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:

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

Spocket — A dropshipping platform connecting retailers with suppliers that can help text-based businesses simplify logistics.

CanvassScore — A political and field campaign canvassing platform useful for educational outreach initiatives.

Diginius — A digital marketing intelligence platform ensuring educational institutions can track their outreach effectiveness.

Optery — A personal data removal and privacy protection service ideal for protecting students’ identities.

ElevenLabs — A tool to easily clone any voice or generate AI text-to-voice for content creation, valuable in crafting engaging educational resources.

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 addressing the foundational gaps evident in incoming students.

FAQ

Q: What is the math crisis in STEM admissions?
A: The math crisis in STEM admissions refers to the significant decline in math proficiency among students entering these fields. This raises concerns about the preparedness of graduates for academic and professional success.

Q: How can students improve their math skills for STEM programs?
A: Students can enhance their math skills through targeted study, tutoring, and academic support services. Engaging in online courses or summer programs can also bolster foundational knowledge.

Q: How does the mathematical proficiency of applicants affect admissions decisions?
A: Admissions decisions are increasingly influenced by standardized test scores, such as the SAT. Strong math scores are indicative of students’ capabilities in handling STEM coursework.

Q: What are the costs associated with SAT prep courses?
A: SAT prep courses can range widely in cost, from free online resources to several hundred dollars for formal programs. Investing in high-quality prep can improve performance and increase chances of acceptance into competitive programs.

Q: Are there advanced strategies to boost math preparation for college?
A: Advanced students may consider taking college-level math courses during high school or participating in math competitions. Engaging with math-related communities can also provide additional learning resources.

Q: What common mistakes should students avoid when preparing for STEM fields?
A: Students often overlook foundational math skills, focusing too much on holistic admissions criteria. This can lead to being unprepared for the rigorous demands of STEM studies.

Q: What trends are emerging in STEM admissions related to math?
A: There is a growing movement towards reinstating standardized testing as institutions recognize its predictive power for student success in STEM fields.

Q: What resources are best for students entering STEM careers?
A: Key resources include online platforms for additional learning, community college courses, and mentoring programs aimed at supporting underrepresented groups in STEM.