University of California Considered Test Reinstatement

Faculty demand a return to standardized testing as remedial course enrollment surges across the system.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in College Applications

University of California Considered Test Reinstatement

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The University of California Board of Regents is reviewing its admissions policies regarding the potential return of SAT and ACT requirements. The shift follows a significant decline in student math and writing proficiency since the university suspended testing in 2020.

Why it matters

University faculty believe grade inflation and the prevalence of AI-assisted application essays have rendered current admissions metrics unreliable. The push for standardized testing aims to better assess incoming students and address rising remedial course enrollments.

Enrollment in UCSD remedial MATH 2 courses reached 371 out of 380 available spots as of Oct. 9, 2026. Since 2020, the number of incoming UCSD freshmen testing below high school math levels has increased 30-fold, with 70% scoring below middle school proficiency.

The players

University of California Board of Regents

This is the governing body responsible for the oversight and administration of the University of California's ten campuses.

Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools

This committee is tasked with studying admissions policies and recommending changes to the UC academic senate.

UC San Diego

This public research university is one of the ten campuses within the University of California system.

The details

More than 2,300 UC STEM professors, 73 STEM department chairs, and 900 social sciences and humanities faculty have signed open letters calling for the return of standardized exams. The Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools is currently evaluating admissions policies to determine if test scores should be reinstated for the class of 2032.

A lawsuit in 2019 challenged UC testing requirements.
The university suspended SAT and ACT requirements in 2020.
Remedial math enrollment reached 371 of 380 spots on Oct. 9, 2026.
The BOARS admissions study is predicted to conclude by June 2027.
Reinstated testing requirements could begin by Fall 2028.

Culture Shift

The move to reinstate testing marks a reversal of a trend toward test-optional admissions that swept across higher education after the 2019 lawsuit. It reflects a growing societal realization that traditional metrics are being re-evaluated in the face of modern academic challenges.

Prospective students in California planning for the class of 2032 may need to prepare for a return of standardized testing in their application cycle. Families should monitor upcoming decisions from the Board of Regents as these requirements could significantly alter the current college prep routine.

The takeaway

The ongoing faculty pushback highlights a broader conflict between access-driven admissions and academic preparedness metrics. Students and parents should prioritize maintaining a strong academic foundation to remain competitive regardless of changing testing policies.