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How would you get Merit Scholarships from colleges if you don't submit an SAT score?

I have an average SAT score but have an unweighted GPA of 4.0, have taken a mix of honors and college classes, and are part of a large array of extracurriculars. If I decide not to submit my SAT score, will colleges that are test-optional still accept me and give me a generous amount of scholarship money?

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A. Michelle’s Answer

Grace - As a first step, talk to your school’s college counselor to help determine if your SAT scores could detract from an otherwise strong application profile. Test optional schools should consider you for merit-based scholarships, but it will be even more important to present strong grades and essays and insightful recommendations from teachers, administrators and others and to demonstrate leadership and commitment outside of academics. SAT scores are a path, but not the only one to college scholarships.
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Martha’s Answer

You are asking some great questions, Grace. Here is a US News & World Report article I found helpful - https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/slideshows/things-to-know-about-merit-aid-scholarships. There isn't one answer for all colleges, so check the websites of all colleges you are interested in. I would think that a test-optional college would not require SAT scores to award aid, but technically it could. Some colleges will award merit aid for their honor programs or certain departments will give merit awards. Some of those may be for one year only, so read carefully. Also, some colleges will require essays for merit scholarships so leave yourself enough time to complete them. Lastly, some colleges have limited budgets for merit aid so apply as early as you can.

Remember that there are merit-based options besides your college. If your parents work outside of the home, their companies may sponsor scholarship programs. Local service organizations, such as Rotary, may sponsor scholarships. Here is an interesting list that I found by Googling - https://blog.prepscholar.com/best-merit-scholarships. Your high school guidance counselor should be able to identify ones, especially in your area.

Good luck!

Martha recommends the following next steps:

Check websites of colleges you are interested in
Contact. your guidance counselor
Begin compiling a list from Google searches
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Grace
Thank you comment icon You're welcome - my pleasure. Martha Kramer
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Prativa’s Answer

Many colleges and universities have become test-optional, meaning they don’t require SAT scores for admission, and they evaluate applicants based on other aspects of their academic and extracurricular achievements. If you have a strong unweighted GPA, a mix of honors and college classes, and a diverse set of extracurricular activities, you can certainly apply to these test-optional schools without submitting your SAT scores.
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