Will not submitting test scores hurt my private school application?

Not necessarily—but it depends on what else you’re bringing to the table. If your grades are solid, your essays are compelling, and your rec letters make you sound like a future Nobel winner, you’re still in the game. That said, “test-optional” doesn’t mean schools won’t appreciate a great score. It just means they won’t require one.

So if another applicant has similar credentials and submitted a stellar score, they might get a second glance. Think of it like sprinkles on a cupcake—totally optional, but hard to resist. The key is to be intentional. Don’t skip the scores because you’re unsure—skip them because the rest of your application speaks louder. Test-optional isn’t a loophole. It’s a lane. Use it wisely.