An internal UC San Diego faculty report found a sharp rise in incoming freshmen with severe math and writing deficiencies, with students lacking algebra-level skills increasing nearly thirtyfold over five years. The faculty group warned that admitting large numbers of underprepared students strains departmental resources and risks harming the students themselves when universities lack capacity for remediation. UC San Diego’s academic leadership acknowledged the findings and said the remediation burden has placed exceptional strain on the math department. The report has reignited sector-wide debates about test-optional admissions, outreach to underresourced high schools and institutional responsibility for academic catch-up.