University of California Puts Admissions Test Review on Hold
The University of California (UC) has decided to delay a major review that could determine whether SAT and ACT scores should once again become part of its admissions process. The move has sparked fresh debate among professors, educators, parents, and policymakers about what is the fairest way to judge whether students are ready for college.
The university system stopped requiring SAT and ACT scores in 2020. Later, it decided not to use the tests at all after concerns were raised that they reflected a student's family income and background more than their academic ability. At the time, many believed removing standardized tests would make college admissions more equal for students from different communities.
Reasons why UC is considering SAT and ACT again?
Recently, however, some UC professors have argued that many first-year students are arriving on campus without the math and reading skills needed to succeed in college, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. This has led to growing calls for the university to reconsider its testing policy.
Although a review of admissions testing was expected to begin soon, the UC Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools voted to postpone the process. The board said it wants to take more time to conduct a careful and evidence-based review instead of rushing to a decision. UC Academic Senate Chair Ahmet Palazoglu stressed that the university is still committed to studying the issue, but the timeline has been revised to ensure a thorough evaluation.
Regents Still Want a Final Recommendation
Despite the delay, the University of California Board of Regents has made it clear that the discussion is far from over. Board Chair Maria Anguiano said she expects the faculty-led Academic Senate to present recommendations by the end of the current academic year. According to Anguiano, the goal is not simply to decide whether SAT and ACT exams should return, but to better understand what skills and knowledge truly prepare students for success in college and beyond.
Faculty Raise Concerns About Student Readiness
One of the biggest reasons behind the renewed debate is concern over students' academic preparedness. Faculty members report that many freshmen are struggling with basic math. At UC San Diego, for example, the number of students whose math skills fell below high school standards increased dramatically between 2020 and 2025. Some students were even performing below the middle school level. Professors also say reading and writing skills have declined in recent years.
These concerns have led more than 3,000 UC faculty members to sign letters urging the university to bring back standardized testing. One letter, signed by over 2,300 professors, argued that students entering STEM majors often lack the necessary mathematical foundation. Another letter, signed by about 900 faculty members from non-STEM fields, said reading and writing sections of the SAT and ACT provide valuable information about students' academic abilities.
Why Some Support Bringing Back the Tests
Supporters of reinstating the tests believe standardized exams offer colleges an objective way to measure academic readiness. They argue that high school grades alone do not always reflect what students actually know because grading standards can vary from one school to another. Some educators also believe test scores can help identify talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have access to expensive extracurricular activities or other opportunities that strengthen college applications.
Why Others Oppose the Idea
Many K-12 educators and education advocates worry that bringing back the SAT and ACT would hurt students from low-income families and underfunded school districts. They argue that standardized tests often favor students who can afford private tutoring, test preparation courses, and other educational resources. Instead of depending on admission examinations, these critics propose that the true solution is to enhance K–12 education.
Some experts also point to other factors affecting student performance, including learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, increased absenteeism, and the impact of social media on students' learning habits. They believe universities should work more closely with schools to strengthen students' academic skills before graduation instead of using standardized tests as the primary solution.
The Fairness Question
The debate also raises questions about fairness and diversity. In 2021, the University of California agreed not to use SAT or ACT scores as part of a legal settlement involving claims that the exams created barriers for students of color and students with disabilities. Former California Governor Gavin Newsom also expressed concerns that standardized test scores are closely linked to race and family income, making them an imperfect measure of college potential.
As an alternative, UC is exploring whether California's Smarter Balanced assessments, which are taken by many high school juniors, could play a role in admissions. However, university officials note that this option also has challenges because students from outside California generally do not take these exams.
What Happens Next?
For now, no final decision has been made. The University of California will continue studying the issue over the coming months before deciding whether standardized testing should once again become part of the admissions process. The outcome could shape how one of the nation's largest public university systems evaluates future applicants.
The discussion reflects a larger national debate over college admissions. Universities across the United States continue to balance two important goals: ensuring students are academically prepared for college while also creating fair opportunities for applicants from all backgrounds. As the review moves forward, many students, parents, and educators will be watching closely to see which path the University of California ultimately chooses.
