Does the College Board Sell Your Data? (And Should You Care?)
The College Board, that bastion of standardized testing and high school anxiety, has been in the news lately. Not for its iconic blue books or its SAT prep courses, but for something a little less glamorous: selling student data.
Yep, you read that right. The organization responsible for those soul-crushing exams is also making a pretty penny by peddling your personal information to colleges and universities. And let me tell you, it’s not just your name and email address they’re hawking – they’re selling your test scores, ethnicity, GPA, and even your answers to survey questions.
Now, before you start feeling like a digital pawn in a high-stakes game of academic chess, let’s unpack this situation.
The College Board’s Student Search Service: A Matchmaker or a Data Mine?
The College Board’s Student Search Service (SSS) is a program that allows colleges and universities to purchase student data. Think of it as a matchmaking service, but instead of setting you up with a potential partner, it’s connecting you with a potential school.
Here’s how it works:
- You take the SAT or PSAT: You’re already familiar with this part, right? The dreaded exams that make you question your entire educational journey.
- You answer a bunch of questions: You know, the ones that ask about your interests, aspirations, and whether you prefer cats or dogs.
- The College Board sells your data: And here’s where things get a little murky. The College Board sells your information, including your test scores and those seemingly harmless survey answers, to colleges for a cool 47 cents per student.
Why is the College Board Selling Our Data?
Now, the College Board claims that they’re just trying to connect students with colleges that are a good fit. They argue that the SSS helps students discover colleges and programs they might not have known about, and that it helps colleges identify potential applicants.
But let’s be real for a second. There are other ways to connect students with colleges without selling their personal information. And let’s not forget that the College Board is a non-profit organization. So, why are they making a profit off of our data?
The Problem with the College Board’s Data Sales:
There are several major issues with the College Board’s data sales, and they go beyond the obvious privacy concerns.
- Lack of Transparency and Choice: The College Board doesn’t tell students that their data is being sold. You’re not given the option to opt out of the SSS program, and you’re not informed about how your data is being used. It’s a classic case of data creep.
- Acceptance Rate Inflation: Colleges use the SSS to target students who are likely to apply, often those with above-average scores. This can create a false sense of acceptance rates, making it seem like a school is more selective than it actually is.
- Unethical Marketing Practices: The SSS allows colleges to send unsolicited emails, letters, and other marketing materials to students based on their scores. This can be overwhelming and intrusive, especially for students who are already stressed about college.
What Can We Do About It?
The College Board’s data practices are raising serious concerns, and it’s important to hold them accountable. We can do this by:
- Raising Awareness: Spread the word about the SSS program and its implications. Talk to your friends, family, and teachers about it.
- Contacting Your Legislators: Urge your state legislators to investigate the College Board’s data practices and pass legislation to protect student privacy.
- Boycotting the SAT: While this may seem extreme, it’s a powerful way to show the College Board that you’re not willing to tolerate their data practices.
A Word of Advice to Students:
If you’re taking the SAT or PSAT, be aware of the SSS program and its impact on your data. You can also choose to opt out of the program by visiting the College Board website and adjusting your account settings.
The Bottom Line:
The College Board’s data sales raise serious ethical and privacy concerns, and it’s time for them to take responsibility for their actions.
Join the Conversation:
Do you think the College Board’s data sales are ethical? What should be done about it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Need More Information?
If you’d like to learn more about the College Board’s data practices or find resources to help you protect your privacy, don’t hesitate to connect with us at JobLoving. We’re here to help!