More than 600 University of California faculty members, led by mathematicians from UC Berkeley, signed a letter in May 2026 calling for the reinstatement of SAT or ACT standardized testing for STEM applicants beginning with the fall 2027 admissions cycle [1, 2]. They argue that six years without these tests has caused severe gaps in math preparation. Faculty say some instructors now must re-teach middle school mathematics while also covering college-level science and engineering material to make up for these deficiencies. The letter states, "We now observe preparation gaps so severe that instructors must re-teach middle school mathematics while simultaneously teaching the material students need for sciences, engineering, economics and other quantitatively demanding fields" [1].
A 2026 report from UC San Diego shows a surge in math unpreparedness among students admitted without standardized test scores starting in 2020 [1]. Data from UC Berkeley reveals that at least 20% of first-semester calculus students from fall 2021 to fall 2023 exhibited deficits on diagnostic exams, indicating a troubling decline in readiness for advanced math courses [1]. Faculty warn that without addressing this issue, graduation rates will fall and time to degree will increase. Their letter noted, "Left unaddressed, these trends will lead to declining graduation rates, longer time to degree and reduced completion of STEM majors with consequences for California's highly skilled STEM workforce" [2].
The decision to eliminate SAT and ACT requirements dates back to May 2020, when the UC Regents voted unanimously to suspend testing, with plans for complete elimination by 2025. The move followed a 2019 lawsuit by low-income students of color and students with disabilities challenging standardized test bias in admissions protocols [1, 2]. The settlement resulted in UC ceasing to consider SAT/ACT scores for admissions and scholarships [2].
Awareness of the academic challenges from test-free admissions prompted institutional response. Ahmet Palazoglu, chair of the UC Academic Senate, confirmed that in March 2026 he called on the systemwide Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools (BOARS) to address student readiness and admission issues. He said, "In light of concerns raised by UC faculty about student preparedness for undergraduate study, in March I called upon our systemwide faculty Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools (BOARS) to address timely topics tied to students’ college readiness and UC’s admission process" [2].
The UC Academic Senate Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools is scheduled to discuss potential changes to reinstate standardized testing requirements for STEM admissions soon [1, 2]. The faculty letter aims to influence this discussion ahead of the fall 2027 admissions cycle, when they recommend full reinstatement of SAT or ACT testing for STEM applicants.
The next major step is the BOARS meeting to consider faculty input and review admissions policies related to standardized tests and student math preparedness.
