University Of California: The University of California system recently announced its plan to phase out the use of SAT and ACT scores in admissions by 2025. The decision came after years of criticism that the standardized tests were biased against low-income and minority students, who often couldn’t afford test-prep classes or tutoring.
UC System Phases Out SAT and ACT Scores in Admissions: A Win for Diversity and Equity in Higher Education
The move by the UC system is significant as it is one of the largest university systems in the country and has been a trendsetter in the past for other universities. The UC system includes nine undergraduate campuses, including UC Berkeley, UC Los Angeles, and UC San Diego.
Under the new policy, UC schools will be “test-optional” for the next two years, meaning that students can still submit test scores if they choose to. After that, the schools will be “test-blind” for two years, meaning that they will not consider test scores at all. In the meantime, the UC system will work on developing its own admissions test, which it plans to roll out in 2025.
Critics of standardized tests have long argued that they are not an accurate predictor of a student’s potential for success in college and that they put low-income and minority students at a disadvantage. Standardized tests have also faced scrutiny over issues such as test preparation, cultural biases, and test anxiety.
The move by the UC system is seen as a win for advocates of diversity and equity in higher education. By eliminating standardized test scores from the admissions process, UC schools will be able to better evaluate students’ academic achievements and potential based on other factors such as GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal essays.
While many universities have already dropped or made the tests optional, the UC system’s decision will likely have a ripple effect on other schools. The move is also seen as a win for advocates of diversity and equity in higher education.
UC System Drops SAT and ACT Scores in Admissions: A Step Towards a Fairer Higher Education System
However, there are concerns that dropping the tests could lead to an overreliance on other factors in admissions, such as GPA and extracurricular activities. Some also worry that this could lead to an increase in applications, making it harder for students to get accepted into UC schools.
In conclusion, the decision by the UC system to drop SAT and ACT scores in admissions is a significant move towards a more equitable and diverse higher education system. While there are still concerns to address, this decision marks a step forward in creating a fairer admissions process for all students.
ThePublicRadio has some great articles too, make sure to check them out
One thought on “University of California system plans to drop SAT, ACT scores in admissions.”