https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/act-vs-sat-how-to-decide-which-test-to-take 

https://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-act 

What does test-optional mean?

If a college or university has a test-optional admissions policy, that means they allow all or some applicants to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT® scores as part of their application. It doesn’t mean that schools aren’t interested in seeing all applicants’ performance and potential—but if a student doesn’t submit their scores, it won’t be considered in the application review. 

In a recent survey, representatives from test-optional colleges and universities reported that, on average, close to 80% of their applicants choose to submit test scores.

Understanding test-optional policies can help you make informed decisions about whether to take the SAT, the ACT, or both. The most important point is that policies vary widely. Be sure to read each college’s policy carefully so you understand what you need to do to qualify for admission, scholarships, financial aid, etc.

Variations in test-optional policies

Here are some possible variations in test score policies:

Example 1: Test-optional admissions policy for some

At some colleges, if your GPA or class rank meets the minimum requirements, you can decide not to submit SAT or ACT scores. Some applicants, like homeschooled or international students, are required to submit scores, regardless of GPA.

Example 2: Test-optional admissions policy for all

In some cases, the college allows students to decide for themselves whether to submit test scores. Applicants are told, in essence, “if you think your scores are an accurate representation of your ability, feel free to submit them. If you feel they’re not, don’t.”

Example 3: Test optional for admissions, but required for enrollment or scholarships

Some colleges that are test-optional for admissions require SAT or ACT scores for other uses, such as academic counseling and placement, or for institutional research. Students who don’t submit their scores as part of their applications will be required to do so before arriving on campus.

Remember: Many schools that don’t require scores for admission still consider them when awarding merit scholarships. When in doubt, check with the school.

Test-optional FAQs

Which colleges don’t require the SAT or ACT?

The list of test-optional colleges is changing all the time. Always check directly with the college to confirm their policy, either by going to its website or calling its admissions office.

Why should I consider taking the exam?

• You’ll keep your options open. Every college accepts test scores, and most encourage them.  Remember: Your college list isn’t set in stone: you can change it at any time. 

• You’ll stand out among the applicants. If you get the score you hope for, and especially if it’s above average for the college, submitting your score can help you in the admissions process. Even if your top-choice is one of the rare test-flexible colleges, you should still take the exam. You may find you’ll do better on it than you have on the SAT Subject Tests, AP Exams, or other alternatives that the college considers. And keep in mind that colleges consider test scores in context. Even if your scores aren’t above average for the college, if they’re high for your school or neighborhood, they’ll help you make a great impression.

• You could get more than just admission. At some colleges, the only criteria to be eligible for certain scholarships is a minimum SAT/ACT score and GPA. If you don’t take either of these tests, you take yourself out of the running for hundreds of thousands of dollars that could make college more affordable. 

• A high test score can offset a low GPA. If you don’t take the exam, colleges will have less information about your academic performance. If you have a low GPA but do well on the exam, you’re letting colleges know you have the potential to succeed in college-level classes.

What if I’m not confident about taking the exams?

We understand that not everyone feels great about taking tests, but there isn’t any downside to taking the exams. If you don’t do as well as you want, the decision if and where to send your scores is completely up to you.

Remember, everyone’s situation is different, but we encourage you not to limit your choices. Give yourself every opportunity to succeed. Try taking the exams. You can use free, personalized SAT/ACT test prep to build your confidence and improve your scores. If you don’t do as well as you want, you can practice and try again. 

With a score in hand, you’ll be able to make the decision that’s best for you. If the score isn’t where you need it to be, if you don’t think it reflects your ability, or if it doesn’t strengthen your application—you don’t have to send it. It’ll still be ready and waiting if you need to submit it for placement or scholarships.

Source: https://blog.collegeboard.org/what-is-a-test-optional-college

Some colleges have adopted test-optional or test-flexible policies or plan to de-emphasize standardized test scores when reviewing undergraduate applications. The shift to test-optional admissions may be permanent at some colleges and temporary at others.

If you are not a great test-taker or think your test scores don’t accurately reflect your abilities as a student, you might consider applying to test-optional schools. Here are four things to know before you take that step.

1. There Are Different Types of Test-Optional Schools

A test-optional college lets students decide whether they want to submit test scores with their application. Most test-optional schools will consider SAT and ACT scores if they are submitted, but focus on other factors they believe are stronger predictors of a student’s potential to succeed in college. These schools look at a student’s essays, recommendations, grades, and coursework just as (or more) closely than your test scores.

A test-flexible college lets students submit other test scores in place of the SAT or ACT, such as one or more SAT Subject Tests, an International Baccalaureate exam, or Advanced Placement test.

A test-blind college will not consider test scores, even if you submit them.

2. Test-Optional Policies Differ from College to College

Some test-optional policies come with restrictions. For example:

• Some colleges require test scores for out-of-state or international students, or for students pursuing certain majors.

• Some test-optional schools may determine your test-optional eligibility using an index calculated from your GPA, test scores, and class rank.

• Some schools may ask you to submit test scores for placement in the freshman class or to take a placement exam.

• Some may ask for additional materials instead of test scores, such as samples of your academic work, scientific research, or additional recommendation letters.

3. Other Parts of Your Application Will Be Closely Scrutinized

Colleges want as much information about you as possible. So without test scores, it’s likely that other parts of your application -- your grades and grade trends, essays, extracurricular activities, and achievements -- must be strong enough to make the college want to admit you.

4. Test Scores Might Be Required for Merit Scholarships

Many test-optional colleges look at test scores when awarding merit scholarships, so not submitting them might put you at a disadvantage. Be sure to confirm all scholarship requirements before applying.

How to Find Out Which Colleges Are Test-Optional

Go to FairTest for an up-to-date list of accredited colleges and universities that do not use or de-emphasize ACT/SAT scores in their college admissions process. 

