More than six years after the University of California (UC) system’s Board of Regents approved a test-blind undergraduate admissions policy in 2020, significant concerns have emerged regarding student academic preparedness.

In an editorial published on July 6, 2026, The New York Times Editorial Board labeled the UC system's decision a "terrible" mistake, arguing it has left students less prepared for college coursework. The editorial coincides with the UC Board of Regents' upcoming review of the policy.

The test-blind policy means UC campuses do not accept SAT or ACT scores, even from students who wish to submit them. This change was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the policy has been linked to a crisis of underprepared students, particularly in math and science disciplines, who are straining university resources and undermining academic goals.

Over 1,000 UC math and science professors have called for reinstating SAT/ACT scores specifically for STEM applicants. A 2019-established Standardized Testing Task Force (STTF), composed of 18 professors from all 10 UC campuses, found that standardized test scores help predict key indicators of student success such as undergraduate GPA, retention, and completion.

The Times acknowledged broader educational challenges impacting student readiness, including artificial intelligence, pandemic-related school closures, and smartphone distractions. However, it emphasized that the decline in preparedness among incoming UC students is "larger than the regression elsewhere," underscoring the role of the test-blind policy.

Academic preparedness and student success remain priorities for UC. The UC faculty Academic Senate is conducting a comprehensive, data-driven review to determine the best methods for assessing college readiness and supporting student success.

This review aims to go beyond previous analyses, considering the evolving educational landscape since the policy's adoption.

Sources

  • Fox News Latest
  • The New York Times Editorial Board
  • University of California Academic Senate
  • Standardized Testing Task Force (STTF)