What is "college board"?

The College Board is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1900 with the goal of expanding access to higher education for all students. It is best known for developing and administering standardized tests such as the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and the Advanced Placement (AP) exams. In addition to these assessments, the College Board also offers a range of programs and services aimed at helping students navigate the college admissions process and succeed in their academic pursuits.

One of the College Board's most well-known offerings is the SAT, which is a standardized test used by many colleges and universities in the United States as part of their admissions process. The SAT assesses students' readiness for college by testing their skills in reading, writing, and math. The test consists of multiple-choice questions as well as an optional essay section. Scores on the SAT are used by admissions officers to evaluate a student's academic abilities and potential for success in college.

In addition to the SAT, the College Board also administers the AP exams, which are rigorous exams that allow high school students to earn college credit or advanced placement in a particular subject. AP courses are designed to be more challenging than typical high school courses, and students who score well on the corresponding AP exam may be able to skip introductory college courses and move directly into more advanced coursework. This can save students time and money on their college education, as they may be able to graduate early or take fewer classes overall.

The College Board also offers a range of other programs and services designed to support students throughout the college admissions process. For example, the organization provides resources for students to research and compare colleges, as well as tools to help them create a college list based on their interests and preferences. The College Board also offers financial aid resources, including information on scholarships and grants, to help students afford the cost of higher education.

One of the key initiatives of the College Board is its partnership with Khan Academy to provide free, personalized SAT practice to all students. Through this partnership, students can access a wide range of resources, including practice questions, video tutorials, and personalized study plans, to help them prepare for the SAT. This initiative is aimed at leveling the playing field for all students, regardless of their background or financial resources, by providing them with the tools they need to succeed on the SAT.

In recent years, the College Board has faced criticism for various aspects of its operations, including the perceived bias of standardized tests like the SAT and the high cost of test preparation materials. Critics argue that standardized tests may disadvantage students from marginalized communities who may not have access to high-quality education or test preparation resources. In response to these concerns, the College Board has made efforts to make its tests more accessible and equitable. For example, the organization has introduced an "adversity score" on the SAT, which takes into account factors such as the student's high school environment and socioeconomic background to provide admissions officers with additional context when evaluating test scores.

Despite these criticisms, the College Board remains a central player in the college admissions process, with millions of students taking its tests each year. The organization continues to innovate and adapt to meet the changing needs of students and colleges, with a focus on expanding access to higher education and promoting equity and fairness in the admissions process. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, the College Board will likely remain a key player in shaping the future of college admissions in the United States and beyond.