As a high school student approaching the college application process, one might find themselves grappling with the nuanced decision of whether to submit SAT scores as part of their application portfolio. Is it advantageous to include these scores, even if they may not reflect your academic potential in the most favorable light? Do the benefits of showcasing standardized test results, which may bolster your chances of admission to prestigious institutions, outweigh potential drawbacks? Moreover, how do colleges interpret these scores in the context of your entire application, especially when many schools have adopted test-optional policies? Could it be that an exemplary score might enhance your application, confirming your academic rigor, while a less favorable one could inadvertently raise questions about your overall preparedness? What factors should you consider in the decision-making process—such as your overall GPA, extracurricular involvements, and personal statements—before concluding whether submitting these scores is indeed a prudent strategy? What might be the long-term implications of this choice for your academic aspirations?