Ongoing UC System Admissions Legal Battle

The UC system has been involved in an ongoing legal battle for their ability to use submitted student test scores in their admissions process. The constant back-and-forth over whether they are allowed to use scores to make admissions decisions has been confusing (and frustrating) for students planning to apply to the UC schools this year. We aim to clarify the repercussions of these legal rulings, as it will impact current seniors and juniors differently.

On October 29th, a San Francisco court repealed the stay order on the judgement stating that the UC’s were not allowed to use test scores in admissions. As of now, the UC’s are once again not allowed to accept or consider ACT or SAT scores during the upcoming admissions cycle. This does not include AP scores, which students are still encouraged to submit.

For seniors, at this point in time, your ACT or SAT scores will not be reviewed as part of the admissions process. The UC application will still allow you to submit scores, but your scores will only be used for course placement in the event that you are admitted.

For juniors, this legal battle indicates that the UC’s are still trying to preserve their ability to review test scores as part of the admissions process. The ruling did not prevent the UC schools from using test scores for future admissions cycles. We expect the UC’s to maintain their test-optional status for the 2021-22 admissions cycle.