Judge: No SAT or ACT Scores in University of California Admissions

The University of California cannot allow prospective students to submit their ACT or SAT test scores when applying to any of its campuses, a judge ruled this week, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

The school previously stopped requiring that students submit their test scores when applying after the UC regents voted last May following complaints from disabled, minority, and low-income applicants who claimed that the Scholastic Aptitude Test and American College Testing exam are biased towards students who can afford preparatory programs and tutors.

The regents had allowed students to submit their scores voluntarily, depending on which campus they apply to. Three, UC Berkeley, Santa Cruz and Irvine, declined to allow ACT and SAT test scores to be submitted, while the six other campuses were going to allow it. However, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Brad Seligman ruled on Tuesday that if some applicants are allowed to submit their test scores, this creates an unfair disadvantage for disabled students, many of whom were unable to complete the ACT or SAT exams because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

“Nondisabled, economically advantaged, and white test-takers have an inherent advantage in the testing process,” the judge ruled, noting that disabled students who otherwise have the same qualifications as non-disabled applicants “are denied a potential second chance at admission” if test scores are included.

UC President Michael Drake said in a statement: “UC respectfully disagrees with the court’s ruling. An injunction may interfere with the university’s efforts to implement appropriate and comprehensive admissions policies, and its ability to attract and enroll students of diverse backgrounds and experiences.”

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