What Information Does College Board Give to Colleges? (Spoiler Alert: It’s More Than You Think!)
You’re applying to college, you’ve aced your SATs, and you’re practically drowning in college applications. You’ve sent your scores, but what exactly is the College Board whispering to those admissions committees behind your back?
Let’s delve into the juicy details, shall we?
The College Board is like the gossip queen of the education world. They’ve got the scoop on everyone – your scores, your demographics, your extracurriculars, and even your potential to be a future “influencer” (sorry, not really, but they do track your online activity).
But hold on, before we get too dramatic, let’s get the facts straight.
The College Board, the nonprofit organization that runs the SAT, AP exams, and a whole slew of other educational programs, has access to a lot of your personal information. They collect this information when you register for their programs, take their tests, and even when you browse their websites.
The Big Picture: What Makes the College Board’s Data So Valuable?
The College Board has a treasure trove of information about students, and colleges are eager to get their hands on it. Why? Because this data can help them predict how well a student will do in college, and ultimately, how likely they are to contribute to the college’s reputation and rankings.
Here’s a breakdown of what the College Board shares with colleges (and what they DON’T share):
The Good Stuff (for You, at Least):
- Your SAT or ACT Scores: This is the obvious one. Colleges want to see your raw scores and performance on different sections.
- Your AP Scores: If you’ve taken AP exams, your scores are sent directly to the colleges you choose. This shows colleges your academic prowess in specific subjects and can even give you college credit!
- Your High School Transcript: The College Board doesn’t technically send your transcript, but it does provide a platform for you to send it electronically (often through the Common Application). Your transcript is a crucial part of your application, showcasing your GPA, course load, and grades.
The Not-So-Good Stuff (For Privacy Advocates):
- Your Demographic Information: This includes things like your race, ethnicity, gender, and geographic location. Colleges use this information to assess the diversity of their applicant pool and to understand the makeup of their student body.
- Your Financial Information: While the College Board doesn’t share your self-reported financial information, they do share your eligibility for federal financial aid. This helps colleges understand your financial need and determine how much aid you might qualify for.
- Your Online Activity: Here’s where things get a bit creepy. The College Board tracks your online activity on their website and apps, and they might share some of this data with colleges. This information could include things like how often you visit their website, the specific programs you’re interested in, and even the colleges you’re researching.
The College Board’s “Privacy Policy” – A Tale of Two Sides
The College Board’s privacy policy is a bit of a mixed bag. They say they are committed to protecting your privacy, but they also acknowledge that they share your information with third parties, including colleges.
Here’s the thing: They don’t sell your information outright. But they do sell access to aggregate data (like the average SAT score of students in a particular state) to marketing companies and other organizations.
The Big Takeaway: Be Aware, Be Informed, Be Proactive
So, what does this all mean for you? It means you need to be aware of the information the College Board collects and how they use it. It also means taking steps to protect your privacy and control how your information is shared.
Here are some tips:
- Review the College Board’s privacy policy: Don’t just skim it, actually read it! Understand what information they collect, how they use it, and who they share it with.
- Be selective about the information you share: Think twice before providing personal information online. Only share what’s absolutely necessary.
- Opt out of sharing your data: The College Board offers some options to control how your data is used. Check their privacy settings and see if you can opt out of certain data sharing practices.
- Be cautious about your online activity: Be aware of the information you’re sharing online, especially on the College Board’s website and apps. Remember, they’re tracking your every move!
The Bottom Line: The College Board is a powerful entity with a massive amount of data at their fingertips. It’s up to you to be informed and proactive about your privacy. Be smart, be savvy, and don’t let the College Board become the ultimate gatekeeper of your future.
Need more help navigating the treacherous waters of college admissions? The JobLoving community is here to help! Reach out to us for personalized guidance and support. We’re your allies in this crazy journey!