UC to Review Admissions Policies Amid Faculty Backlash Over Decline in Math Skills

California’s UC System Reviews SAT/ACT Testing Ban Amid Faculty Urgency

On June 12, 2026, the University of California (UC) Board of Regents announced a comprehensive review of its standardized testing policy, triggered by 1,400 faculty members warning of “severe” math gaps in incoming students, according to a UC statement. The move follows a five-year surge in underprepared undergraduates, with 70% of those lacking middle school math proficiency, per a UC San Diego report.

Why the UC Policy Shift Matters

The UC system, a cornerstone of California’s higher education, suspended SAT/ACT requirements in 2020 during the pandemic, later adopting a “test-blind” policy. Faculty now argue that without standardized benchmarks, admissions officers lack objective measures to identify students needing remedial math, forcing professors to reteach middle school concepts. “We now observe preparation gaps so severe that instructors must re-teach middle school mathematics,” the faculty letter stated, citing internal data showing a 30-fold increase in underprepared students since 2020.

UC President James B. Milliken emphasized the review’s importance, saying, “The UC Academic Senate has proposed a comprehensive, data-driven review to support its recommendations to strengthen student readiness and success at UC.” The Board of Regents plans to receive an initial update in July 2026.

How This Affects California’s Education Ecosystem

The policy shift directly impacts California’s 10 UC campuses, which enroll over 250,000 students annually. The state’s K-12 schools, already grappling with declining math proficiency, face renewed pressure. In Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation’s largest, 42% of 8th graders scored below basic math levels in 2025, according to California Department of Education data. “This crisis isn’t just about college readiness—it’s about the entire pipeline,” said Dr. Maria Gonzalez, a UC Riverside education policy analyst. “Without standardized metrics, schools can’t allocate resources effectively.”

The UC review also intersects with California’s broader debate over grade inflation. A 2023 Stanford study found that 65% of California high schools awarded A grades to over 40% of students, undermining academic rigor. “Transcripts are nearly meaningless,” one UC faculty member said. “We need objective measures to ensure students are truly prepared.”

Expert Voices and Legal Context

Legal experts warn the UC’s policy reversal could set a precedent for other institutions. “This is a pivotal moment for test-optional policies nationwide,” said Professor David Chen, a higher education law scholar at UC Berkeley. “If UC reinstates SAT/ACT requirements, it could influence the 1,000+ colleges that adopted similar policies post-pandemic.”

Meanwhile, local officials in Sacramento are pushing for state-level reforms. “California’s public universities must lead by example,” said Assemblymember Carlos Mendez (D-Sacramento). “We need a unified approach to math readiness, from K-12 through higher education.” The California State Board of Education is considering a 2027 initiative to mandate math proficiency exams for high school graduation, pending legislative approval.

What’s Next for the UC System?

The UC Academic Senate’s review will examine whether standardized testing should be reinstated, particularly for STEM majors. While the Board of Regents retains authority over admissions policies, the faculty’s influence is growing. “This isn’t just about tests—it’s about equity,” said Dr. Lisa Nguyen, a UC Davis mathematics professor. “Without baseline checks, we risk overloading underprepared students with rigorous coursework they can’t succeed in.”

A draft report from the UC San Diego Senate–Administration Working Group on Admissions (SAWG) highlights the urgency: 1 in 12 entering students lack middle school math proficiency, with 70% of those in the lowest quartile. “These numbers are a wake-up call,” said SAWG co-chair Dr. Raj Patel. “We need to recalibrate our admissions criteria to reflect real-world readiness.”

Connecting to Solutions: Civic Organizations and Legal Resources

For students and educators navigating this shift, [Academic Remediation Services] in Oakland offer tailored math support, while [California Education Advocates] provides policy guidance. Universities seeking legal counsel on admissions reforms can consult [Higher Education Law Group], a Sacramento-based firm specializing in institutional compliance. Local [Community College Partnerships] are also expanding dual-enrollment programs to bridge preparation gaps.

How This Fits Into Broader National Trends

The UC’s review aligns with a national trend: MIT, Yale, and the University of Texas at Austin have all reinstated testing requirements, citing similar concerns about college readiness. “Standardized tests remain the most reliable indicator of academic preparedness,” said Dr. Emily Torres, a researcher at the National Center for Education Statistics. “They help institutions allocate resources where they’re most needed.”

However, critics argue that testing disproportionately affects low-income students. “We need to address systemic inequities, not just metrics,” said Dr. Aisha Carter, a professor at Howard University. “Testing can’t be a proxy for access to quality education.”

The Long-Term Implications

If the UC reinstates SAT/ACT requirements, it could reshape admissions nationwide. But the system’s 2028 timeline means the impact will be felt for years. “This isn’t a quick fix,” said UC President Milliken. “It’s about building a foundation for long-term success.” As faculty, students, and policymakers weigh the risks and rewards, one thing is clear: the debate over standardized testing is far from over.

The Kicker

“We’re not asking for a return to the past—we’re asking for a baseline to move forward,”