Why Is The College Board So Greedy?
The College Board. You know, the organization responsible for the SAT, the PSAT, and those dreaded AP exams. You know, the tests that are supposed to be the gateway to your dream college, but often feel more like a gateway to a financial meltdown? Well, let’s just say they’ve got a reputation. And it’s not exactly the kind of reputation that’d make them welcome at a Harvard graduation ceremony.
So, why is the College Board so greedy? Let’s delve into the world of standardized testing, where the only thing more stressful than the exams themselves is the realization that you’re essentially funding a multi-million dollar empire built on the backs of high schoolers.
The College Board: A Monopoly With A Price Tag
First things first, let’s talk about the elephant in the exam room: the College Board essentially holds a monopoly on the entire standardized testing industry. They control the PSAT, the SAT, and the AP exams – the very tests that universities and colleges use to determine your worthiness of a coveted spot.
Now, when you have a monopoly, you can pretty much set the prices. And the College Board has done just that. They’ve been accused of hiking up their exam fees, making it incredibly difficult for low-income students to even consider applying to college. It’s almost like they’re saying, “Hey, if you’re poor, forget about higher education, because we’re going to make sure it’s out of your reach.”
The College Board: Where Educational Equity Goes To Die
Remember back in elementary school when you learned about the importance of fair play? Well, the College Board seems to have forgotten that lesson. They’ve been accused of creating exams that are inherently biased against certain demographics.
Let’s be real, the SAT and PSAT are notoriously difficult, even for students who are well-prepared. But for students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, the odds are stacked even higher against them. They might not have access to the same resources as their wealthier peers, like expensive test-prep courses or private tutors. So, the College Board, with its monopoly on testing, is essentially perpetuating a system that favors those with money over those who are simply trying to get a fair shot at a good education.
The College Board: It’s All About The Benjamins, Baby
Here’s the thing. The College Board is a non-profit organization. But, despite that, they’ve been accused of violating their non-profit status with their high executive compensation. Seriously, their CEO, David Coleman, is raking in a salary that’s almost $2 million a year. That’s more than some universities’ presidents!
Then there’s the issue of the College Board’s investments. They’ve got over a billion dollars in savings and investments. While it’s great to have a rainy day fund, it’s a little hard to stomach when those funds are being built on the backs of students who are struggling to afford the tests they need to get into college. It’s like the College Board is saying, “We’re gonna make sure we’re financially secure, even if it means exploiting students.”
The College Board: A Data-Mining Machine Disguised As A Testing Organization
You know how those free apps always ask for access to your personal data? Well, the College Board is no different. They’ve been accused of illegally sharing and selling student data, from test scores to personal information.
Think about it: they have access to everything about you – your academic history, your test scores, your personal preferences, even your social media activity. That’s a goldmine of information for marketers and advertisers. So, the College Board isn’t just profiting from the tests themselves, they’re also profiting from the sale of your data. Talk about a double whammy!
Where Does The College Board’s Greed End?
Look, I get it. We all want to get into our dream colleges. And we all want to get a good education. But the College Board has gone too far. They’ve become a giant, money-hungry machine that’s sucking the life out of our wallets and our educational system.
The College Board has a monopoly on testing, they charge exorbitant fees, they’re accused of being biased against certain groups, and they’re profiting off the sale of our data. It’s time for a change. Let’s start calling out the College Board for their greed and demand a more equitable and affordable educational system for everyone.
What Can You Do?
So, what can you do to fight back against the College Board’s greed?
- Spread the word: Talk to your friends, family, and teachers about the problems with the College Board. The more people who are aware of these issues, the more pressure the College Board will feel to make changes.
- Support alternatives: There are alternative standardized tests out there, like the ACT. Encourage your school district to consider using these alternatives to the College Board’s exams.
- Contact your representatives: Reach out to your local, state, and federal representatives and demand that they take action to address the College Board’s monopoly and unfair practices.
- Support organizations fighting for educational equity: There are organizations dedicated to fighting for a more equitable and affordable education system. Consider donating to or volunteering with these organizations.
The College Board’s greed is a problem that affects all of us. We need to come together and demand a change. It’s time to tell the College Board that they’ve gone too far and that we’re not going to stand for it anymore.
If you need further help, answer or research resources about why the College Board is so greedy, you can connect with us at the JobLoving community. We’re always here to help.