College Board

Definition

The College Board is a non-profit organization that develops and administers standardized tests and programs for students seeking higher education, most notably the SAT. It aims to expand access to higher education and improve educational opportunities for students across the United States by providing various resources, including college planning tools and scholarship information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The College Board was founded in 1900 and has since played a pivotal role in the standardization of college admissions processes across the United States.
2. In addition to the SAT, the College Board administers Advanced Placement (AP) programs that help students take college-level courses and exams while still in high school.
3. The College Board also provides resources like the BigFuture website, which helps students plan for college, explore careers, and understand financial aid options.
4. The SAT has undergone several revisions to better reflect high school curricula and assess a broader range of skills necessary for success in college.
5. The organization is involved in advocacy efforts aimed at improving access to higher education for all students, regardless of their background.

Review Questions

• How does the College Board contribute to standardized testing practices in higher education?
  • The College Board contributes significantly to standardized testing practices by developing the SAT, which serves as a key assessment tool for college admissions across the United States. By providing a common metric for evaluating student readiness for college, the College Board helps colleges and universities make informed decisions about admissions. Additionally, its role in administering Advanced Placement exams allows high school students to showcase their academic rigor and potentially earn college credit.
• Discuss the impact of the College Board's resources on student access to higher education.
  • The College Board's resources have a profound impact on student access to higher education through initiatives like BigFuture, which offers comprehensive guidance on college planning, career exploration, and financial aid. These resources help demystify the college application process, making it more navigable for students from diverse backgrounds. By promoting access to scholarships and improving awareness of educational opportunities, the College Board actively works to level the playing field for students who might otherwise face barriers to higher education.
• Evaluate how changes in standardized testing policies by the College Board reflect broader trends in educational equity.
  • Changes in standardized testing policies by the College Board reflect broader trends towards educational equity, particularly with recent shifts toward making the SAT optional for many colleges. This move responds to growing criticism regarding socioeconomic disparities in test preparation resources and access. By adapting its policies to prioritize holistic admissions processes that consider a wider range of student achievements and experiences, the College Board acknowledges systemic inequalities and aims to foster a more inclusive approach to college admissions that benefits underrepresented groups.

Related terms

SAT:

A standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States, assessing students' readiness for college through critical reading, writing, and math skills.

AP Exams: Advanced Placement exams administered by the College Board that allow high school students to earn college credit for advanced coursework taken in high school.

CLEP: The College-Level Examination Program, which allows students to earn college credit by passing exams that demonstrate their proficiency in certain subjects.