Jessie Ryan Featured in CalMatters on UC’s Review of Standardized Testing

Publication: CalMatters
By: Mikhail Zinshteyn
Date: July 14, 2026

CalMatters featured Campaign for College Opportunity President Jessie Ryan in its coverage of the University of California’s ongoing review of whether to reinstate SAT and ACT testing in undergraduate admissions. The article explores the debate among UC faculty, Regents, and higher education advocates over standardized testing, student preparation, and the university’s public mission.  

Representing the Campaign’s perspective during the UC Board of Regents meeting, Jessie emphasized that reinstating standardized testing is “the wrong solution to an undefined problem.” She pointed to UC’s own research showing that student retention and graduation rates have remained strong under test-free admissions and urged policymakers to focus on strengthening K-12 preparation and student supports rather than creating new barriers to access.  

The Campaign continues to advocate for evidence-based policies that improve college readiness while expanding opportunity for all California students.