GRAPHIC/ Melody Wu
By Nicole Lin
Staff Writer
I used to think that more tests equaled more stress, especially with college constantly in the back of our minds. However, I’ve come to realize that grades and achievements should not be the only factors affecting the rest of our lives. Standardized tests like the SAT display a student’s abilities in basic reading, writing, and mathematics—skills everyone should have in college and the workforce. Ultimately, stress in the moment is worth it if there is success in the future.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress 2025 tests showed that only 33% of 12th graders were prepared for entry-level college math, and 37% for reading in 2024. Ideally, an SAT score would indicate to college admissions officers that a student has grasped core concepts and deserves acceptance to college. In fact, over 3,000 UC faculty members signed a STEM letter supporting a reinstatement of standardized testing for college admissions, citing that the widening gap between unprepared and well-prepared students is “weakening the foundation available.”
A mandatory SAT is beneficial for students because the test serves as a strong predictor of college success. The widening gap between students who are prepared and those who are unprepared for college work takes a toll not only on students and professors, but on the education system as a whole. Limiting the system’s operation will bring down the entire community, not just one student’s grade. Mandatory SATs could be the perfect counterbalance, allowing students to show their knowledge outside of their standard GPA.
Some argue that a mandatory SAT will disregard students’ personal achievements, but colleges actually value extracurriculars more, while the SAT acts as a supporting factor. Overall, mandating the SAT benefits students immensely by ensuring they are truly prepared for college and their futures. It provides students with a valuable opportunity to prove their capabilities, both academically and as well-rounded individuals.
By Licia Huang
Staff Writer
I used to think that more tests equaled more stress, especially with college constantly in the back of our minds. I’ve come to realize that grades and achievements should not be the only factors affecting the rest of our lives.
Standardized tests like the SAT display a student’s abilities in basic reading, writing, and mathematics—skills everyone should have in college and the workforce. Stress in the moment is worth it if there is success in the future. The National Assessment of Educational Progress 2025 tests showed 33% of 12th graders were prepared for entry-level college math, and 37% for reading in 2024. Ideally, an SAT score would indicate to college admissions officers that a student grasped core concepts and deserves acceptance to college.
Over 3,000 UC faculty members signed a STEM letter supporting a reinstatement of standardized testing for college admissions, citing the widening gap between unprepared and well-prepared students is “weakening the foundation available.” A mandatory SAT is beneficial for students because the SAT is a predictor of college success. The widening gap of students who are prepared and who are unprepared for college work takes a toll on not only students and professors, but on the system as well.
Limiting the system’s operation will bring down the entire community, not just one student’s grade. Mandatory SATs could be the counterbalance, allowing students to show their knowledge outside of grades. Some argue that a mandatory SAT will disregard students’ personal achievements, but colleges actually value extracurriculars more, while the SAT is a supporting factor. Overall, mandating the SAT benefits students immensely, ensuring they are prepared for college and their futures. It provides students with an opportunity to prove their capabilities, academically and as a well-rounded individual.