What Data Does the College Board Collect, and Why Should You Care? (Spoiler Alert: It’s More Than Just Your SAT Score)
You’re probably here because you’re either about to take the SAT or you’re already knee-deep in the college application process. And, like a good student, you’re trying to understand the fine print. That’s where the College Board comes in, wielding its power like a benevolent (or maybe not-so-benevolent) dictator over your future. But what exactly are they doing with your data? And why should you even care about what data does the college board use from your cell phone?
Let’s break it down, shall we?
The College Board: Data Collectors Extraordinaire
The College Board, the organization behind those dreaded standardized tests, is a data-gathering machine. They collect an astonishing amount of information about you, from basic demographics to your test scores, and even your browsing history on their website. But don’t worry, they’re not selling your data to the highest bidder (well, not entirely… more on that later).
Here’s a breakdown of the data they collect:
- Personal Information: This includes your name, address, phone number, email address, and even your date of birth. You know, the basics that make you uniquely you.
- Academic Information: This includes your test scores (SAT, AP, etc.), course grades, and even your high school GPA. Basically, your academic report card.
- Demographic Information: This includes your gender, race, ethnicity, and even your family income. And yes, they ask about your parents’ education level too.
- Website Activity: This includes the pages you visit, the links you click, and the time you spend on each page. It’s like they’re watching you scroll through their website, but with a much more detailed analysis.
- Mobile App Usage: This includes the apps you use, the features you access, and the time you spend using their mobile apps. Yep, even your phone isn’t safe from their data-hungry grasp.
But why do they want all this information?
Well, they claim it’s for the greater good, of course. They say they use your data to:
- Improve their programs and services: They’re constantly tweaking their tests based on student feedback and performance data.
- Provide personalized recommendations: They use your data to suggest college programs and scholarships that are a good fit for you.
- Conduct research: They use your data to study trends in education and college admissions.
- Support their mission: They use your data to advocate for access to higher education.
The College Board’s Data Sharing Practices: Not So Transparent
Now, here’s where things get a little murky. The College Board does share your data with third-party organizations, but they claim it’s all for noble purposes. They say they only share your data with:
- Colleges and universities: This is so they can evaluate your application and make admissions decisions.
- Scholarship programs: This is so you can be considered for scholarships that match your profile.
- Research institutions: This is so they can study education trends and improve their programs and services.
However, there have been instances where the College Board has been accused of sharing student data without consent. For example, in 2021, the College Board agreed to pay a $750,000 settlement to the New York State attorney general’s office for illegally sharing and selling students’ personal data. So, while they claim to only share data with trusted partners, there’s a chance that your data might be used for purposes that you don’t agree with.
What Can You Do To Protect Your Data?
You have a few options when it comes to protecting your data:
- Opt out of data sharing: You can opt out of sharing your data with colleges and scholarship programs. This means you’ll need to contact them directly to request your data not be shared.
- Limit your online activity: The less data you provide, the less they have to collect. This means being mindful of the information you share on their website and in their apps.
- Be aware of the College Board’s privacy policy: Read their privacy policy carefully to understand how they collect, use, and share your data. It’s a bit of a snoozefest, but it’s important to know what you’re agreeing to.
The Bottom Line: Your Data Matters
The College Board collects a lot of data about you, and they use it in a variety of ways. While they claim to use your data for good, there’s always the possibility that your data could be used in ways you don’t agree with. So, it’s important to be aware of their data practices and take steps to protect your privacy.
Remember, your data matters. It’s your information, and you have the right to know how it’s being used.
Need More Help?
If you’re still confused about the College Board’s data practices or want to learn more about protecting your privacy online, reach out to our JobLoving community for expert advice and resources. We’re here to help you navigate the often confusing world of data privacy and make sure your information is safe.