The College Board is a nonprofit organization that creates and runs important tests and programs that help students get ready for college, like the SAT and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. It works with schools, teachers, and families to give students more opportunities for higher education.
Besides testing, the College Board offers tools to help students find colleges, explore scholarships, and learn about financial aid. Many educators also turn to the College Board for resources to support their students’ college planning. Understanding how the College Board affects high school and college life can help students and families make better choices about education.
History of the College Board
The College Board was founded in 1900. At first, it was a group made up of colleges and schools working together to create standard entrance tests for students who wanted to attend college.
Over the years, it expanded its work beyond entrance exams. The College Board introduced tests such as the SAT in 1926 and the Advanced Placement (AP) Program in the 1950s. These programs helped set a standard for measuring what students know and can do.
Today, the College Board works with thousands of educational institutions. Its influence reaches students, teachers, and counselors across the country. The organization continues to change with technology by offering more digital testing options.
Mission and Core Values
The main goal of the College Board is to connect students to college success and opportunity. It tries to make it easier for students to find pathways to higher education, regardless of their background or where they live.
Key values include:
- Access: Helping more students take part in challenging courses and exams.
- Equity: Working to remove barriers that prevent students from reaching their goals.
- Quality: Making sure its programs and tests are fair and accurate.
- Collaboration: Partnering with schools, colleges, and teachers to improve education.
They design their services to help students plan, prepare, and apply for college. They also create resources for educators and schools to support student achievement.
Nonprofit Status
The College Board is officially a not-for-profit organization. This means it does not have owners or shareholders and does not exist to make money for investors.
Any revenue made from testing fees and related programs is put back into creating new resources, maintaining existing services, and supporting educational programs. Its nonprofit status allows it to focus on its educational mission rather than profit.
The College Board reports to a board of trustees made up of educators from around the country. It also partners with schools, states, and educational groups to improve access and fairness in education.
Major College Board Programs
College Board offers several key programs that help students get ready for college. These programs include important standardized tests and advanced coursework opportunities.
SAT and SAT Subject Tests
The SAT is a standardized test used by many colleges in the United States to help decide which students to admit. The test measures skills in reading, writing, and math. Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year of high school.
Colleges use SAT scores, along with other parts of the application, to compare students from different schools. The SAT focuses on skills students need to do well in college classes.
The SAT Subject Tests were once offered for students who wanted to show their strengths in specific areas, such as Math, Science, or History. However, College Board discontinued these tests in 2021, so students no longer need to take them.
Advanced Placement (AP) Program
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program gives high school students a chance to take college-level classes and exams. Students can choose from a wide range of subjects — like biology, history, and English.
If students score well on AP exams, colleges may let them skip some introductory courses or even give them college credit. AP classes are often more challenging than normal high school classes. Taking AP courses can help students show colleges that they’re ready for more difficult work.
The AP Program can also help students explore their interests before starting college. Many schools and teachers across the country support students in their AP studies.
PSAT/NMSQT
The PSAT/NMSQT, or Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, helps students practice for the SAT. High school students, usually sophomores or juniors, take the PSAT to see how they’ll do on the actual SAT.
The PSAT also matters because it can qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program. High scores may lead to scholarships and recognition from colleges. Even if they don’t win a scholarship, students can use their PSAT results to see what skills they need to improve for the SAT.
Test-takers can also use their scores to plan which subjects need more focus before their next big test. The PSAT does not affect college admissions directly but it is a useful practice tool.
College Board’s Role in Education
The College Board develops and manages several key programs for students, teachers, and schools. It creates tools that help with college admissions and supports learning at the K–12 level.
Helping Students with College Admissions
The College Board is known for running the SAT, a test many colleges use to evaluate applicants. They also manage Advanced Placement (AP) programs, which let students take college-level courses in high school and earn credit if they pass the exams.
Through the BigFuture platform, students can search for colleges, scholarships, and career advice. The College Board also provides fee waivers for the SAT to students who need help affording it. This gives more students a chance to apply to college, even if they have limited resources.
Having clear standards and national tests helps colleges compare applicants from different high schools. This is especially important because grading and classes can vary a lot. Tools from College Board give students and families guidance as they plan for higher education.
