SAT and ACT scores dropped for the University of California
The team at Link can assist students and parents with their questions in regards to this change.
In May of 2020, the Board of Regents for the University of California (UC) voted unanimously to stop the SAT and ACT requirements as part of admissions applications for California residents. If you're a California student applying to a UC school, you won't be required to submit your SAT or ACT scores. However, before you get excited, there's some crucial information you should know.
Why is the UC Making this change?
The SAT and ACT requirements have been dropped to create a fair admissions process for students faced with the Coronavirus pandemic. According to the Board of Regents, moving away from the current standardized testing model will give students a fairer evaluation of their applications. According to the University's press release, the UC System began researching this change in 2018. Here's their official statement:
“Today’s decision marks the culmination of a two-year, research-based effort by UC to evaluate the value and use of standardized tests in admissions. That process began in July 2018 when President Napolitano asked the Academic Senate to evaluate whether the University and its students are best served by current standardized testing practices. The Academic Senate convened the Standardized Testing Task Force (STTF) in January 2019 and their findings were finalized and presented to the president in April 2020.”
So while the UC announced this decision last week, it's been in the works for a while.
Will the UC stop requiring the ACT and SAT?
Before you contact College Board or ACT to cancel your test, the UC is phasing out test scores for California residents between now and 2025.
UC becomes test-optional for California students in 2020 and 2021
Students in California applying to UC schools in Fall 2020 and Fall 2021 will have the option of submitting their SAT or ACT scores. If you submit your scores, counselors will look at them and factor it into their admissions decision. UC schools will eliminate the SAT and ACT writing sections in Fall 2021. The scores won't play a role in the admissions process as of 2021.
UC Becomes Test-Blind for California Students for 2022 and 2023
In the Fall of 2023 and 2024, UC schools will be “test blind”. Test blind means that the UC schools won't consider California students' SAT or ACT scores as a part of the admissions process at all. Schools may ask students to submit ACT or SAT scores to determine other criteria, like which classes students are eligible for or if a student is eligible for scholarships.
UC eliminates the SAT and ACT for California students in 2025.
By 2025 the SAT and ACT will be eliminated for California students. All prospective California students will take a UC-specific standardized test that's in development. More information about the new UC test will be discussed in this article below.
A brand new UC exam will take the place of the SAT and ACT
The UC plans to replace the SAT and ACT with its standardized entrance exam by 2025. While the details are slim at the moment, we do know that UC wants to create an entrance exam that "aligns with the content the University expects students to have mastered college readiness." UC is creating a test that potential students will have to take that is a better evaluation in deciding if they are ready for college. The UC system has stated that this test will be available to California private, public, and homeschooled students. It's unclear whether all California students will take the test as part of the mandatory state-wide testing or if there will be a fee.
Will SAT or ACT scores still be submitted to out-of-state or international students?
As of right now, the UC system isn't sure whether they will waive the SAT and ACT Test for international or out-of-state students. That means out-of-state and international students will have to submit their scores as part of the admissions packet. The UC has said that it will reevaluate testing requirements for non-California residents, but as of now, international students will have to take the SAT or ACT
Should the ACT or SAT still be taken if you're applying to a UC?
California students who are applying to a UC between now and 2025 may be wondering if they should still take the standardized tests. Here are some questions to decide if your student should take the SAT or ACT exam.
Are you applying in the Fall of 2021 or 2022?
UC schools will be transitioning to being test-optional in 2021 and 2022. Submission for the 2021 or 2022 test scores will still be considered. So what does this mean? If you're worried your application won't stand out from the crowd, submitting stellar test scores could help you earn admission into your dream college.
Are you registering for scholarships?
While the UC system is phasing out standardized test scores as part of the admissions, however, schools may still use the standardized test scores to determine if you're eligible for scholarships or awards. If you're hoping to receive a scholarship from a UC school, you should still take the SAT or ACT.
Does the program require the SAT/ACT for course placement?
Departments, programs, and/or schools may still use the standardized test scores to determine which courses students would take as freshmen. That way, schools can make sure you are enrolling in classes that will set you up for long-term success! To know if your program requires SAT or ACT scores for placement, check out the departmental website. If you're still unsure about whether you need test scores for course placement, contact your admissions counselor.
Are you looking for a guaranteed California Statewide Eligibility Admissions?
If you plan to take advantage of the California Statewide Eligibility Admissions Guarantee, then you must take the SAT or ACT since test scores are part of the program's evaluation criteria. Students from California that graduated in the top nine percent and were denied admissions to their first UC college will be admitted into another UC college if there's still some space; this is the California Statewide Eligibility Admissions Guarantee. For instance, if you apply to UC Berkley and don't get in, the Eligibility Admissions Guarantee will ensure that you earn admission on another campus if there's space. You can learn more about the California Statewide Eligibility Admissions Guarantee here.
Are you applying to one of the Non-UC schools?
If you're planning on applying to Non-UCs or schools in other states, then you should still take the ACT or SAT. Even though the UC system is phasing out scores, most schools still use standardized test scores as part of their admissions process.
Will other California public colleges eliminate the SAT or ACT? What about private schools in California?
As of this moment, no other California universities have indicated they are moving away from the SAT or ACT requirements. We will keep you up-to-date if any changes come up regarding this change.
