A systemwide letter signed by more than 600 UC STEM faculty argues that test-optional policy resulted in severely underprepared students and has triggered widespread remediation at the University of California. Faculty say math-preparation gaps are so large that instructors are reteaching middle-school math while simultaneously teaching core college STEM concepts. The letter, distributed via UC Berkeley’s math department, calls for UC leaders to reinstate requirements for SAT/ACT math scores for applicants to STEM-intensive majors. Supporters argue standardized test requirements are a prerequisite for equity because they measure readiness rather than pushing barriers into the classroom. Faculty cite UC San Diego findings that incoming students with below–high school-level math skills have increased sharply, as well as diagnostic testing at UC Berkeley showing “severe preparation deficits” among calculus students. The dispute highlights a broader tension in higher education admissions: balancing access and equity commitments with the operational requirement to ensure students can succeed in rigor-intensive coursework.