The University of California currently follows a test-blind admissions policy, meaning that SAT® and ACT® scores are not considered during admissions decisions. However, some UC faculty members have recently raised concerns about students’ college readiness, particularly in math. For families, the most important takeaway is to focus on building a strong academic foundation regardless of future admissions policy changes.
Key Takeaways
- UC schools currently do not consider SAT or ACT scores in admissions.
- Some faculty members have expressed concerns about incoming students’ math preparedness, particularly those seeking to pursue STEM careers.
- GPA remains important, but it may not tell the full story of academic readiness.
- Strong math preparation is especially important for students interested in STEM majors.
- Families should focus on building foundational academic skills regardless of current or future admissions policy changes.
If your student is in high school, you’re probably tired of hearing about the ever-changing college admissions landscape. Every time you think you’ve got it all figured out, another policy change or requirement seems to shift the conversation.
College admissions policies continue to evolve, which can make it difficult for families to know what to expect. As applications to selective colleges continue to rise, families are navigating an admissions process that is more competitive and complex than it was just a decade ago. You might assume that this increased competition means students are arriving on campus more prepared than ever. However, some University of California faculty members argue that the opposite may be true, particularly when it comes to math readiness.
Why Are UC Faculty Concerned About College Readiness?
In an open letter written in May of 2026, UC faculty came together to voice their concerns over the decline in the math skills of incoming freshman over the last few years. Many faculty members reported that they are having to re-teach middle school-level math to incoming STEM majors. They cite the pandemic-era decision to adopt a “test-blind” policy and the rise of grade inflation as several of the likely factors in this math skills deficit.
Why GPA Doesn’t Always Tell the Whole Story
On its own, a student’s GPA is no longer enough to fully predict college readiness. Many colleges continue to evaluate how best to assess academic readiness when applicants come from schools with different grading systems, course rigor, and academic standards. Additionally, with teachers facing rising pressures from parents and school policies to make sure that every student receives high marks, the quality of the work required to earn those grades continues to lessen – meaning that an A in 2026 and 1986 probably aren’t the same thing. Thus, the emphasis on apparent success rates seems to trump student comprehension.
How Math Preparedness Can Impact College Success
For some students, gaps in foundational skills can create additional challenges once they arrive on campus. If students aren’t prepared for college-level math, they may need to take developmental or prerequisite courses before moving into degree-related coursework. That can add time, cost, and frustration to the college experience. Ideally, a student’s first year should be spent exploring new opportunities and building momentum toward their academic goals—not catching up on skills they expected to have mastered in high school.
What This Means for Families Today
While admissions policies may continue to evolve, the takeaway for families is not to focus on predicting the next policy change. Instead, focus on building the academic skills that remain valuable regardless of how colleges evaluate applicants.
For students interested in STEM fields, rigorous math coursework remains one of the strongest indicators of future readiness. When appropriate, students should challenge themselves with rigorous coursework that includes Calculus, AP Calculus, or other higher-level math classes available through their school. The goal is not simply to check a box for admissions, but to develop the skills needed to succeed once they arrive on campus.
What Parents Can Do Today
- Review your student’s current math trajectory. Set up time with one of our college counselors to review your student’s record and opportunities based on their college and major goals.
- Encourage challenging coursework when appropriate. Colleges like to see students challenging themselves and excelling.
- Build strong study habits early. Developing the foundational knowledge and executive functioning skills to succeed in higher level courses will consistently set up your student for the challenges ahead.
- Focus on long-term academic growth rather than admissions policy changes. Policies change and sometimes they change “overnight,” but strong foundational skills and preparation are always the right building blocks for academic success.
If your child is struggling in their current math class or needs help getting on the right trajectory, we can help. We’re here to support our students, no matter what challenges they may face along their academic journey. Just fill out the form below and your local center director will be in contact to help break down your child’s goals and build a roadmap for success.
Lindsay Heffernan
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the University of California require SAT or ACT scores?
No. UC schools currently follow a test-blind admissions policy and do not consider SAT or ACT scores in admissions decisions.
Are SAT and ACT scores still important?
Many colleges outside the UC system continue to consider standardized test scores, and several highly selective institutions have recently reinstated testing requirements including all Ivy League schools as of June 2026.
What should STEM students focus on?
Students interested in STEM majors should focus on building strong math foundations and taking the most challenging math and science coursework available at their school.
