Facts and Fantasies about UC Berkeley Admissions: A Critical Evaluation of Regent John Moores' Reports

Authors

Asian Law Caucus

Abstract

UC Regent John Moores recently authored a confidential draft report that purports to analyze admissions at the University of California's flagship Berkeley campus. The Moores Report is largely focused on SAT scores, particularly the admission of some applicants with SAT scores below 1000. Unfortunately, the Moores Report contributed to widespread misconceptions about comprehensive review at Berkeley, particularly regarding the admission of a small number of students with relatively low SAT scores. In reality, the data show that students admitted with relatively low SAT scores can be highly qualified for admission to Berkeley and that Berkeley admits virtually all in-state applicants with high SAT scores who do not withdraw their applications. The SAT is also a weak predictor of both college grades and graduation rates at Berkeley and elsewhere. Moreover, the SAT serves as a tool of social stratification because it is strongly linked to socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity.

Recommended Citation

Asian Law Caucus, Facts and Fantasies about UC Berkeley Admissions: A Critical Evaluation of Regent John Moores' Reports, 2 Hastings Race & Poverty L.J. 53 (2004).
Available at: https://repository.uclawsf.edu/hastings_race_poverty_law_journal/vol2/iss1/2