Supporting K–12 Schools
The College Board offers resources and training for teachers in K–12 schools. It designs curricula like the AP Program and Pre-AP courses. These programs help schools offer challenging classes that prepare students for college-level work.
They support schools by offering practice materials, instructional guides, and scoring systems for exams. Teachers get access to workshops and online communities to discuss best practices. This helps educators feel ready to teach tough material and provide more learning opportunities to their students.
Schools can use College Board data and assessment results to see how well students are learning. This helps schools find ways to improve teaching and student growth. The goal is to support students so they are ready for college and future careers.
How the College Board Works with Students
The College Board helps students get ready for college by offering exams, making test sign-up simple, and sending results to colleges. Students interact with the College Board through its website and tools designed for registration and score delivery.
Test Registration and Administration
Students use the College Board website to sign up for standardized tests like the SAT and Advanced Placement (AP) exams. The site shows test dates, deadlines, and specific locations where exams take place. Test fees and fee waivers are listed, and guidance is given for students who qualify for reduced costs.
Once students register, they receive an admission ticket. This ticket, along with a photo ID, is needed to enter the test center on exam day. The website allows students to make changes to their registration, such as switching test dates or locations, usually for an extra fee.
On test day, staff at testing centers follow clear steps to check IDs, assign seats, and provide test materials. The College Board has rules about what students can bring and what is not allowed, helping to keep the process fair for everyone.
Score Reporting Services
After exams, the College Board sends scores to students online through their secure accounts. SAT and AP scores are usually ready in a few weeks. Students can see detailed results and understand how they did on each part of the test.
Students have the option to send their official scores to colleges or scholarship programs directly from their College Board accounts. There is a list showing where scores have been sent, and most colleges only accept official scores from the College Board. Some score reports are free, but sending scores to additional schools may cost extra.
It’s easy to check past scores and order extra copies if needed. The College Board also offers help if students have questions or spot mistakes in their reports. All steps are managed online, making it simple for students to control how and where their scores are sent.
Resources and Services for Educators
The College Board offers tools and support to help teachers improve student learning and prepare for major tests. These resources help with both professional growth and classroom instruction.
Teacher Training and Support
College Board gives educators lots of training opportunities. They run workshops, webinars, and summer institutes where teachers can learn from experts. These events cover things like how to teach AP courses, ways to support students in test prep, and updates on SAT administration.
Teachers also get access to online resource libraries and guides. These materials can include lesson plans, sample test questions, and scoring guidelines.
A big part of their support is community. The College Board has forums and groups where teachers can share tips, ask questions, and talk through challenges. This network helps teachers stay updated and connected.
Curriculum Development
The College Board creates and updates the curriculum for Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the SAT Suite of Assessments. They provide detailed course frameworks, pacing guides, and sample syllabi to help teachers plan lessons.
These materials spell out what students should learn and when. Teachers can find resources like unit guides, student practice tasks, and exam blueprints. Having these tools helps educators guide students through the year and prepare them for end-of-year tests.
For new courses or updates, the College Board gives training and workshops so teachers understand what has changed. This support means classrooms can stay aligned with current standards across the country.
College Board and Financial Aid
The College Board helps students access financial aid and reduce college costs. It offers tools and applications that make the process a bit more manageable for students and families.
CSS Profile
The CSS Profile is a financial aid application operated by the College Board. Unlike the FAFSA, which is used for federal aid, the CSS Profile helps colleges award their own funds, called institutional aid. More than 200 colleges and scholarship programs use this form.
Students fill out family financial details on the CSS Profile, including income, assets, and expenses. Some schools require more information than what the FAFSA asks. The CSS Profile opens each fall, and there is a fee, but fee waivers are available for eligible students.
Colleges use CSS Profile data to decide on grants, scholarships, or other aid. Not all colleges require it, so students should check with each school.
Scholarship Opportunities
The College Board offers resources to help students find scholarship opportunities. Their tool, BigFuture Scholarships, rewards students for completing simple college planning steps like creating a college list or practicing for the SAT.
Students can search for national scholarships, local awards, and even school-specific programs using College Board’s search tools. These resources let students filter by need, merit, deadline, and more.
Some scholarships are awarded based on SAT or AP scores, while others focus on community service or unique interests. The College Board tries to make the process straightforward so students can find options that fit their goals and backgrounds.
