SAT and ACT

November 18, 2021

University of California sticks with test-free admissions, won’t replace SAT and ACT with new standardized test

After deciding not to develop its own test to replace the SAT, UC considered using Smarter Balanced exams. That idea has also been rejected.

November 9, 2021

SAT and ACT slip in priority among California high school students

California's public universities won't consider SAT and ACT scores, but some students still take tests for scholarships and placement.

February 11, 2021

Why the University of California is seeing a massive surge in freshman applications

College access experts attribute the massive spike in applications partially to the elimination of the SAT and ACT in admissions.

January 13, 2021

After dropping SAT and ACT, University of California urged not to add new admissions test

UC is being asked not to create its own test to replace the SAT. Students may instead be able to submit scores from 11th grade state exams.

October 30, 2020

With test scores out, college essays count more

Since SAT/ACT exams are optional, colleges in California and nationwide want to know more about students and their pandemic challenges.

September 8, 2020

Many California high school seniors still want to take SAT/ACT even though they are optional at many colleges

Many testing sessions for the SAT and ACT were canceled in pandemic. Some remain scheduled for the fall, with social distancing and masks required.

September 1, 2020

University of California must stop all use of SAT and ACT in admissions, judge orders

UC’s Board of Regents voted in May to stop requiring the exams, but some campuses were still giving students the option to submit scores.

June 26, 2020

Napolitano says farewell to UC, advocates for affirmative action and Covid-19 research

UC’s first female president helped expand enrollment and successfully pushed to end testing as admissions requirement.

May 21, 2020

In historic action, UC moves to drop SAT/ACT and develop a replacement exam for admissions

Ending the SAT/ACT as a requirement for freshman admission at UC will likely get attention nationally. Supporters of the move expect it will result in more ethnic and income diversity on campuses. Critics fear it will backfire.

Larry Gordon

College & Careers

May 11, 2020

UC president wants SAT/ACT mandate suspended through 2024 and new exam created

UC's Napolitano plan conflicts in part with faculty position and could be very influential nationally. UC regents are to vote on the issue next week.

Larry Gordon

Commentary

May 5, 2020

We must ensure online testing is equitable to all students

Colleges and testing companies should put student needs at center of decisions on how to handle assessments and admissions in a time of social distancing.

Yoon S. Choi

Coronavirus

April 20, 2020

University of California faculty leaders want admissions tests restored after health crisis

Requirements for SAT or ACT are suspended for a year and UC faculty votes to keep the exams in the future. Regents will have the final say.

Larry Gordon

College & Careers

April 17, 2020

California State University suspends SAT/ACT testing for 2021-22 admissions, joining UC

CSU officials say their action does not mean testing is permanently dropped as an admissions requirement. Grade point averages will take on more weight.