UC Faculty Demand Return of SAT for STEM Applicants Over Math Deficits
30-fold rise in freshmen testing below high school math levels since 2020
A November UC San Diego Academic Senate work group report uncovered alarming math skill declines among incoming first-year students. Between 2020 and 2025, the number of STEM applicants testing below high school math levels increased approximately 30-fold. Even more concerning, 70% of those students scored below middle school level. UC faculty are now calling for the reinstatement of SAT tests specifically for STEM admissions, arguing that alternative assessments have failed to accurately measure foundational math readiness.
The report’s authors also highlighted a new complicating factor: widespread access to advanced large language models (LLMs). With students able to rely on AI tools to complete coursework and even some placement tests, the faculty argue there is now “no adequate way” to fully evaluate true math competency without standardized in-person testing. The proposal has reignited debate about equity versus academic standards in public university admissions, especially as AI reshapes both learning and assessment.
- 30-fold increase in UC freshmen (2020–2025) testing below high school math levels
- 70% of those students scored below middle school level in math
- Faculty cite widespread LLM use as making the deficit impossible to address without SAT return
Why It Matters
Reinstating SAT for STEM could reshape university admissions standards amid AI-driven assessment challenges.