
When a school is test-optional, submitting a high score provides an extra data point that confirms your academic readiness. If two applicants have identical GPAs and extracurriculars, the one with a top-tier SAT score often has a slight edge.
If your score falls below the 25th percentile for a specific college, withholding it forces the admissions committee to focus entirely on your strong GPA and essays. It is a strategic choice that varies school by school.