An open letter advocating for the reinstatement of standardized testing requirements for STEM admissions within the University of California (UC) system has garnered significant support, with signatures now approaching 850. The initiative, led by UC Berkeley mathematicians and other faculty, highlights concerns over what they describe as severe preparation gaps among incoming STEM students since the UC system eliminated standardized tests.
The letter, publicized by figures such as Neetu Arnold, indicates that the signatories include "Still 7/9 UC Math chairs," "37 STEM chairs," and "an engineering dean," underscoring broad academic backing. Faculty argue that the absence of standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT, has made it difficult to reliably assess students' readiness for college-level mathematics and science coursework. They contend that professors are increasingly forced to reteach middle school math concepts to university students.
The University of California system made a landmark decision in May 2020 to suspend and eventually eliminate SAT and ACT requirements, citing concerns about equity and bias against students from lower-income and underrepresented backgrounds. This move, however, went against the recommendations of the UC Academic Senate’s own Standardized Testing Task Force, which suggested that test scores could predict college performance better than high school grades. Several other elite institutions, including Harvard, Stanford, and Caltech, have since reinstated standardized testing requirements for applicants.
Faculty supporting the open letter point to data indicating a significant decline in mathematical preparedness. A November 2025 report from a UC San Diego workgroup documented a nearly thirtyfold increase in incoming first-year students whose math skills fell below high school level over five years, with 70% of those students testing below middle school levels. The letter asserts that grade inflation and the rise of AI-assisted application essays further undermine the reliability of current admissions metrics like GPA and personal statements.
The open letter urges the UC Board of Regents, the UC Office of the President, and Academic Senate leadership to require SAT/ACT mathematics scores for STEM-intensive majors starting with the 2027 admissions cycle. It also calls for greater STEM faculty oversight of readiness standards and admissions policies. UC leadership has acknowledged the faculty's concerns, with the system-wide Academic Senate addressing "timely topics tied to students’ college readiness and UC’s admission process."
