Should I submit standardized test scores to UConn if they are optional?

Yes, if your SAT or ACT scores are meaningfully stronger than the rest of your academic profile, submitting them to UConn can help. UConn is test-optional for general admission, so you are not penalized for withholding scores, but strong scores can provide an extra academic signal, especially if your GPA, course rigor, or school grading context is less impressive on paper. In your situation, where your scores are stronger than your transcript, sending them often makes sense.

If your score is well below that range, it is usually better to leave it out and let your application rest on coursework, grades, activities, and essays. If you are applying to a more competitive program within UConn, the bar for “submit” should be a bit higher.

This matters because UConn will still look closely at your transcript first, including course rigor and grade trends, but a solid test score can reinforce that you are ready for college-level work. It can be especially useful if you had an upward trend, attended a tougher high school, or had one weaker semester that drags down your GPA.

One important detail: some merit scholarships or specialized programs may have their own requirements or preferences, so check the exact admissions and scholarship pages for the year you apply. For general admission, though, test-optional really does mean optional, so the best choice is to submit only if the score strengthens the overall picture of your application.