Will the UC Bring Back the SAT/ACT? – A Closer Look at the Reconsideration of the Test-Free Policy

Source: Reddit

For the past several years, the University of California (UC) system—widely regarded as one of the most prestigious public university systems in the western United States—has maintained a test-free admissions policy, meaning SAT and ACT scores have not been considered at all in the undergraduate admissions process.

This policy, first adopted in 2020, was intended to address concerns regarding the fairness and predictive validity of standardized tests, as well as inequities in access and opportunity among students. In 2021, a lawsuit settlement formally extended this test-free policy through Spring 2025 admissions.

However, recent developments suggest that this policy landscape may be shifting.

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📌 Renewed Internal Interest in Standardized Testing

In late 2024, the UC Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools (BOARS) officially began re-evaluating the test-free policy. Their review was prompted by growing concerns over:

• Grade inflation in high school GPA trends
• A decline in college readiness, particularly in mathematics, as reported by UC faculty

Notably, UC Berkeley has formed a dedicated committee to examine the possibility of reinstating SAT/ACT testing in admissions. Reports also indicate that UCLA has shown interest in reconsidering the role of standardized tests.

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📌 External Pressure from the Federal Government

In February 2025, the U.S. Department of Education issued a “Dear Colleague” letter to universities, stating:

“Eliminating standardized testing in the name of diversity may violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and recent Supreme Court decisions.”

Following this, in March 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice launched investigations into UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC Irvine to determine whether their admissions practices could be in violation of federal anti-discrimination laws.

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🎓 What Might Happen Next?

The UC system has long championed diversity and inclusion as central values.
However, there is now increasing momentum—both internally and from the federal government—toward a return to merit-based admissions policies.
Many within the UC community are expressing a renewed belief in the importance of objective academic indicators, such as standardized test scores, especially for assessing preparedness in subjects like math and science.

Considering all these developments, it appears that the reinstatement of the SAT and ACT at UC is no longer a question of “if,” but “when.”

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✅ What Parents and Students Should Be Doing Now

Although UC still maintains a test-free admissions policy, students and families should be aware that this could change starting with the 2026 admissions cycle.

At this stage, preparing for the SAT or ACT should not be viewed as optional, but rather as a strategic necessity.
Many selective institutions across the U.S. have already adopted either Test-Optional or Test-Required admissions policies.
In such settings, a strong standardized test score can be a clear advantage in a competitive applicant pool.

This is particularly relevant for students pursuing majors in mathematics, science, or engineering. Standardized tests can provide a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate academic ability and readiness in these rigorous fields.

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✍️ In Conclusion

College admissions policies continue to evolve based on shifting social, legal, and institutional priorities.
The UC system’s test-free policy now stands at a critical juncture, and the return of standardized testing such as the SAT and ACT has become an increasingly realistic possibility.

We encourage all students and families to remain attentive to these policy developments and to approach their college preparation with flexibility, foresight, and a proactive mindset.

At Elite Prep Suwanee, we are committed to supporting you in navigating this changing admissions landscape, helping you make informed decisions, and staying prepared for any new requirements that may emerge.

Thank you for reading.

Andy Lee
Elite Prep Suwanee powered by Elite Open School
📍 1291 Old Peachtree Rd, NW #127, Suwanee, GA 30024
🌐 eliteprep.com/suwanee
📧 andy.lee@eliteprep.com
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