Should I Let the College Board Share My Survey? The Great Data Dilemma
You’re about to take the SAT, and the College Board throws a curveball: a survey asking for all sorts of personal information. You’re thinking, “Hey, I just want to ace this test and get into college, not become a data point!”
So, the big question is: Should you let the College Board share your survey data?
The Short Answer: It’s Complicated.
The College Board claims they don’t share your information with third parties without your permission. However, their “commitment” to data privacy has been put to the test. They’ve been caught selling student data to companies, and their policies seem to change faster than a high schooler’s mood swings.
Let’s dig into this messy data situation.
The College Board’s “We’re Not Sharing Your Data” Argument
They insist their data sharing practices are ethical and transparent. They argue that sharing your information:
- Helps you: College Board uses your data to customize services like connecting you with colleges and scholarships.
- Keeps you safe: They say they use your birthday to verify your identity when you contact customer service (because, you know, we all have birthdays).
- Is only shared with those involved in your applications: They claim that your information is only shared with those directly involved in your college application process (like your guidance counselor or the admissions committee).
But Hold Your Horses, College Board!
There’s a whole lot of “but” going on here.
The “But” of Data Sharing
- The “Student Search Service” Scandal: The College Board offers a service called “Student Search Service,” where they sell student data to companies for a hefty fee. They claim this helps students find scholarships and connect with colleges. But critics say it’s just a fancy way of selling your personal information to the highest bidder.
- The “Confidential, But Not Really” Issue: The College Board emphasizes transparency and student consent. However, their policies can be confusing, and it’s often unclear exactly what data they’re sharing and with whom.
- The “Nonprofit, But Profiting” Paradox: The College Board is a nonprofit organization, but they make a lot of money selling data and charging hefty fees for their services. That’s like a charity selling your address to a telemarketing company and saying it’s for a good cause.
The Bottom Line: Should You Share Your Data?
It’s a tough call. You want to get into college, and you want to be able to contact the College Board if you need help. But you also want to protect your privacy.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Read the Fine Print: Don’t just click “agree” blindly. Take the time to read the College Board’s privacy policy. Pay close attention to what information they collect, how they use it, and with whom they share it.
- Be Selective: Choose what information you’re comfortable sharing. If you’re not comfortable sharing your phone number or address, don’t.
- Opt Out of Sharing: If you don’t want your data shared with third parties, opt out of services like the “Student Search Service.”
- Contact the College Board: If you have any questions about their data practices, contact them directly. They are required to answer your questions.
The College Board’s “We’re Secure” Argument
They claim they follow industry-recognized security practices to protect your personal information. But let’s be real: no data is truly “secure” in the digital world.
The “But” of Security
- Data Breaches: Even the most secure companies have experienced data breaches. The College Board is no exception. They’ve been hacked in the past, and there’s always a risk that your information could be compromised.
- Third-Party Vendors: The College Board often works with third-party vendors to provide their services. These vendors may have access to your data, and their security practices may not be as strong as the College Board’s.
The Bottom Line: Your Data is at Risk
No matter how secure the College Board claims to be, your data is always at risk. Be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself.
The College Board’s “We’re Not Selling Your Data” Argument
They claim they don’t sell your data to companies. But let’s not forget the recent $750,000 settlement with the New York State attorney general’s office for illegally sharing and selling student data.
The “But” of Selling Data
- The “Settlement” Is Not an Admission of Guilt: The College Board settled with the attorney general’s office, but that doesn’t mean they admit to wrongdoing. They may argue that they didn’t break any laws.
- The “Fine” Is Small Change: The $750,000 settlement is a drop in the bucket for a company that makes millions of dollars a year. It’s hardly a deterrent for them to continue sharing and selling student data.
The Bottom Line: They Might Be Selling Your Data
Even though they claim they don’t sell your data, the evidence suggests otherwise. Be cautious and don’t trust their promises blindly.
What Can You Do?
You’re not powerless. You can take steps to protect your privacy when dealing with the College Board. Here are a few things you can do:
- Be Informed: Learn about the College Board’s data practices and be aware of the risks involved in sharing your personal information.
- Be Selective: Choose what information you’re comfortable sharing.
- Opt Out: Opt out of services like the “Student Search Service” if you don’t want your data shared with third parties.
- Contact the College Board: If you have any questions about their data practices, contact them directly. They are required to answer your questions.
- Consider Alternatives: If you’re concerned about the College Board’s data practices, consider alternative testing services like the ACT, which may have more transparent data policies.
The College Board’s “We’re Transparent” Argument
They claim to be transparent about their data practices. But their policies are often confusing and hard to understand.
The “But” of Transparency
- Confusing Policies: College Board’s data privacy policies are often written in legalese that’s hard to understand.
- Changing Policies: Their policies seem to change frequently, which makes it difficult to stay informed about what they’re doing with your data.
The Bottom Line: Transparency is Key
You deserve to know exactly what the College Board is doing with your data. They should provide clear, concise, and easily understandable information about their data practices.
The College Board’s “It’s for Your Benefit” Argument
They argue that sharing your data is for your benefit, because it helps them connect you with colleges and scholarships. But let’s be honest: colleges can find you without selling your data to companies.
The “But” of Benefit
- Not Necessary: Colleges have their own ways of finding students, like through applications and online databases. They don’t need the College Board to sell them your data.
- Potential for Abuse: Sharing your data with third parties could lead to abuse, such as spam emails or targeted advertising.
The Bottom Line: It’s Not About Your Benefit
The College Board’s data-sharing practices are more about their bottom line than about your benefit.
In Conclusion: A Data-Driven Dilemma
The College Board is a powerful organization, and they have a lot of information about students. It’s important to be aware of their data practices and take steps to protect your privacy.
Remember, you have rights. You have the right to know what information the College Board is collecting about you, how they’re using it, and with whom they’re sharing it.
If you have any further questions or need more information about the College Board’s data practices, you can connect with us at JobLoving community. We’re here to help you navigate the confusing world of college admissions and data privacy.