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.

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.

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.

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 communications to improve student support and gathering data for assessments.

Disclosure: Some links in this article may be affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our recommendations.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

1. Ignoring Math Foundations: Many educators have shifted the focus to holistic admissions criteria, neglecting the fundamental importance of strong mathematical backgrounds. This oversight can result in unprepared students entering STEM fields, leading to higher dropout rates and increased academic support needs.

2. Overrelying on Subjective Assessments: Institutions that dismiss standardized testing in favor of subjective assessments may inadvertently amplify educational inequities. For example, a prestigious university rejected SAT requirements without adapting other metrics to fill the gap, leading to a student body less equipped for rigorous academic challenges.

3. Neglecting Industry Needs: Failure to align academic programs with industry requirements can exacerbate skill shortages. If educational institutions prioritize diversity initiatives over quantitative skill assessments, they risk producing graduates who cannot meet fundamental job expectations—a concerning trend that Boeing has highlighted.

Where This Is Heading

Looking ahead, several trends signal the trajectory of the math crisis within STEM fields:

1. Return to Standardized Testing: The mounting evidence supporting standardized testing’s role in student preparedness may prompt more institutions to reintroduce SAT requirements, as observed by UC faculty members advocating for such measures. By 2025, predictions suggest a potential resurgence in standardized assessments, which could reshape admissions processes across the country.

2. Targeted Remediation Programs: Educational institutions may increasingly implement targeted math remediation programs aimed at bolstering foundational skills before students enter STEM fields. This trend is already gaining traction within community colleges and universities, with experimental programs being piloted over the next 1-2 years.

3. Industry-Education Collaborations: Companies like Boeing are likely to advocate vigorously for closer collaborations with educational institutions to address skill gaps. These partnerships can provide funding for mathematics programs in schools and promote curriculum development that prioritizes quantitative skills.

For stakeholders—educational policymakers, industry leaders, and students alike—this landscape offers opportunities to ensure a future workforce prepared to tackle increasingly sophisticated challenges in STEM fields.

FAQ

Q: What is the math crisis in STEM admissions?
A: The math crisis in STEM admissions refers to the declining level of math proficiency among students entering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs. This shortfall presents a significant concern for industries reliant on skilled professionals.

Q: How can students improve their math proficiency for STEM fields?
A: To improve math proficiency, students should engage in targeted study programs, utilize online resources designed for STEM preparation, and consider hiring math tutors for personalized assistance. Working on practice exams also helps solidify foundational skills.

Q: Are standardized tests still relevant for college admissions?
A: Yes, standardized tests like the SAT are considered relevant, especially in assessing foundational skills necessary for success in STEM fields. Data suggest that higher standardized test scores correlate with better performance in college-level courses.

Q: How do UC admissions criteria affect student preparedness?
A: The UC system’s move away from standardized tests has led to declining math proficiency among incoming STEM students. This shift raises concerns that admissions criteria may not adequately predict student success, thus affecting preparedness.

Q: What are the costs associated with standardized testing for students?
A: Students face various costs when preparing for standardized tests, such as fees for the SAT and associated study materials. Test preparation courses can also add to these costs, sparking concerns about equitable access to resources.

Q: What is the role of companies like Boeing in shaping educational standards?
A: Companies like Boeing emphasize the importance of educational rigor in their hiring practices, advocating for collaboration with educational institutions to ensure curriculum relevance and address skills gaps in the workforce.

Q: How can education institutions align more closely with industry needs?
A: Education institutions can establish partnerships with industry stakeholders to create programs centered on market demands. Engaging employers in curriculum development ensures that students graduate with the skills necessary for immediate employment.

Q: What are common mistakes made by educational institutions regarding math preparedness?
A: Common mistakes include neglecting foundational math education, overrelying on subjective assessments without rigorous metrics, and failing to ensure that academic programs align with industry needs. This misalignment can lead to unprepared graduates.

Recommended Tools

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 communications to improve student support and gathering data for assessments.

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