Actually, the SAT Was Necessary After All

University of California faculty are expressing significant opposition to the system's decision to permanently remove the SAT and ACT as admissions requirements. This move, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic and was made permanent in May 2022, has led to concerns among some faculty members regarding the assessment of academic preparedness among incoming students. A petition signed by over 1,000 faculty members, including professors from UC Berkeley and UCLA, argues that the absence of standardized tests makes it harder to identify students who may struggle in rigorous academic environments, particularly those from less-resourced high schools. The faculty group advocates for the reintroduction of a "test-optional" policy, allowing students to submit SAT or ACT scores if they believe it strengthens their application, rather than a complete ban. They cite data suggesting that students admitted without test scores have a higher likelihood of needing remedial courses, particularly in mathematics. The faculty's concerns are amplified by the fact that the University of California system is one of the largest public university systems in the United States, admitting over 200,000 students annually across its 10 campuses. The debate highlights a broader national discussion about the role of standardized testing in college admissions and its impact on equity and academic standards.