Quick answer
UC has not reinstated an SAT or ACT requirement. Its faculty-led review is underway, with recommendations scheduled for the 2026–27 academic year. SAT prep can still make sense when a student is applying to test-required or test-recommended colleges, seeking some scholarships, or showing fixable gaps on a diagnostic.
"Is SAT prep worth it?" is one of the top questions parents search. For California families, it now comes with a second question: will the UC system require the SAT again?
Here is what is confirmed, what isn't, and what a Tri-Valley high schooler should do this year.
What's confirmed (as of September 2026)
- UC does not currently use SAT/ACT scores in admissions. The UC Board of Regents voted in 2020 to eliminate them.
- A formal review is underway. UC's Academic Senate has committed to complete a review of standardized testing in admissions by June 2027 (CalMatters, July 2026).
- Only the Regents can reinstate a test requirement. The Academic Senate can only recommend.
- Many colleges outside the UC system require scores again. As of fall 2027 applications, all eight Ivy League schools plus MIT, Stanford, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Mellon, Rice, Vanderbilt, UT Austin and others require the SAT or ACT (The College Investor, Sept 2026).
- CSU dropped SAT/ACT from admissions in 2022. Check CSU's current policy before applying.
What's not confirmed
Whether UC will bring the SAT back, and for which graduating class. Anyone claiming a firm date is guessing. Plan for both outcomes.
Common signs parents notice
- Your student has strong grades but hasn't tried a full, timed practice test.
- PSAT scores didn't match classroom grades.
- Your student plans to apply to at least one test-required college.
- Math sections feel rushed; reading sections feel "fine" but scores are average.
What may actually be happening
A gap between grades and test scores usually isn't about test tricks. It's often a learning gap that classwork didn't expose: a shaky algebra skill, slow reading with evidence, or a repeated mistake pattern under time pressure.
Is SAT prep worth it?
It's worth it when any of these are true:
- Your student will apply to one or more test-required or test-recommended colleges.
- They want to be considered for merit scholarships (some schools use scores even when test-optional).
- Their practice score is below the typical range for their target schools.
- A diagnostic shows specific, fixable gaps.
It's less urgent if your student is applying only to test-blind schools. But because UC's policy is under review, many families prepare anyway so scores are ready if needed.
Why GrowWise?
- Diagnostic first. A timed practice section shows which math and reading skills are costing points.
- Math with pattern correction — fix the repeated error, not just do more questions.
- Reading with evidence — find and defend the answer in the text.
- A clear timeline based on your student's grade and test dates.
Program fit
- SAT Prep — grades 9–12, group or 1:1
- High school math
- When to start SAT prep
Local relevance
Many Tri-Valley students apply to both UC campuses and out-of-state or private colleges that now require scores. GrowWise works with high schoolers from Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Livermore to plan testing around both.
Next step
Book a free SAT diagnostic at 4564 Dublin Blvd, or call/text (925) 456-4606.