The University of California (UC) system has significantly accelerated its timeline for deciding whether to restore standardized test requirements, such as the SAT and ACT, for admissions. Originally, the Academic Senate was slated to provide recommendations in fall 2027, with any changes taking effect for fall 2028 applicants. However, due to intensified pressure from faculty, including an open letter signed by over 3,000 professors, and increased public attention, the UC Board of Regents now anticipates a recommendation by June 2027.
This expedited review comes after the UC Board of Regents voted unanimously in 2020 to remove the SAT/ACT requirement, and then in 2021, stopped considering standardized test scores entirely. This decision was made despite a faculty task force recommendation to maintain test requirements while developing an alternative, and was partly influenced by a lawsuit arguing that the tests were discriminatory. Critics of the test-blind policy, particularly some UC Berkeley math professors, have voiced concerns about widening gaps in math ability among students.
Maria Anguiano, Chair of the UC Board of Regents, confirmed the new timeline during a recent meeting, stating that the board, which holds final authority, would then vote on the matter. Academic Senate Chair Ahmet Palazoglu also confirmed that a policy recommendation would be provided by June 2027, with a new plan for the review process to be shared after an upcoming Academic Council meeting. This accelerated timeline reflects the ongoing debate and diverse opinions within the UC system regarding the role and value of standardized tests in admissions.
