University of California Faculty Urge Return of Standardized Testing for Admissions
More than 3,000 University of California faculty members have signed open letters advocating for the return of standardized testing (SAT/ACT) for college admissions. These faculty argue that tests are crucial for assessing basic mathematical and writing fluency, especially with the…
San Francisco Oakland San Jose, CA, July 23, 2026 —
A significant contingent of University of California faculty members is advocating for the reinstatement of standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT, in the college admissions process. More than 3,000 faculty have lent their support to this movement by signing open letters, citing concerns about assessing fundamental academic skills in an evolving educational landscape.
These faculty proponents argue that standardized tests are essential tools for evaluating a student’s proficiency in basic mathematics and writing. They believe these assessments can be particularly valuable in the current era, marked by the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence, and can serve as an indicator for students who may require additional academic support or remedial coursework upon entering the university.
The push to bring back the SAT and ACT stands in contrast to the University of California regents’ decision in 2020 to phase out these standardized tests. That decision was largely influenced by considerations of equity, with concerns raised about potential discrimination against low-income students and the broader impact of standardized testing on disadvantaged populations. The Varsity Blues scandal also played a role in the regents’ move away from test-based admissions.
However, the debate over standardized testing continues. Critics, including civil rights attorneys and some members of the faculty, maintain that the SAT and ACT are not reliable predictors of success in college. They argue that these tests disproportionately disadvantage students from under-resourced backgrounds and that a student’s academic performance throughout high school offers a more accurate and equitable measure of their potential.
The University of California system is actively examining the issue. A comprehensive study is currently underway to evaluate the role and impact of standardized testing. The outcome of this study will inform a decision regarding the reinstatement of testing requirements, with a deadline set for June. The final determination will rest with the Board of Regents.
Story summarized from the original created by Steph Rodriguez on ww2.kqed.org, see more information here.
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