Answer :
Final answer:
The ACT score required for unconditional freshman admission can vary depending on the institution and other factors such as GPA. The top 12 percent refers to a percentile rank needed to meet certain eligibility standards for the UC system. However, many institutions have moved towards a test-optional policy, affecting how ACT scores are considered.
Explanation:
The question asks about unconditional freshman admission requirements regarding ACT scores. It is important to note that each university, including those within the University of California (UC) system, may have different ACT score requirements for unconditional admission, which often depend on a combination of factors including a student's GPA and other admission indices. As of March 2019, more than 1000 educational institutions had eased or eliminated their requirements for standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT due to various concerns ranging from biases in the tests to high profile cheating scandals. Additionally, with the COVID-19 pandemic, even more colleges have adopted a test-optional policy, allowing students the choice of whether to submit their standardized test scores.
The top 12 percent referenced in the UC's admission criteria represents a percentile ranking. It means that a student needs to have an admissions index score higher than what 88% of other test-takers achieved. In the context of standardized testing, predictive validity refers to the extent to which the tests can predict first-year college GPA, but this validity has been called into question a number of times.
For admissions into programs such as college engineering programs, ACT scores may still be considered alongside other factors like high school mathematics performance, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. Although the emphasis on standardized testing has seen a shift, some colleges still use the SAT and ACT as one of many tools to assess a student's readiness for college-level work.
