UCs make bold plans to eliminate the SAT and ACT!
The University of California (UCs) plans to drop the SAT and the ACT, and create a new test for high school juniors and seniors. Over the years, UCs have complained about the validity of the SAT/ACT and the SAT II.
For 2021 and 2022, the UCs will not require the SAT or ACT. For students who do want to submit them, they don’t have to submit the writing test.
For 2023 and 2024, the UCs will be test blind for California applicants, which means that the SAT/ACT scores will NOT be used in admissions decisions. The SAT/ACT scores may be used for scholarship consideration and for the guaranteed admissions for the top 1/8 of California high schools. Out of state applicants could use their SAT/ACT scores.
For 2025, all California students will use the new UC test instead of the SAT or ACT. Out of state or international students will have the option to use the new UC test or the existing SAT/ACT. If for some reason the new UC test is not ready by 2025, students will not be required to submit either the SAT or the ACT – the UC will go fully test blind and eliminate standardized tests in their admissions decisions.
It’s not clear whether or not the California State Universities (CSUs) will follow suit. My bet is that they will follow the same standards as the UCs; their policies have usually aligned in the past.
The new test will be based on simulations and real performance to reveal more about the student’s reasoning potential, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. They’re hoping that this new test will assess these factors because these are important in determining college and career success. According to the UCs:
“While we acknowledge that this recommendation is multi-faceted, the university would be remiss not to offer students flexibility beyond one admissions cycle. During this period, UC will learn what it can about how its own policies can advance (or limit) student achievement, access, school choice behaviors and educational outcomes,” the plan said. “The university can also exercise its leadership in making available to students a properly designed and administered test that adds value to admissions decisions, enhances equity and access for more students, has a positive impact on student preparation, and does so in a manner that reduces the social and monetary burdens associated with the currently required ACT/SAT tests.”
I have never considered either the ACT or the SAT to be a good test to determine whether or not a student will be successful in college or career. The only reason I like the SAT and ACT is that all students, around the world, take the exact same test on the same day. Up until now, it’s the only factor that is fair amongst all of the college-bound students. GPAs vary by school and recommendations vary by teacher. Looking forward to seeing this new UC test. If it is a success, it may become the new SAT/ACT.