Okay, so I’m starting to look at colleges, and everyone keeps talking about the College Board. I’m really confused! I know they do the SAT, but is that all they do? Like, what even is the College Board? Is it just a testing company?
And more importantly, what resources do they actually offer to students like me who are applying to college? Are there free resources? I can’t afford to pay for tons of stuff. I’m mostly interested in help with college applications, scholarships, and maybe even figuring out what I want to major in. I’ve heard they have tools for that kind of thing, but I don’t know where to find them. Any help understanding all of this would be greatly appreciated!
Answer
The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, it was originally known as the College Entrance Examination Board. Its purpose then, as now, was to expand access to higher education. It does this primarily through standardized assessments, but also through college planning resources, financial aid services, and advocacy.
Here is a breakdown of the College Board’s key functions and resources:
Standardized Assessments:
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SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): This is perhaps the College Board’s most widely recognized product. The SAT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It assesses skills in reading, writing and language, and math that are deemed important for college readiness. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. The test has undergone various revisions over the years, and as of 2023, a digital adaptive version is being administered internationally, with plans to roll it out in the US in 2024. The SAT score is often a significant factor in college admissions decisions, and some scholarships also use SAT scores as criteria.
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PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test): This test is a practice version of the SAT that also serves as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. It is typically taken by high school sophomores and juniors. The PSAT/NMSQT provides students with feedback on their strengths and weaknesses, familiarizes them with the SAT format, and connects them with college and scholarship opportunities.
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PSAT 8/9: This is an assessment designed for 8th and 9th grade students to help gauge their readiness for high school and college. It measures the same skills as the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT, but at a level appropriate for younger students.
- Advanced Placement (AP) Program: The AP Program allows high school students to take college-level courses and exams in a variety of subjects. Students who score well on AP exams may earn college credit or advanced placement, allowing them to skip introductory courses in college. AP courses are designed to be rigorous and challenging, providing students with a head start on their college education. The College Board develops the AP curriculum, trains teachers, and administers and scores the AP exams.
College Planning Resources:
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BigFuture: BigFuture is the College Board’s online college planning resource. It offers tools and information to help students explore colleges, search for scholarships, understand financial aid, and plan for their future careers. The website allows students to search for colleges based on their academic interests, location preferences, and other criteria. It also provides information on college application requirements, deadlines, and financial aid options.
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College Search: The College Board provides a comprehensive college search tool that allows students to filter colleges based on a wide range of criteria, including location, size, majors offered, selectivity, and cost. Each college profile includes information on admissions requirements, student life, financial aid, and academic programs.
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Financial Aid Information: The College Board offers extensive resources on financial aid, including information on federal student aid programs (FAFSA), grants, scholarships, and loans. They provide tools to help students estimate their expected family contribution (EFC) and calculate the cost of college.
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Scholarship Search: The College Board has a scholarship search tool that helps students find scholarships that they may be eligible for. Students can filter scholarships based on their academic interests, background, and other criteria.
- Career Exploration Tools: BigFuture provides tools and resources to help students explore different careers and identify potential career paths that align with their interests and skills.
Financial Aid Services:
- CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE: In addition to the FAFSA (administered by the US Department of Education), some private colleges and universities require students to complete the CSS Profile. This is an online application that collects detailed financial information from families to determine their eligibility for institutional financial aid.
Advocacy and Research:
- The College Board conducts research on college access, affordability, and student success. It uses this research to inform its programs and advocate for policies that promote educational opportunity for all students. The College Board also publishes reports and data on college enrollment, graduation rates, and student debt.
Educator Resources:
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Professional Development: The College Board provides professional development opportunities for educators, including workshops, conferences, and online courses. These programs help teachers stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in education.
- Curriculum Development: The College Board develops curriculum frameworks and resources for AP courses and other programs. These materials are designed to help teachers deliver rigorous and engaging instruction.
In summary, the College Board provides a range of services and resources designed to support students throughout their educational journey, from high school to college and beyond. These include standardized assessments, college planning tools, financial aid services, and advocacy efforts.
