Does the College Board Sell Your Information? (And Should You Be Worried?)
Ah, the College Board. The gatekeepers of your academic dreams, the architects of your standardized test nightmares. But are they also the sneaky data brokers of your personal information?
The short answer (drumroll please): Yes, they were caught selling your data. But before you start shredding your application forms and vowing to never touch an SAT again, let’s delve into the juicy details.
The College Board: A Data Minefield
The College Board, that seemingly benevolent organization with a mission to “connect students to college success,” has been accused of using its “Student Search Service” to sell your precious personal data. Imagine: your name, your contact information, your GPA, your test scores – all being peddled like cheap trinkets to the highest bidder.
What’s the Deal with the Student Search Service?
The Student Search Service, on the surface, sounds pretty harmless. You fill out a little form, and colleges can “search” for students who match certain criteria, like those interested in engineering or with a specific GPA. It’s a way for colleges to reach out to potential applicants. But here’s the catch: the College Board allegedly used this service to sell your information to colleges at a whopping 47 cents per student.
The College Board’s Defense: “It’s All for the Kids”
The College Board maintains that they only use your data to “carry out our organization’s mission.” They claim they don’t share information without your permission, and that you can change your preferences whenever you choose. But let’s be real, folks – the College Board isn’t exactly known for its transparency.
What Can You Do?
So, what can you do to protect your precious data from the clutches of the College Board?
- Opt Out, Opt Out, Opt Out! Go to your College Board account and review your privacy settings. Make sure you’re not opted into any services that share your information. (Just remember, even if you opt out, the College Board might still have a copy of your data from before you decided to become a privacy vigilante.)
- Think Twice About the Student Search Service. While it might seem helpful, consider the potential risks. If you’re truly concerned about your privacy, you might want to skip the Student Search Service altogether.
- Don’t Give Them More Information Than Necessary. When filling out College Board forms, only provide the information that’s absolutely essential. Don’t be a data buffet!
- Spread the Word. Let your friends, family, and fellow students know about the College Board’s data practices. The more people who are aware, the more pressure the College Board will face to be transparent and responsible with our data.
The Bottom Line: Your Data Matters
While the College Board’s data practices might not be as egregious as some other corporations (let’s be honest, we’re not talking about Facebook levels of data harvesting here), it’s still important to be aware of how your information is being used.
Remember, data is power. When you’re applying to college, you’re already dealing with enough pressure. Don’t let the College Board add to your stress by selling your personal information to the highest bidder.
Need Further Help or Resources?
If you need further help, answers, or research resources about the College Board selling your information, feel free to connect with us at JobLoving community. We’re here to help you navigate the treacherous waters of college applications and keep your data safe.