Controversies and Criticisms
The College Board has faced a lot of pushback over the years, especially about fairness. Some people think its tests, like the SAT and AP exams, give an advantage to students from wealthier families. These students can often afford better test prep or extra tutoring.
Money plays a big role. The cost of registering for exams, sending scores, and even extra reports adds up quickly. Not all families can afford these fees, which can make the system feel unfair.
Many educators and parents have also pointed out that the College Board makes a lot of money from its testing programs. Some critics call this “educational profiteering,” raising questions about the focus on profit rather than student success.
Common Criticisms:
- Creates a two-tier system based on wealth
- High fees for tests and services
- Too much influence over college admissions
- Limited transparency in how tests are used
There have also been accusations of mismanagement and unfair practices from lawsuits and watchdog groups. Trust in the College Board has decreased in some circles, as people question whether the system helps all students equally.
Some academics worry that the College Board’s control over test content can influence school curriculums, sometimes in ways that aren’t helpful for all students. The debate about its role in education continues, with calls for more oversight and alternatives.
Recent Changes and Future Directions
The College Board has made several changes in the last few years. One noticeable shift is the move to digital testing, including the SAT. This change aims to make testing easier and more accessible for students.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, college application and readiness trends shifted. Some students faced new challenges, especially around online learning and test preparation. As a result, the College Board adjusted deadlines and requirements, trying to better support students.
Trends in focus:
- More attention on affordability and financial aid
- Increasing use of data to understand student needs
- Changes in test design for fairness and accessibility
The College Board has also been looking at new ways to connect students to colleges. With technology growing, virtual college fairs and online resources have become more common.
Looking forward, the group plans to keep updating its services. They’re likely to keep making digital tools, adjusting test formats, and offering more support for underrepresented students.
These changes show the College Board’s effort to respond to feedback from students, families, and schools. Their future plans include listening to more voices and finding ways to level the playing field.
How to Get Involved with the College Board
There are a few simple ways a person can get involved with the College Board. Some of these options are for students, while others are for educators or people interested in supporting education.
Students can sign up to take College Board programs like the SAT, PSAT, or AP exams. They can also use tools like BigFuture to explore colleges, scholarships, and careers.
Educators might join by teaching AP courses or helping students get ready for tests. Some teachers help score AP exams or join committees that develop test questions.
Anyone interested in research or education can look for opportunities to help with College Board studies. They sometimes offer special research participation options.
The table below shows common ways different groups can get involved:
| Group | How to Get Involved |
|---|---|
| Students | Take tests, use planning tools, apply for programs |
| Educators | Teach courses, score exams, join committees |
| Researchers | Help with studies, provide feedback |
People can also reach out through the College Board website if they want to get involved. They offer contact forms and phone numbers for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
The College Board offers tools and accounts for students, parents, and teachers. Its programs like AP and the SAT are used in the college admissions process but work separately from application sites.
How do you use a College Board account?
A College Board account lets users sign up for exams like the SAT, AP tests, and CLEP. They can view scores, send results to colleges, and manage profiles. Teachers and counselors can also use these accounts to access classroom tools and student information.
What’s the main purpose of the College Board?
The main purpose of the College Board is to help students get ready for and apply to college. It runs exams like the SAT and AP to measure skills, report scores, and offer college credit.
Is the College Board the same as Common App?
No, the College Board and Common App are two different organizations. The College Board handles testing and score reporting. The Common App is a platform where students can apply to many colleges at once. They sometimes work together, but they have separate accounts and functions.
How do you contact College Board Customer Service?
People can reach College Board Customer Service through their official website or by calling the numbers they provide. There are often different lines for the SAT, AP, CLEP, and other programs. Email and online help forms are also available for less urgent questions.
What’s the deal with AP Classroom by College Board?
AP Classroom is an online platform for students and teachers in AP classes. It gives access to practice questions, assignments, and progress checks. Teachers use it to monitor learning and help students prepare for AP Exams.
Can you trust the College Board?
The College Board is a well-known nonprofit that has been around for over a century. While some students and parents don’t always agree with its policies, most colleges and schools accept its test scores and use its resources. It takes steps to protect data and provide accurate information.
