University of California Faculty Push to Bring Back SAT and ACT Score Consideration

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  August 08, 2026 at 13:39  |  7:28  |  Bloomberg Markets

Summary

Bloomberg education policy reporter Liam Knox discusses the University of California faculty push to reinstate SAT/ACT score consideration. The conversation covers arguments about test fairness, student preparedness, political pressure, and a preview of a story on AI boot camps.

  • University of California has been test-blind since 2020 and now faces internal faculty pressure to reconsider.
  • Faculty argue standardized tests help identify students ready for college-level work amid grade inflation and AI use.
  • Opponents say tests reinforce socioeconomic and racial disparities, creating a split among access advocates.
  • Political backdrop includes Trump administration support for test requirements and a California GOP candidate echoing the call.
  • UC system serves both elite and high-acceptance-rate campuses, complicating a one-size-fits-all testing policy.
  • Brief preview of an upcoming story on the surge of AI boot camps and their uncertain value in the job market.
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