College Board is a non-profit organization in the United States that was founded in 1900 to expand access to higher education. The organization is responsible for developing and administering standardized tests such as the SAT, AP exams, and PSAT/NMSQT. It also provides a range of college readiness and college success programs for students and educators.
History
The College Board was established in 1900 by a group of educators who sought to standardize college admissions testing and simplify the application process. At the time, colleges and universities had their own unique admissions requirements, which made it difficult for students to apply to multiple schools.
The College Board’s first test, the College Entrance Examination, was administered in 1901. This exam, which later became the SAT, was designed to assess a student’s academic abilities and potential for success in college.
Over the years, the College Board has continued to evolve and expand its programs and services. In addition to its testing programs, the organization now provides resources and support to help students prepare for college and succeed once they are enrolled.
Testing Programs
The College Board is best known for its testing programs, which include the SAT, AP exams, and PSAT/NMSQT.
The SAT is a standardized test that measures a student’s knowledge and skills in reading, writing, and math. It is used by many colleges and universities in the United States as a factor in their admissions decisions.
AP exams are subject-specific tests that allow high school students to earn college credit and demonstrate mastery of a particular subject. There are currently 38 different AP exams available in subjects ranging from art history to physics.
The PSAT/NMSQT is a practice test for the SAT that is usually taken by high school juniors. It is also used to identify students who may be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
College Readiness and Success Programs
In addition to its testing programs, the College Board offers a range of resources and support to help students prepare for college and succeed once they are enrolled.
One such program is the Advanced Placement Program, which offers courses and exams that allow students to earn college credit while still in high school. The College Board also offers the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), which allows students to earn college credit by passing a standardized exam in a particular subject.
Another program offered by the College Board is the SAT Suite of Assessments, which includes the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, and related assessments. This suite of tests is designed to help students and educators measure college readiness, identify areas for improvement, and track progress over time.
The College Board also provides resources and support to help students and families navigate the college application process. This includes tools and information on choosing a college, applying for financial aid, and preparing for college interviews.
Criticism
Despite its many programs and services, the College Board has faced criticism over the years. Some critics argue that the organization’s testing programs are biased and do not accurately reflect a student’s abilities or potential for success in college.
Others have criticized the organization’s business practices, including its pricing policies and its relationships with for-profit test preparation companies.
Conclusion
The College Board is a non-profit organization in the United States that is responsible for developing and administering standardized tests such as the SAT, AP exams, and PSAT/NMSQT. In addition to its testing programs, the organization provides a range of resources and support to help students prepare for college and succeed once they are enrolled. While the College Board has faced criticism over the years, it remains a key player in the college admissions process in the United States.
