Sounds amazing and definitely more worthwhile experiences in summer 2022 than test prep.
I agree with @EconPop @AlwaysMoving and @MommaLue that while test optional/test blind policies will continue, SAT/ACT tests will remain useful for scholarships and placement into courses.
Btw, I had listened to the UC Board of Regents deliberations on May 21, 2020 (discussion in morning, vote in afternoon) regarding phasing out SAT/ACTs.
While the Board ended up unanimously voting to adopt then-President Janet Napolitano’s memo, there was definitely spirited (but respectful) debate.
PHASING OUT TIMING
The reason why test optional for 1st 2 years for COVID-19 is because a lot of HS are going pass/fail, and Academic Council’s Standardized Testing Task Force (STTF) showed that SAT/ACT scores did help identify some Under-Represented Minority (URM) groups.
Test Blind next 2 years - Allows for evaluating a student if score is additive to applicant file.
UC’s OWN TEST:
UC Board members didn’t appear to have the appetite or funding to go the route of developing their own test… and that the same concerns re: test prep for families that can afford it will follow whatever test is used (if at all in the future).
Press release including update for the Nov 2020 injunction: University of California Board of Regents unanimously approved changes to standardized testing requirement for undergraduates | University of California