UC professors say they’re teaching middle school math after SAT ban
Over 680 University of California professors signed an open letter warning of a severe decline in incoming students' math skills since the SAT/ACT ban in 2020, forcing instructors to reteach middle school-level math in college courses. The professors argue standardized testing should be reinstated as a prerequisite for equity, citing a 30-fold rise in students lacking basic math proficiency at UC San Diego since the policy change.
More than 680 University of California professors have raised concerns about a sharp decline in math preparedness among incoming students following the elimination of SAT and ACT requirements in 2020. In an open letter, they stated that instructors are now required to reteach middle school-level mathematics in courses like Calculus, hindering progress in STEM and quantitatively demanding fields. The letter highlights a widening gap between prepared and unprepared students, making it difficult to teach advanced material effectively. The professors, including UC Berkeley mathematicians Zvezdelina Stankova, Svetlana Jitomirskaya, John W Lott, Mina Aganagic, and law professor Chris Jay Hoofnagle, argue that the policy change has weakened the university’s ability to prepare students for leadership roles in science, technology, and economics. They claim standardized testing is essential for equity, not an obstacle, and urge the UC Board of Regents to reinstate testing requirements. The SAT/ACT ban was implemented in 2020 after a lawsuit from low-income students argued the exams were racist, as they allegedly favored wealthier applicants with access to test prep. While students can still submit scores voluntarily, the policy shift has led to significant academic challenges. A 2025 report from UC San Diego revealed a 30-fold increase in incoming freshmen lacking basic math skills—rising from 30 in 2020 to 900 in 2025. One in 12 freshmen now struggles with middle school-level math, according to the findings. The professors’ letter criticizes the decision as harmful to both students and the university system, which serves over 280,000 students statewide. They argue that ignoring preparation gaps undermines educational standards and limits opportunities for advancement in critical fields. The Board of Regents, which approved the policy change in 2020, has not yet responded to the professors’ call for reinstatement.
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