The University of California (UC) system continues its test-blind admissions policy, drawing sharp criticism from some, including entrepreneur Sheel Mohnot, who recently expressed strong disapproval on social media. "It blows my mind that the UC system still doesn’t even let students submit standardized test scores for admission," Mohnot stated in a tweet. "It’s so so so bad." This sentiment echoes a growing debate over the effectiveness and consequences of the UC's current approach.
The UC system officially suspended the use of SAT and ACT scores for admissions in 2020, with a subsequent legal settlement in 2021 cementing this test-blind policy through Spring 2025. This decision was driven by concerns over bias, inequity, and the perceived limited value of standardized tests in predicting college success, aiming to create a more equitable admissions process. However, recent data and internal discussions suggest the policy may have unintended consequences.
A significant point of contention emerged from a report by the UC San Diego Senate-Administration Working Group on Admissions, revealing a nearly 30-fold increase in students entering without high school-level math skills since 2020. The report indicated that one in eight students tested below high school math levels, and one in twelve did not meet middle school math standards. This alarming trend suggests a disconnect between high school GPAs and actual academic readiness.
In response to these findings, over 360 UC mathematics faculty members signed an open letter advocating for the reinstatement of standardized testing. They argue that current admissions practices fail to reliably assess mathematical preparedness for STEM majors, leading to professors having to reteach foundational math concepts. The faculty emphasized that standardized tests are a prerequisite for academic equity, not an obstacle, by providing an objective measure of preparation.
As the 2025 expiration of the test-blind settlement approaches, the UC's Board of Admissions (BOARS) has been reevaluating the policy. This internal interest in potentially bringing back standardized tests is further fueled by external pressure, including a February 2025 letter from the U.S. Department of Education suggesting that removing tests to promote diversity might violate federal law. Several other prominent universities, including Yale, Brown, Dartmouth, and Princeton, have already reinstated standardized testing requirements, citing their predictive value for academic success.
