A UCLA sociology professor has joined calls to restore the SAT and ACT within the University of California system, arguing that its test-blind admissions policy has not reduced racial disparities as intended. He described the outcome as ironic, saying the policy may instead leave universities with less reliable information about applicants’ academic preparedness.

The intervention aligns with criticism from some faculty members, including academics in STEM subjects, who say increasing numbers of students arrive insufficiently prepared for university-level work. Supporters of test-blind admissions have sought to limit the influence of standardised testing, while critics argue that well-designed use of scores could help identify disadvantaged but high-achieving applicants.