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UC Regents Launch Public Review on Reinstating SAT After Slide in Introductory Math

The expedited review will test whether bringing back standardized exams or addressing K–12 preparation gaps is the better way to reverse falling grades and rising withdrawals in UC math courses.

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During a discussion at UCLA on Sept. 16 about how the University of California has used admissions exams throughout its history, UC Regent Jay Sures said the SAT/ACT tests “are a much better predicter of success” than he previously thought.

Overview

  • The Board of Regents formally opened an expedited, public review on September 17, 2026 to consider whether SAT or ACT scores should again be used in University of California admissions.
  • UC Office of the President data presented to regents show a five-year decline in average grades and a rise in D/F, no-pass marks, and withdrawals in preparatory math, precalculus and calculus.
  • Admissions officers at UCLA and UC Riverside told regents they see no measurable drop in first-year retention or graduation since the test-free policy began and UC‑wide retention and four-year graduation rates are at record highs.
  • More than 3,000 UC faculty have pressed for tests to return, saying many first-year students lack basic math skills, while other faculty and equity advocates warn reinstating tests would reduce access for low-income and underrepresented applicants.
  • The review includes a statewide listening tour, a February report from the UC Admissions Board and a June Academic Senate recommendation to the regents, and it could prompt changes to admissions rules or to how UC evaluates high-school preparation.