Nearly 1 in 5 UC freshmen are flunking math, double the rate from 5 years ago

Nearly one in five University of California freshmen - 17.8% - failed to pass introductory math in 2025-26, a figure that has roughly doubled since 2020-21 (9.2%). The statistic covers calculus, precalculus and remedial algebra/trigonometry courses and rose steadily after the UC system stopped requiring SAT/ACT scores for freshman admission beginning with the 2021 cycle. Rates vary widely across campuses: UC Merced posted the highest share at 36.4%, UC Riverside jumped to about 20% from roughly 8% the prior year, UC Santa Cruz rose to ~19%, while UC Santa Barbara was lowest at 8.2%; UC Davis, UC Irvine and UC San Diego clustered around 16-18%, with Berkeley near 13% and UCLA about 11%.

Lawmakers, candidates and faculty link the increase to weaker K-12 math preparation and the shift to test‑blind admissions. Critics argue eliminating standardized tests let underprepared students into UC classrooms; over 1,400 UC STEM faculty have urged reinstating tests for science and engineering applicants. Professors note a widening preparedness gap that prompts remedial offerings and recommend some students strengthen basics at community colleges before transfer. State data cited include 2025-26 proficiency rates of 49.3% in English and 38.4% in math and roughly $134 billion spent on K-12 statewide. A formal review of testing policy is due to conclude in mid‑2027 with recommendations to the Board of Regents that fall.