The California State University's Admission Advisory Council (AAC) has recommended the permanent discontinuation of the use of standardized test scores in CSU undergraduate admissions. The AAC, which began its review of standardized tests in spring 2021, found that the SAT and ACT tests provide negligible additional value to the CSU admission process. In addition to consideration of pandemic-related hardships and concerns brought forth by PK-12 school districts and community-based organizations, the committee has considered equity and fairness, academic preparation, Graduation Initiative 2025 goals and research on the topic of standardized testing and college admission as part of its deliberations.
The CSU Board of Trustees voted in favor to amend Title 5 to discontinue standardized test scores in undergraduate admission at its March 2022 meeting. Title 5 is the part of the California Code of Regulations which governs the California State University.
The CSU suspended the use of standardized test scores for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years for undergraduate admission due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the unavailability of examinations for prospective applicants. Learn more about current CSU admission eligibility standards for undergraduate students and read about Frequently Asked Questions .
The Admission Advisory Council is comprised of faculty, administrators and student representatives. Additional ad-hoc members were added to expand expertise and perspective of the Council, including the chair of the CSU Statewide Academic Senate, the president of the California State Student Association and a representative from the California Department of Education.
AAC Proposed Recommendations
Predicting College Success Research Study
For Title 5 comments, please contact Assistant Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management Services April Grommo at agrommo@calstate.edu.