The University of California, which is currently test free, is evaluating the return to standardized testing. The UC faculty, particularly STEM professors, have been vocal on the topic, and politicians and editorialists have been quick to weigh in. At Compass, we were interested in hearing from high school students. In our August newsletter, we polled students about their preferred policy for the SAT and ACT. Approximately 500 recipients took part in our poll. The results are not meant as a scientific sampling of all students.
Respondents voted overwhelmingly in favor of being able to use test scores with their UC applications. Only 1 in 4 opted for the UCs to remain test free (26%). Those favoring a return to testing were split between a test optional policy (31%) and a test requirement (44%).
Based on the poll and our discussions with students and families, the preferences make sense. Students understand how competitive UC admission has become, especially at the most popular campuses. They work hard to distinguish themselves from other applicants, and testing provides another way for them to demonstrate their abilities. Many applicants to competitive UC campuses also apply to colleges that use the SAT or ACT, so testing is already part of their application planning. Only 10% of respondents said that a test requirement would make them less likely to apply to the University of California. That share rose to 1 out of 3 among students hoping that the UCs remain test free.
Among students considering UCLA, Berkeley, and UCSD, support for a return to standardized testing was particularly strong, with only 16% preferring that UCs remain test free. The elimination of testing requirements produced an explosion in UC applications in recent years.
What test scores might students see if testing returns?
Test-free colleges have no test scores to report, of course, but students can look to earlier admission cycles to get an idea of how UC test scores might stack up in the future. The historical ranges below should not be treated as exact predictions: applicant behavior and score distributions evolve over time.
What is the UC timeline?
The UC Board of Regents has the final say on testing policy. The Regents have asked the Academic Senate’s Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools (BOARS) to study the matter and report back by June 2027. That timeline is unlikely to give the Regents enough time to change policy for the class entering in fall 2028. If the Regents do make a change, Compass believes fall 2029 is the more likely starting point, with an SAT/ACT requirement being the likeliest outcome. Students graduating in 2029 should plan accordingly.
BOARS is likely to consider alternatives, including the Smarter Balanced (SBAC) assessment administered to all California public high school students. The committee may also consider whether test scores should be required only for certain majors or campuses. Historically, the Board has preferred consistent policies across campuses. For now, discussions revolve only around the UC system; the California State University system is expected to remain test free.
