University of California Students May Struggle With Basic Math but Are Graduating at Record Rates

Good news, everyone! The University of California is doing great. In a guest essay in The New York Times, we learn that the percent of underrepresented students has crept up, and the California Dream Act has given undocumented students access to in-state tuition as well as financial aid. More students than ever are graduating from University of California campuses. The only downside, if you want to look at it as one, is that these students may struggle with basic math.

This op-ed can’t be real:

“Students on University of California campuses may struggle with basic math, but they are graduating at record rates.”

“What has made the University of California exceptional is its commitment to increase access without sacrificing excellence.” pic.twitter.com/lfhgPtPirI
— Steve McGuire (@sfmcguire79) September 16, 2026

I, uh

...what a fascinating way of viewing things https://t.co/objBA0GuW6 pic.twitter.com/9cdGI1qoNy
— Jack (@tracewoodgrains) September 16, 2026

I thought the tweet below must be omitting some critical context or paraphrasing the text ungenerously.

But no, the NYT actually published an op-ed that claims the University of California hasn't sacrificed excellence even though it admits students who struggle with basic math. https://t.co/fTZjZnIG3I pic.twitter.com/hAitGCNqb1
— Alec Stapp (@AlecStapp) September 16, 2026

The guest essay is by Miriam Pawel, author of the upcoming "California Dreams: The Making and Remaking of the University of California.” Pawel writes:

When the University of California eliminated the SAT requirement for admission in 2021, U.C.L.A. saw a significant jump in applications from high-achieving Black and Latino students, for whom the standardized tests had been a barrier. “We are enrolling one of the most academically accomplished and diverse classes in our history,” the admissions director wrote. Since then, applications have risen at all nine undergraduate campuses, the most prestigious have become increasingly selective, and the university retains and graduates students at record rates.
…
These are perilous times for the very students for whom the University of California is a life-changing experience. Cuts in federal aid have reduced support programs, especially vital for first-generation students. ICE raids mean even citizens fear filling out financial aid forms that might jeopardize their undocumented relatives. International students face restrictions on visas.
The University of California needs to redouble its commitment to forge its own path, to remain a beacon of hope, albeit flickering. Now is not the moment to regress.