A coalition of professors at the University of California is pushing to bring back the SAT as a factor in undergraduate admissions by June 2027.
The move comes almost three years after the UC Board of Regents removed the standardized test from the admissions process in 2020. While some argue the SAT perpetuates inequality, proponents of reinstating the test believe it’s a valuable tool for evaluating applicants and ensuring academic preparedness.
Back to the SAT?
A 40% majority of the UC faculty senate members recently signed a letter urging the University of California to reconsider their position on the SAT. The proposal is currently under review by the UC Office of the President, with a decision expected by June 2027. If reinstated, the SAT would likely be used in conjunction with other metrics, such as GPA and extracurricular activities, to assess applicants.
The Great Debate
The decision to remove the SAT from the UC admissions process was made in response to concerns that the test disproportionately affected certain groups, such as low-income and minority students. Critics argue that the test is inherently biased and doesn’t accurately reflect a student’s academic abilities. However, proponents of reinstating the test claim it provides a standardized and objective measure of academic preparedness.
What this means
If the SAT is reinstated, it could have significant implications for students applying to the University of California in the future. The move could potentially affect the competitive landscape, making it more challenging for students to gain admission to top UC campuses. Additionally, it may put additional pressure on students to prepare for and perform well on the SAT, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities.
