California's two major public university systems — UC and CSU — no longer consider SAT or ACT scores for admissions. So do standardized tests still matter for California high school students? The answer is: it depends on where you're applying.
The University of California is fully test-blind through at least the 2025–26 admissions cycle — SAT/ACT scores are not submitted and not considered. The California State University system is test-free for undergraduate admissions. For students applying only to CA public universities, test prep may not be a priority.
Most private colleges — including Stanford, USC, and Caltech — and the majority of out-of-state public universities have returned to test-optional or test-required policies. Stanford and MIT require SAT or ACT scores. USC is test-optional. If your student is considering any private college or out-of-state school, taking the SAT or ACT is still advisable.
There is no single answer — the right test depends on the student's strengths. Students who are strong readers and prefer a more reasoning-based math section often score better on the SAT. Students who are fast workers and comfortable with a science data-interpretation section often prefer the ACT. The best approach is to take a full-length practice test for both and compare the results.
Most college counselors recommend beginning test prep in the spring of junior year, targeting a summer or early fall test date. A focused 8–12 week prep period with a qualified tutor — covering strategy, timing, and content gaps — is typically more effective than self-study alone. California students applying to any college outside the UC/CSU system should not treat test prep as optional.
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