Sen. Bill Cassidy launched an inquiry into math placements at 35 selective institutions after reports that many incoming students place below expected levels, citing a UC San Diego working group finding dramatic increases in freshmen with pre‑middle‑school skills. Cassidy’s office requested data on placement policies, remediation courses, and reliance on standardized tests. The letters ask institutions to explain how they assess readiness and whether remedial content is embedded in college classes. The inquiry underscores congressional pressure on selective universities to document academic preparedness and may drive changes in admissions assessments, placement practices, and course design across research universities.