From my recollection, standardized test results, combined with GPA, is the best predictor of college success. Particularly as a flagship public school system, UC's should aim to admit the students who are best equipped to handle the workload, graduate, and go on to be productive Californians.
When I was in HS in CA 20+ years ago, you could have a good sense of where your SAT and GPA was likely to get you in at the UC's. For Stanford and the Ivies, sure you may need the right mix of extracurriculars, essays, and luck, but at least if you were smart and worked hard you'd know you'd get into UCLA, UCB, UCSD.
Now my understanding from hearing of colleague's kids going through the process, there is much less of that certainty.
When I was in HS in CA 20+ years ago, you could have a good sense of where your SAT and GPA was likely to get you in at the UC's. For Stanford and the Ivies, sure you may need the right mix of extracurriculars, essays, and luck, but at least if you were smart and worked hard you'd know you'd get into UCLA, UCB, UCSD.
Now my understanding from hearing of colleague's kids going through the process, there is much less of that certainty.