The UC is formally reviewing whether standardized tests should play a role again in admissions or course placement. The UC expects to bring recommendations on standardized testing to the UC Regents by June 2027, so we should have more clarity by then. In addition, the UC is also reviewing the A-G college-preparatory subject requirements, with recommendations expected in May 2027.

For current seniors applying for Fall 2027 admission, nothing changes. For this cycle, the UC remains test-blind: SAT and ACT scores are disregarded (even when students try to sneak them into their application).

However, the testing policy for students applying next year for Fall 2028 admission has not yet been determined. During the conference, counselors specifically asked whether current juniors should take the SAT or ACT just in case. In their response, the UC advised students to prepare based on the current requirements and said that updates will be communicated. That response makes sense as the review is still underway and no new policy has been approved. 

However, my own take on this is different. I recommend that current juniors take the SAT or ACT. Having a score keeps more options open. The UC may keep its current policy or change it, and many selective colleges have been reinstating standardized-testing requirements. I expect that trend to continue in the near future. Even if the UC ultimately does not use the score, another college on your list may require it. 

Students planning their high school math sequence need to pay attention to new validation rules. Beginning with coursework taken in Fall 2026, Statistics will no longer validate a missing Algebra II or Integrated Math III course, although it can still count as additional math. And maybe even more importantly: no higher-level math course will validate a missing geometry requirement. In practical terms, students need to complete Geometry or Integrated Math II as part of their math sequence to be eligible in subject area C.

There is also a new difference between the UC and the California State University (CSU) in world language requirements. The UC still requires two years of the same language, while the CSU allows two one-year courses in different languages as an option.

Like at last year's conference, the UC gave a clear warning about the use of artificial intelligence. In the application, students confirm that the information represents their own words and thoughts. Using generative AI to create or substantially rewrite PIQ responses may conflict with that requirement. 

My advice is to be conservative. Students should write their own PIQ responses and make sure the final wording genuinely reflects their own voice. The PIQs and activities sections are the only two places where admissions teams hear directly from the student. Don't miss this important opportunity to share your unique experiences and perspective!

Several campuses pointed out that applications tend to cluster heavily in a relatively small number of popular majors. At UC Irvine, for example, more than half of applicants apply to just 10 majors. Students should look beyond the most obvious choices and explore the full range of majors.

The UC also cautioned against trying to 'game the system' by applying to a less-selective major simply because it appears easier to get into. That strategy can backfire. A highly selective major may still be difficult, or sometimes impossible, to switch into later. Students should apply to the major they are genuinely interested in studying and use alternate-major choices thoughtfully.

If a student is truly undecided, applying as undeclared is a better option as undeclared students may have more flexibility; but even then, moving into a highly selective major is not guaranteed. The safest approach is to apply to a field the student would actually be happy to study if admitted.

The UC emphasized that dual-enrollment courses should be treated like what they are: real college courses. Students should choose them carefully because the grades become part of their college academic record, can affect the UC GPA, and may follow them into future undergraduate or graduate-school applications.

The UC also stressed that students must report all college coursework completed during high school. Failing to report dual-enrollment courses was repeatedly cited as a reason admission offers are rescinded, so complete and accurate reporting is essential.

One of the more surprising messages from the conference was that some UC campuses are still rescinding admission offers, even just days before the fall quarter begins!

Students are admitted based on the information they self-report in the application, so accuracy matters from the start. Any discrepancy between the application and official records can put an admission offer at risk. At this point, many of the remaining rescission cases involve missed deadlines or required documents. Other reasons can include dropping planned senior-year or dual-enrollment courses, reducing academic rigor, significant grade declines or failing classes, or failing to report college coursework.

The takeaway is straightforward: report your academic record completely and accurately, maintain your senior-year coursework and academic performance, and meet every campus deadline after admission. If something changes, such as dropping a course or a significant change in grades, students should reach out to their admissions team promptly.

Families planning to use federal parent loans should be aware of new federal borrowing limits. For new borrowers beginning in Fall 2026, Parent PLUS borrowing is capped at $20,000 per year and $65,000 per student overall.

California's Middle Class Scholarship is also receiving less funding for 2026-27. Funding is declining from approximately $1 billion to $680 million. For the roughly 100,000 students receiving the scholarship, the average award is expected to decline from about $3,000 to $2,000. 

These financial changes make it especially important for families to understand how they will cover any gap between financial aid and the full cost of attendance.

Here are a few of the more notable campus updates, along with GPA information where it was provided.

UC Berkeley
Berkeley has a new two-year housing guarantee. The middle 50% of admitted students had unweighted GPAs of 3.91 to 4.00. The campus also highlighted its new Gateway building for computing, data science, and related fields.

UC Davis
Computer Science is no longer among Davis's most selective majors, with Mechanical Engineering taking its place. The admitted GPA ranges were 3.79 to 4.00 unweighted and 4.00 to 4.25 weighted.

UC Irvine
Engineering/Undeclared is no longer offered, so engineering applicants must choose a specific engineering major. The average weighted GPA for admitted students was 4.19.

UCLA
The average admitted GPA was 3.95 unweighted and 4.24 weighted. UCLA also emphasized that thousands of applicants have perfect grades, reinforcing the importance of holistic review.

UC Merced
Merced continues to expand, with new programs in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science. The admitted GPA range was 3.57 to 4.16. UCM's automatic-admission program (MAP) has also been simplified, with a shorter process and free application for eligible students. 

UC Riverside
New programs include Computer Science with Applications, with tracks in business, health, and psychology, and Genetics and Molecular Biotechnology. No GPA range was provided.

UC San Diego
UCSD highlighted new or updated majors in Business Data Science, Clinical Psychology, and Experimental Psychology. The middle 50% admitted GPA range was 4.12 to 4.28.

UC Santa Barbara
A new Artificial Intelligence B.S. begins in Fall 2026 in the College of Engineering, and applicants must select it as their first-choice major to be considered. Santa Barbara also offers a two-year housing guarantee. No GPA range was provided.

UC Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz has launched a two-year housing guarantee and announced that a new honors program is coming soon. The average admitted GPA was 4.0 weighted and 3.7 unweighted.

My main takeaway from this year's conference is that students need to pay attention to both the big policy questions and the smaller details that can affect an application.

The biggest question is still standardized testing. Seniors applying this fall can move forward under the current test-free policy, while juniors should watch for the UC's recommendations next year. In my view, taking the SAT or ACT is still a sensible way to keep options open.

Beyond that, the advice is fairly practical: choose courses and majors carefully, report everything accurately, keep the application in your own voice, and stay on top of requirements even after admission.