Let’s Celebrate: CSU System Says Goodbye to SAT/ACT Requirements

By: Tania Salceda

As a first generation, low-income student from an under-resourced community and public school, I experienced first hand the pressures of the SAT and ACT tests and the obstacles that came with taking them. The recent news that the California State University dropped SAT and ACT admission requirements made me feel hopeful; this large university system has made a stride in the right direction for equity in their admissions process.

Like many students I faced many barriers trying to get ready to apply to college and take the required standardized testing. In fact, I took the SAT over 6 times to finally get a decent enough score to apply to competitive schools. However, that came at a large cost both mentally and financially. I maxed out all of my free attempts and fee waivers, the last two tests had to come out of an almost empty pocket. Additionally, our local testing sites had a very small capacity and would fill up within hours, at times the closest available testing center was an hour away. Therefore, if a student did not have transportation, it would be almost impossible for them to even have the chance to take the exam and apply to colleges that required it.

The SAT and ACT came with many obstacles before and during admissions for students like me; this news is appreciated, especially since standardized testing already has its own fair share of complaints outside of equity. This decision by the CSUs will break down another barrier to accessing higher education.