The New York Times Editorial Board is calling on the University of California (UC) to reverse its decision to no longer consider standardized test scores in undergraduate admissions. The board argues that the policy, which was adopted in 2020, has left students less prepared for college coursework.

Background

In 2019, the UC system formed the Standardized Testing Task Force (STTF) to study the use of standardized testing in admissions. The task force found that test scores were a good predictor of student success, including undergraduate grade point average, retention, and completion. Despite this, the UC system voted to adopt a test-blind approach, citing concerns about the fairness and accessibility of standardized tests.

However, the results of this policy have been disappointing. According to the Times, last year a faculty group at UC San Diego reported a sharp drop in academic preparation among new students. For example, nearly 12 percent of first-year students were not qualified to take pre-calculus, a low-level class, up from only 0.5 percent in 2020.

Reversing Course

The Times Editorial Board argues that the UC system should reconsider its test-blind policy and start accepting standardized test scores again. The board notes that many other schools that adopted similar policies have since reinstated the requirement, including Harvard, Brown, and Stanford.

UC faculty members are also calling for the return of standardized testing requirements. Over 2,300 STEM faculty members and 900 humanities faculty members have signed letters urging the university to reverse its policy. The letters argue that the test-blind approach obscures preparation gaps and harms both students and the university as a whole.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.