(2025-12-02) UC San Diego Is Trying To Solve A Remedial Math Problem

UC San Diego is trying to solve a remedial math problem. *The need for remedial math education at UC San Diego has soared over the last five years according to a report published this month by the university’s Senate Administration Workgroup on Admissions.

“The number of students who are not able to perform at high school level increased, and even the number of students who can't perform at middle school level increased enormously,” said Akos Rona-Tas, co-chair of the workgroup and a professor of sociology.*

In 2020, university data show 1 in 200 incoming students needed remedial math. This year that number is about 1 in 8 students.

“One of those causes is COVID which had a detrimental effect on K-12 education,” Rona-Tas said.

The report also cites the elimination of SAT and ACT requirements, high school grade inflation and changes to the admissions process as some reasons for the increase.