Should I submit SAT or ACT scores if my score is around the middle 50% of a college's range?

If your score is within a college’s middle 50% range, it is usually reasonable to submit it. A score in that band is generally considered academically credible for that school, not a weakness by itself.

The middle 50% means 25% of enrolled students scored below that range and 25% scored above it. So if you are in the middle, or even near the lower end, you are still in a score range the college regularly admits.

The more important question is where your score sits relative to the rest of your application. If your GPA, course rigor, and activities are strong, a mid-range score often supports the idea that you can handle the academics. It may not be a huge boost, but it usually will not hurt.

I’d be more cautious about submitting if your score is below the 25th percentile, especially at a test-optional school where the rest of your academic profile already looks stronger than the testing. In that case, withholding can make sense.

Also compare your score to your own school record. If your transcript shows top grades in demanding classes but your test score is noticeably less impressive for that college, going test-optional may be smarter. If the score is consistent with your academic performance, sending it is often the better call.

For a mixed college list, you do not need one universal strategy. Decide school by school. At some colleges, your score may be a submit. At others, especially more selective ones where you are near or below the bottom of the range, test-optional may be better.