AP classes do count for HS rigor but not for the GPA calculation. Each school/system has their pros and cons and no one is forced to apply to the UC’s. The UC’s have always been more GPA focused vs. test focused so going test blind was eventually going to happen. Their goal was to be test optional for 2 years to help with the transition and then test blind but due to circumstances they were FORCED to be test blind immediately.
Everyone has a right to their opinion and that is fine, but everyone needs to understand that California has 8 out of 10 most applied schools in the US and 6 of them are UC’s.
Bottom line, as a state we have many high achieving students and although we have 23 Cal states, 9 UC’s and a variety of Private Universities and LAC’s, the majority of students are applying to the same group of schools. Too many students and not enough spots to accommodate them.
A student can only attend one college and what is important is that they realize that where they go for Undergrad will not define them, it is what they do with the opportunities they are given that will make them successful. High achieving students will “bloom where planted”.