The SAT Debate: University of California and The Call for Standardized Testing

Over 1,000 math and science professors from the University of California are pushing for the reinstatement of SAT/ACT scores, particularly for applicants in STEM fields. A Wall Street Journal opinion piece by UC Berkeley math professors raised concerns about a preparation gap among students. This issue arose after the UC system stopped using standardized tests in 2020 due to the pandemic. This decision left incoming students unprepared and impacted academic resources and goals.

The New York Times Editorial Board is urging the UC system to reverse this policy, describing its cessation as a “terrible” mistake that inadequately prepared students for college. Just before the UC Board of Regents was set to reconsider the policy, the editorial emphasized the adverse effects observed.

In 2019, the UC system created the Standardized Testing Task Force (STTF), which included 18 professors from all 10 campuses. They studied how test scores were used in admissions and issued a 225-page report. The report highlighted that test scores help predict student success, including grades and completion rates.

More than 1400 UC professors have warned of severe math gaps due to the testing ban. – UC Faculty

Despite these findings, in 2020, the UC system chose a “test-blind” approach, ignoring even submitted scores. This decision was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Times editorial, the results have been negative. In one example, the first-year class at UC San Diego saw a significant increase in students unqualified for basic pre-calculus classes.

Broader educational challenges also emerged, like artificial intelligence, pandemic closures, and smartphone distractions. However, the Times contended that the unpreparedness was more severe at UC compared to other places.

In conversations with Fox News Digital, UC Academic Senate Chair Ahmet Palazoglu stated that academic preparedness is a priority. A comprehensive review is underway to assess college readiness.

Groups of UC faculty have sent letters, with over 2,300 STEM faculty and more than 900 humanities faculty advocating for the return of standardized tests. They argue that ignoring preparation gaps harms students and the university as a whole.

Despite these appeals, the UC system hasn’t reversed its policy but will form a committee to evaluate possible reinstatement. Former UC President Janet Napolitano supported the test-blind policy initially but now sees the need to reconsider.

The UC system was not alone in suspending test requirements during the pandemic. Many universities have since reinstated them, while others remain test-optional. Institutions like Harvard, Brown, Yale, and Stanford now require scores again.

The regents should have the courage to admit their mistake and reverse it. – The New York Times Editorial Board

Brown University President Christina Paxson agreed in a letter, stating that test scores better predict academic performance than grades. Yet, she acknowledged debates over the tests’ benefits.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the UC trustees. When they meet, the Times Editorial Board hopes they will reconsider and reverse their prior decision to eliminate standardized tests from admissions.