🏫 College Advising

A student applying to a "test-optional" university has strong grades but scores just below the 50th percentile for admitted students on the SAT. What advice should the college advisor offer regarding submitting test scores?

A The student should always submit scores to demonstrate effort, regardless of the percentile.
B The student should only submit scores if they are above the 75th percentile for admitted students.
C The student should carefully weigh whether their scores would strengthen or detract from their application.
D The student must submit their scores because "test-optional" still implies a preference for scores.

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

In a test-optional policy, students should submit scores only if they believe those scores strengthen their overall application. Scores below the median might not add value and could detract from an otherwise strong academic record.

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