What does "test optional" mean?  Quick video 

Source: https://www.collegedata.com/en/prepare-and-apply/strengthen-your-chances/psat-sat-act-oh-my/what-is-a-test-optional-college/

What is an SAT/ACT Superscore?

It is human nature to selectively showcase only our best moments while simultaneously sweeping those that are less flattering out of sight. When serious high school athletes put together highlight reels for recruitment videos, they cherry-pick touchdowns, dunks, or homeruns; not fumbles, air balls, and strikeouts. On social media, people can’t wait to post pictures of engagement rings, new material acquisitions, and flattering selfies—marital disputes, money troubles, and uncomplimentary photos rarely grace one’s newsfeed.

College applicants feel much the same way as they present themselves to prospective schools and thanks to the practice of superscoring, they get just that opportunity when submitting standardized test scores.

What is superscoring? 

Understanding the significance of superscoring is best conveyed through a simple example:

Johnny takes the SAT for the first time in spring of his junior year, scoring a 610 on the critical reading section and a 550 on the math section for a total score of 1160. He takes the test again in the fall of his senior year, scoring a 570 in critical reading and a 590 in math for an identical total score of 1160. Johnny scored no better the 2nd time around which would qualify as a pretty big disappointment, right?

Wrong. The vast majority of colleges and universities in the United States will take an applicant’s superscore—that is, their best combined critical reading and math score. This means Johnny now has a 610 reading + 590 math for a total of 1200 making him a more competitive candidate for admission/merit aid at his target schools.

Why are colleges so nice?

They’re not. Colleges are forever enmeshed in prestige/rankings wars with other comparable institutions. Returning to our friend Johnny, admitting an applicant with a 1200 is better for a school’s perceived selectivity than admitting an applicant with an 1160.

It’s no wonder 99% of schools are eager to make their applicants’ test scores look as strong as possible. The list of big-name colleges that does not superscore is fairly short but does include some prominent state institutions such as Penn State, the University of Wisconsin, and Arizona State. Be sure to check out your prospective institutions’ admissions websites for the most up-to-date superscore policies.

Is the ACT different?

The higher education community was a bit late to the ACT superscore party, but things are now picking up steam. The ACT’s composite score is calculated by averaging together a student’s scores (from 1-36) on English, math, reading, and science. Roughly 100 schools will now average together a student’s highest subtest scores from any administration of the exam, the ACT equivalent of superscoring. Included on this list are elite schools like Duke, Johns Hopkins, Vassar, MIT, and UNC.

Remember, the ACT will round up a composite score of 26.5 to a 27, meaning you don’t have to improve very much on any one section to have an ACT superscore potentially receive a 1 point boost.

Second (or third) time is a charm

Students typically take the SAT or ACT for the first time in the spring of their junior year. Those who elect to retake the test the following fall improve their overall score by an average of 40 points on the SAT. It makes sense that students would receive a natural boost for two reasons: 1) it’s not their first rodeo, they know the routine, the timing of the test, the format, etc.; and 2) they’ve been exposed to more relevant academic material in the classroom since the last sitting. And these advantages don’t even account for the biggest difference of all—you have an entire summer to learn the secrets of the SAT/ACT backward and forward.

Remember, you only have to improve one section of either exam to improve your standing as an applicant.

An aid to merit aid 

Even if you already sport scores that put you in good shape to be granted acceptance at the schools to which you will be applying, there is still a compelling reason to sit for the ACT/SAT one more time. Standardized test scores play a huge role in determining which applicants receive offers of merit aid. Remember, the point of non-need based merit aid from an institutional standpoint is to offer enough of a discount to attract top talented students.

There are two metrics that will clue you in on your chances of scoring merit aid at a given college or university. The first is the percentage of students that receive merit aid, numbers which are readily accessible online. The second is to look at the 75th percentile of SAT/ACT scores for accepted students, also easy to track down online or in literally any college guidebook. If your score falls at or above that number and a given school is known for being relatively generous with merit aid, chances are you will get a substantial offer.

Bottom Line

The superscore is your friend and an overwhelming percentage of schools utilize this tool for the SAT and a growing number will do so for the ACT as well. Understanding the superscore should provide inspiration to take whichever test you choose two to three times. Doing so can make you more competitive from an admissions and merit aid standpoint. After all, the more selfies you snap, the better chance you’ll stumble upon that “perfect” profile pic.

Source: https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/superscore-me/

Students who qualify for one of the following criteria may be eligible for an ACT/SAT Fee waiver:

• Enrolled in a federal free or reduced-price lunch program at school, based on US Department of Agriculture (USDA) income levels.

• Enrolled in a program for the economically disadvantaged 

• Resides in a foster home, is a ward of the state, or is homeless.

• Family receives low-income public assistance or lives in federally subsidized public housing.

• Family’s total annual income is at or below USDA levels for free or reduced-price lunches on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.

• If you have an extenuating circumstance, please reach out to Mr. Okoji to discuss your situation.

• 
  

If you qualify for one of the criteria, please reach out to Mr. Okoji to request a waiver.  Currently, you can qualify for 2 Free SAT and 4 ACT fee waivers over the course of your high school career.  You will be issued a "waiver code number" and will need to input this number into your SAT/ACT accounts. For the SAT, one waiver code number will allow you to register for two free exams.  For the ACT, you will have to request a code from Mr. Okoji at myles.okoji@k12.hi.us for each exam (e.g. 4 exams=4 different codes).   You may also receive free application fee waivers and sending score reports to colleges for free. Both the SAT and ACT have different benefits.  Check out the websites below for more specific information:

ACT Fee Waiver Information: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/fees/fee-waivers.html

SAT Waiver Information: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/fees/fee-waivers