula, so they need SAT scores as a tool for "alignment"
3. A Taiwanese student who does not submit scores leaves the AO without an "alignment tool"

8.2 Practical Advice for Taiwanese Middle-Class Families

If your budget is limited and preparation time is limited:

• Aim for SAT 1450+ (around the Top 30 median)
• Aim for TOEFL 105+ (median range)
• Earn 5s on 5-7 AP exams

This is more stable than "no SAT + strong ECs."

9. The Connection Between Test-Optional and Scholarships

9.1 Merit Scholarships Usually Require Standardized Testing

Many Merit Scholarships still require standardized test scores even if the school itself is Test-Optional:

Conclusion: If you want a Merit Scholarship, you must submit standardized test scores even if the school is Test-Optional.

10. SAT II Subject Tests Have Been Discontinued

All SAT II Subject Tests were discontinued starting in 2021. Schools that previously required SAT II, such as Georgetown, changed their requirements to AP / IB.

11. Can AP Replace SAT?

In theory: Four AP scores of 5 ≈ the quality signal of SAT 1500 In practice: Schools still require SAT/ACT as the "primary standardized test." AP cannot fully replace it.

12. Conclusion: Test-Optional Is a Paradox, Use It Carefully

Over the past 15 years, I have seen too many parents assume "Test-Optional = no need to prepare standardized tests." That is wrong. Test-Optional is a trap.

My final advice for Dr. G. students:

Test-Optional schools still prefer score submitters. This is the truth reflected in the data. My specific recommendations:1. Push SAT above the 25th percentile, then submit2. If SAT is 50 points below the 25th percentile, do not submit3. Non-submitters must be extremely strong across the other 5 dimensions (GPA, AP, ECs, recommendation letters, essays)4. Many schools are gradually becoming Test-Required in 2025-2026, so do not bet on the Test-Optional trend continuing

Standardized testing is not "useless." It is **the fairest tool for Taiwanese international students. Taiwanese high school GPA / AP records are not easy for AOs to interpret, and SAT "translates" you into a language AOs can understand.

Further Reading:

• SAT vs ACT: Which Should You Choose?
• How to Prepare for SAT 1500+ (Dr. G. 9637 Question Bank Practice)
• How to Prepare for ACT 33+
• AP Course Selection Strategy
• The Impact of Need-Aware Admissions on International Students and How to Respond