The Truth About the UC SAT/ACT Change
Now that the dust has settled, more details have emerged about how the UC system plans to implement their new SAT/ACT guidelines and what this means for your child.
1) The UC schools are planning to put different requirements in place for in-state residents and out-of-state residents.
What that means for your child: If your student is interested in the UC schools they still need to go above and beyond to demonstrate their capabilities, including taking standardized tests.
2) The UC has dropped the writing requirement for the SAT and ACT.
What that means for your child: In order to apply to the UC school system, your child no longer needs to take an SAT or and ACT with writing.
3) If you or your child is a member of the classes of 2021 or 2022:
Students in these schools (both in-state and out-of state) will have the choice to send test scores for the SAT and ACT and they will be considered in their admissions portfolio.
What that means for your child: No matter where you live, if your child is interested in UC schools, they should plan to test take as normal, reaching for their highest possible score. If your child is in the classes of 2021 or 2022, they should already have a test prep plan in place. If they don’t, please contact us or check out our diagnostic resources in Lotus Premier College Planning.
4) If you or your child is a member of the classes of 2023 0r 2024:
The UC school system will be test-blind for California residents. Requirements for out-of-state students are still yet to be determined.
What that means for your child: If you live in the state of California, your SAT and ACT scores will not be considered as part of your application portfolio. For out-of-state residents, requirements are still being decided. Since several other schools will be back to their normal requirements with the SAT/ACT then, you should be prepared to take the tests as normal.
5) If your child is a member of the class of 2025:
By this time, the UC schools hoped to have developed their own standardized test to use in admissions.
What that means for your child: It means don’t celebrate prematurely! The UC system is not abolishing standardized testing. They are just moving away from the SAT/ACT in favor of their own standardized test. If other college adapt this same mentality, it will change the way students apply to schools.