Should You Say “Yes” to the College Board Sharing Your Info? A Deep Dive into the “Avalanche”
The College Board, that bastion of standardized testing and college application nightmares, is also a hub for scholarship opportunities. But here’s the catch – they ask if it’s okay to share a bunch of your personal info with universities and scholarship programs.
Should you say “Yes”? Well, the answer is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
Think of it like this: Imagine you’re at a college fair, and a friendly-looking representative from a university you’ve never heard of approaches you, all smiles and brochures. They’re eager to share information about their school and potential scholarships. It’s tempting to engage, right? But if you’re not really interested, is it worth giving them all your personal details?
That’s essentially what the College Board is asking. They want to be the “friendly representative” connecting you with universities and scholarship programs. But the question is, is it worth it?
Here’s the deal: If you opt in, the College Board will share some basic information about you with interested institutions, including:
- Your name and address – Okay, this is pretty standard.
- Your email address – This is where things get a little more interesting.
- Your racial and ethnic background – Now we’re getting into potentially sensitive territory.
- Your gender and religion – This is where things start to feel a bit like an invasive questionnaire.
- Your potential college majors – Okay, this seems fair enough.
- Your estimated GPA – Again, this makes sense.
- Your parents’ education level – Honestly, this feels irrelevant.
- Your parents’ military service – This feels even more irrelevant, and potentially even problematic.
The good news is the College Board WON’T share your actual test scores or phone number. But let’s be honest, they don’t really need your phone number. They have your email address, and that’s all they really need to bombard you with information.
So, what’s the big deal about all this info sharing?
Let’s break it down:
- You might be bombarded with emails. Think spam, but with a college twist. You could be drowning in emails from universities you’ve never even heard of, let alone considered attending.
- Colleges might use your information to target you. This could involve sending you personalized brochures, invitations to open houses, or even targeted advertising. In short, they might try to “woo” you with tailored messaging, which can be overwhelming and even manipulative.
- You might feel pressured to apply to colleges you’re not really interested in. If a college is aggressively marketing itself to you, it might make you feel like you should apply, even if it’s not the right fit.
- You might feel like your privacy is being violated. This is a valid concern. Sharing all this personal information makes you feel like you’re giving away a piece of yourself.
Now, before you go full-blown privacy freak and swear off the College Board altogether, there are some potential upsides to saying “yes”:
- You might be discovered by colleges you never knew existed. This can be a good thing if you’re open to exploring different options.
- You might be offered scholarships you wouldn’t have otherwise known about. This is a definite perk, especially if you’re looking for financial aid.
- You might get a better understanding of your college options. The information you receive might help you narrow down your choices and find a university that’s a good fit.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. There’s no right or wrong answer.
Here’s a breakdown to help you make the decision:
- If you’re a highly organized and independent student who knows exactly what kind of college you want, you might consider saying “no”. You can always do your own research and reach out to universities directly.
- If you’re open to exploring different options and aren’t afraid of a little bit of college marketing, you might consider saying “yes”. Just be prepared for a flood of emails and be selective about which institutions you engage with.
Remember, you’re in control. Don’t feel pressured to say “yes” just because the College Board encourages you to. Take your time, weigh your options, and make the decision that’s right for you.
And if you’re still feeling overwhelmed by the whole college application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted advisor or counselor. They can provide you with personalized guidance and help you navigate this often-confusing world of scholarships, universities, and yes, even the College Board.
Need help navigating the world of scholarships, colleges, and the College Board? Connect with us at the JobLoving community! We’re a community of students, parents, and educators who are all in this together. We can offer advice, support, and resources to help you find the right path for your future.