The ongoing debate surrounding the University of California's (UC) potential reinstatement of the SAT as an admissions requirement has sparked intense interest and scrutiny. This issue, which is expected to be discussed by the regents next week, holds significant weight as it shapes the future of access to one of the nation's most prestigious public universities.
The SAT Debate: A Complex Issue
The UC's decision to eliminate the SAT and ACT requirements in 2020 was unanimous, driven by the belief that these tests perpetuated racial and class inequities. However, a recent faculty outcry has highlighted a severe deficiency in math skills among incoming students, prompting a reevaluation of this decision.
Former UC President Janet Napolitano, who led the university during the initial removal of the SAT requirement, now advocates for a second look. She argues that while the SAT doesn't erase these inequities, it also doesn't exacerbate them, and should be considered as a factor in admissions.
A Changing Landscape
The UC's willingness to revisit this issue is notable, given the significant turnover in leadership since 2020. With a new UC president, James Milliken, and a substantially changed Board of Regents, the university seems open to addressing this complex matter.
UC's stance on standardized testing sets it apart as a national outlier. While prestigious universities like Stanford, Harvard, and Yale, and public university systems in Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas, have reinstated testing, others like USC and the California State University system remain test-optional.
The Push for Change
UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons, whose campus math faculty are at the forefront of this push, emphasizes the need for students to possess the necessary writing and math skills to succeed at UC. The faculty's open letter, signed by over 1,400 members, highlights the unpreparedness of first-year students, many of whom need to relearn middle school math concepts.
If the tests are reinstated, the policy would not take effect until the fall 2028 application period at the earliest, which many faculty members argue is too long.
Political Climate and External Pressures
The political climate adds a layer of complexity to this debate. The Trump administration's opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and its focus on test scores as a primary admissions yardstick, has created a charged atmosphere. UC has denied allegations of racial discrimination in its admissions practices, but the government's scrutiny remains a concern.
Some, like Kim Wilcox, former UC Riverside chancellor, believe that anti-DEI groups now have a louder voice, influencing the university's decision-making. Advocates for underserved students are concerned about potential lawsuits if the tests return.
A Cautious Approach
UC officials are treading carefully, aware that their debate on testing could be used against them. The university's recent settlement with Jewish faculty and students over a UCLA pro-Palestinian encampment was cited by the Justice Department to fault UC for alleged antisemitism.
Former UC President Napolitano agrees that the Trump administration could weaponize SAT scores, evaluating university admissions solely based on test scores. However, she notes that California law prohibits UC from considering race in admissions, which could provide some protection.
The Review Process
Two work groups will lead the review, one weighing the pros and cons of requiring the SAT, ACT, or Smarter Balanced test, and the other reexamining high school course requirements for UC admissions. The UC Board of Regents will ultimately approve or reject any recommended changes.
Ahmet Palazoglu, the UC Academic Senate chair, emphasizes that the review will go beyond previous work on this subject due to the significant changes in the education landscape.
Classroom Observations vs. Student Success
Faculty members argue from memory, recalling the skills of students before the tests were eliminated. Zvezdelina Stankova, a Berkeley math professor, describes engineering students struggling with basic algebra, highlighting the gap between AP scores and actual math proficiency.
Critics, however, point to UC's high first-year student retention and improved four-year graduation rates since the tests were dropped, arguing that the classroom alarms may not reflect the broader picture of student success.
Conclusion
The UC's decision on whether to reinstate the SAT or not is a delicate balance between addressing preparedness gaps and ensuring equitable access. As the debate unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the university navigates these complex issues, especially in the face of external pressures and changing educational landscapes.
