09/13/2026
We have been seeing this trend go up for several years now. For the students that were in 1st - 7th grade during Covid time frame, we are seeing even higher rates of difficulty with conceptual understanding of math. (7th graders in Covid time frame are now freshman in college)
We have been noticing students navigating their algebra 2 class and remembering the content for the week they are immersed in it. Then, they take the test and pass it with an A or B. But when it comes time to apply the conceptual understanding on how all math integrates together, the TSI, SAT, and ACT show a different data point.
For those students who are “not good test takers” on these college entrance tests, our company does an in person screening and assessment to identify why they are not doing well. We regularly identify gaps in multiplication facts, division, fractions, probability, expressions, equations, basic geometry, inequalities and more. These are the foundations needed to avoid a college level remedial math class.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EEoCRcuRR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Here's a number that should stop every parent of a high school junior: UC San Diego received 141,767 applications this year and admitted 27% of them. At the same time, its remedial math class (a course covering middle school material that earns no credit toward a degree) is completely full, with 175 students stuck on a waitlist.
More than a quarter of the students who enter this class earned a 4.0 in high school math, which means their high school transcript told them they were ready and the actual placement exam said otherwise.
The catch is what it costs: roughly $1,762 for four units that count for nothing, and about $6,608 more for every quarter it pushes graduation back.
Another reason why test optional is a financial problem for families.
https://thecollegeinvestor.com/88296/uc-san-diegos-remedial-math-class-is-full-reigniting-the-debate-over-test-requirements/
