At Get Smarter Prep, we’ve long championed the value of standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as objective tools that help students showcase their readiness for college-level work. A major new development from the University of California system strongly reinforces that view.

Faculty Sound the Alarm on Widening Math Gaps

More than 2,900 UC math and science professors—including 7 of 9 mathematics department chairs and dozens of additional STEM department chairs—have signed an open letter urging the UC system to reinstate SAT/ACT mathematics score requirements for applicants to STEM-intensive majors, starting with the 2027 admissions cycle.

The professors point to a clear and troubling trend: over the past five years, they’ve witnessed a “widening divergence in mathematical preparation levels within the same classroom.” Since the UC system went test-blind, current admissions practices no longer provide a reliable check on mathematical readiness for demanding majors in science, technology, engineering, economics, and related fields.

Key data from the letter and supporting reports include:

  • At UC San Diego, the number of first-year students with math skills below high school level increased nearly 30-fold since 2020. Of those students, about 70% perform below middle school levels—equating to roughly 1 in 12 members of the entering cohort. Eleventh Grade Level Math Skills in California High Schools 2015-2025

 

  • At UC Berkeley, nearly one-third of students in first-semester calculus have shown “severe preparation deficits” in recent diagnostic testing.

  • Professors now routinely spend valuable class time reteaching middle-school math concepts while trying to cover college-level material needed for success in STEM fields.

    As the letter states: “We now observe preparation gaps so severe that instructors must reteach middle-school mathematics while simultaneously teaching the material students need for sciences, engineering, economics, and other quantitatively demanding fields.”

    Why This Matters for Students and Families

    • Higher dropout rates or switches out of rigorous majors
    • Strained university resources spent on remediation instead of advancement
    • Diluted degree value for well-prepared students who must navigate classrooms with widely varying skill levels

    The professors emphasize that standardized math scores are not an obstacle to equity—they are a prerequisite for it. They help identify students who are truly ready (or who need targeted support) and protect the integrity of UC’s world-class STEM programs.

    The Case for Standardized Testing in Admissions

    At Get Smarter Prep, we see daily how the SAT and ACT math sections provide a consistent, nationwide benchmark. High school GPAs and course titles vary widely by district and school. A strong SAT/ACT math score signals genuine readiness that transcripts alone often cannot.

    This UC faculty letter validates what test prep professionals and many educators have observed: removing objective measures during the pandemic-era policy shifts created unintended gaps, especially in quantitative fields.

    What This Means for Prospective UC STEM Applicants

    If the UC system adopts the professors’ recommendation (and momentum is clearly building), students aiming for engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, biology, economics, and similar majors will once again need to submit competitive SAT or ACT math scores starting in the 2027 cycle.

    That means now is the perfect time to:

      • Take a free practice SAT or ACT to understand your current math baseline
      • Build a personalized prep plan targeting algebra, geometry, advanced math, and problem-solving skills
      • Aim for scores that not only meet minimums but position you strongly in a competitive applicant pool

    Final Thoughts from Get Smarter Prep

    We applaud these UC professors for speaking up with data and integrity. Their letter highlights a national issue that extends far beyond California. Strong math preparation remains the gateway to opportunity in high-growth STEM fields.

    At Get Smarter Prep, our expert tutors specialize in helping students close skill gaps efficiently and build the confidence needed to excel on test day and in college. Whether you’re targeting a top UC engineering program or any competitive STEM major, we’re here to help you get there.

    Ready to strengthen your math foundation and boost your scores?

    Contact us today to learn more about our personalized SAT/ACT prep programs. Your future STEM success starts with solid preparation—let’s make it happen.

    Read the full open letter at UCStudentSuccess.org.