By Dana Kim, Crypto Markets Analyst
Last updated: May 30, 2026

UC Math Professors Say SATs Are Key to Fixing STEM ‘Math Crisis’

Only a staggering 25% of students entering the University of California (UC) system’s STEM programs exhibit proficiency in foundational math skills. This alarming statistic reveals a profound failure within the educational system—one that is now prompting UC math faculty to advocate for the reinstatement of SAT testing in college admissions. The insistence on a return to standardized testing reflects a crucial divide in educational standards, especially as companies like Boeing struggle to find adequately prepared candidates to fill crucial engineering roles. Amid widespread support for abolishing such tests, this demand underscores a critical truth: the current admissions criteria may be exacerbating, rather than alleviating, educational inequities.

What Is the Math Crisis in STEM Admissions?

The “math crisis” within STEM admissions refers to the declining level of math proficiency among students entering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. This decline is alarming for a sector that relies heavily on quantitative skills for both academic and professional success. Standardized testing, such as the SAT, is viewed as a metric for assessing these skills. To illustrate, the SAT’s math section serves as a pontoon, bridging students’ high school learning with the expectations of rigorous college-level work. In this regard, the return of such assessments is critical for both academia and the industries relying on a capable workforce. For a more in-depth exploration of educational standards, see our article on Why the Dead Economy Theory Could Redefine Crypto Investment Strategies.

How the Math Crisis Works in Practice

Several entities illustrate the gravity of the situation, demonstrating how the declining math proficiency impacts both educational institutions and the job market:

1. University of California Mathematics Faculty: According to the faculty, only 10% of incoming STEM students meet the necessary math proficiency standards. This statistic not only points to educational deficiencies among students but raises concerns regarding the caliber of future engineers and scientists emerging from the UC system.

2. National Science Foundation (NSF): A report from the NSF indicates a 30% decline in math scores among high school graduates since the removal of standardized tests from the college admissions process. This decline directly correlates with the struggles faced by industries seeking skilled professionals. The NSF’s research underscores the inadequacies of current educational frameworks that have largely opted to eliminate standardized assessments, similar to the insights gained from 5 Ways SQLite Transforms Durable Workflows in Crypto Applications.

3. Boeing: As one of California’s premier engineering firms, Boeing is directly affected by this crisis. The company reports a growing skills shortage attributed to poor math preparedness among recent graduates, ultimately limiting its pool of potential hires. This concern exemplifies a mismatch between educational output and industry needs, reflecting a systemic problem that could have long-lasting implications on innovation and competitiveness. For more on how industry demands shape education, refer to our article on How Blackstone and KKR Are Reshaping America’s Critical Infrastructure.

4. College Board Findings: A study by the College Board revealed that standardized test scores are predictive of higher performance in college-level STEM courses. Despite claims that standardized testing does not equate to knowledge or ability, quantitative evidence illustrates that students with stronger SAT scores often excel academically.

Incorporating these examples emphasizes the interconnected nature of educational standards, student preparedness, and industry requirements.

Top Tools and Solutions

For those seeking to navigate the challenges presented by the math crisis in STEM admissions, various tools and solutions can aid both students and educators:

KrispCall — A cloud phone system ideal for modern businesses that enables clear communication and organization, necessary for educational institutions managing remote learning.

Birch — A personal finance and expense management tool that can assist students in managing their finances while pursuing STEM degrees, helping prevent dropout due to financial hardships.

HighLevel — An all-in-one sales funnel, CRM, and automation platform valued by educational agencies for enhancing student engagement and retention.

Morphy Mail — A powerful cold email delivery platform that can be employed by educational institutions to reach out to prospective students and keep current students informed.

Bouncer — An email verification service that schools can utilize to ensure effective communications with their students and stakeholders.

SaneBox — An AI email management tool that helps educational institutions streamline their communication efforts.

By addressing the math crisis in STEM education through these various lenses and tools, stakeholders can begin to map a clearer path towards strengthening the future of STEM readiness.