Following Elimination of SAT, UC Evaluates Possible Reintegration of Admissions Test

Since the University of California eliminated the SAT and ACT from its freshman admissions process in 2020, the institution has seen an increase in graduation and second-year retention rates. Advocates of maintaining a test-free admission policy argue that this trend demonstrates that dropping these standardized tests has not led to a decline in academic performance. However, a significant number of UC faculty believe students are entering college unprepared, particularly in math and writing, prompting discussions on the potential reinstatement of the SAT.

About 3,000 faculty members have expressed concerns through open letters, stating that more students are displaying inadequate skills and that the absence of standardized tests limits the ability to filter applicants who are ready to meet the university’s academic challenges. Although average GPAs for new students have risen since dropping the SAT, issues persist, particularly in entry-level math courses where failure rates have increased. A UC committee has been tasked with producing a report by February on the future of standardized testing, with recommendations expected by June from the UC Academic Senate.