I heard that some colleges are going test-optional, but I'm not sure about the University of California schools. I'm applying next year and my SAT scores aren't that great. Should I still submit them, or is it better not to?
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The University of California (UC) system no longer considers SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship purposes. This policy, which began in 2021, applies to all nine UC undergraduate campuses, including Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego. You cannot submit standardized test scores as part of your UC application, even if you want to.
Instead of SAT or ACT scores, UC schools evaluate your application based on 13 comprehensive review factors. These include your academic grade point average, the rigor of your completed coursework, your extracurricular activities, and special talents. The UC system places particular emphasis on your performance in A-G required courses, which include subjects like English, math, science, and foreign language.
This test-free policy differs from test-optional policies at other universities where students can choose whether to submit scores. For UC applications, the decision has been made for you ? test scores simply aren't part of the equation. This change helps create a more equitable admissions process and allows you to focus on other aspects of your application that better demonstrate your potential for success.
When preparing your UC application, concentrate on highlighting your academic achievements, leadership experiences, and personal insights through your responses to the Personal Insight Questions. These elements carry more weight in demonstrating your readiness for UC academics than standardized test scores ever did.
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