Over 1,000 math and science professors from the University of California (UC) are pushing for the reinstatement of SAT/ACT scores for applicants in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This move comes in response to a growing concern about students’ preparedness for college coursework.
UC Berkeley math professors recently pointed out a preparation gap since the UC system suspended standardized tests in 2020. A lack of preparation among students has been evident, leading to increased strain on resources and compromising academic standards. The New York Times Editorial Board has also suggested the UC system reconsider their decision.
More than six years ago, the UC system decided to stop considering standardized test scores for undergraduate admissions. This decision was regarded as a significant mistake by the Times Editorial Board. Their editorial emphasizes that students are less prepared for college courses as a result.
Findings of the Standardized Testing Task Force
In 2019, the UC system formed the Standardized Testing Task Force (STTF), consisting of 18 professors across the 10 UC campuses. They were tasked with analyzing the role of standardized testing in undergraduate admissions. Their report found that test scores were valuable in predicting student success metrics, such as undergraduate GPA, retention, and completion rates.
Despite these findings, the UC system adopted a ‘test blind’ policy in 2020, not accepting scores from students who wished to submit them. This decision coincided with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Times Editorial Board indicates that the outcomes of this policy have not been positive, citing a faculty group at UC San Diego that reported a significant drop in new student preparedness.
Calls for Change
The decline in student readiness has been attributed to several factors, including changes in education policy and broader societal challenges. Nonetheless, the Times argues that the UC’s policy played a substantial role in the decline. UC faculty members advocate for a return to standardized testing, asserting that the current policy misleads about access and success.
Despite objections from faculty, the UC system has yet to reverse its approach. Instead, they have formed a new committee to evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of reinstating standardized tests. Janet Napolitano, former UC President, previously supported the test blind policy but now supports reconsidering it due to unsatisfactory outcomes.
Broader Context and Arguments
Other universities, such as Harvard and Stanford, have reinstated testing requirements after initially dropping them during the pandemic. The Times Editorial Board outlines additional arguments for standardized testing, referring to data from Brown University President Christina Paxson, who stated that these scores are effective predictors of academic performance.
The UC regents have the final decision. The Times Editorial Board urges them to reconsider their previous decision, highlighting the potential academic benefits of reinstating standardized test requirements.
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