The College Board: A Billion-Dollar Empire Built on the Backs of Stressed-Out Students (and a CEO With a Hefty Salary)
You know that feeling when you’re staring at the SATs, trying desperately to decipher the meaning of a passage about the societal implications of the rise of the common housefly? Yeah, that feeling? Well, let’s just say the College Board is making a killing off of that feeling.
The College Board: A Not-So-Not-For-Profit
You know those folks who tell you they’re “mission-driven not-for-profit”? Well, the College Board has taken that phrase and run with it, straight into the bank. This “non-profit” is raking in over a billion dollars in revenue every year.
They’re making a fortune from those standardized tests – the SATs, AP exams, you name it. Meanwhile, the CEO, David Coleman, is sitting pretty with a cool $1.8 million annual salary. You know, just a small amount of cash for the “mission-driven” guy who’s making sure everyone has equal access to higher education (cough, cough).
The College Board: A Two-Tiered System
Now, you might be thinking, “Well, maybe they’re using all that money to help students!” But here’s the thing: the College Board seems to have a rather… selective approach to helping students. It’s like they’re playing a game of “who gets the golden ticket” to higher education, and the ticket price seems to be tied to your bank account.
Wealthy students, they get the golden ticket. They have access to all the resources, the tutoring, the prep courses – everything they need to ace those tests. Meanwhile, low-income students are left standing outside, watching the golden ticket parade pass them by.
They’re stuck with the crumbs – the free test prep from Khan Academy (which, by the way, is a wonderful organization, and kudos to them for their efforts). But it’s like giving a starving person a single grain of rice and calling it a feast.
The College Board: A Cash-Generating Machine
Think about it – the College Board is essentially a giant testing machine, churning out standardized tests that are more about measuring your wallet size than your actual knowledge. They’ve made a business out of anxiety, stress, and the pressure of making it into a good college.
And let’s not forget about those ever-changing, super-difficult, and oh-so-confusing test formats. They’ve got you running around in circles, trying to keep up with the latest changes, all while they’re counting their billions.
The College Board: A Master of Spin
Now, the College Board isn’t exactly known for being transparent about their billion-dollar empire. They like to paint themselves as the beacon of higher education, the champion of students. But the reality is a bit different.
They’ve got their spin doctors on overdrive, trying to convince everyone that they’re just trying to “improve” the tests and make them “more relevant.” But let’s be honest, it’s all about boosting those profits.
The College Board: A Target for Criticism
Over the years, the College Board has faced its fair share of criticism. People are starting to see through their smoke and mirrors. They’re questioning their motives, their methods, and their impact on students.
And rightfully so! The College Board needs to be held accountable. They need to be transparent about their finances, their practices, and their impact on students. They need to stop profiting off of the stress and anxiety of young people.
The College Board: A Wake-Up Call
The College Board’s reign might be starting to crumble. People are starting to demand change, and they’re not backing down. The College Board might be sitting on a billion-dollar pile of cash, but they’re facing a wave of public anger.
What Can We Do?
We can’t just sit back and let the College Board continue to exploit students for profit. We need to raise our voices. We need to demand better, more equitable, and more transparent practices.
We need to push for a system that doesn’t just benefit the wealthy, but that truly offers a level playing field for all students.
Moving Forward
The College Board has a long way to go before it can truly live up to its mission of promoting access to higher education. But we can help get them there.
We can demand accountability. We can push for change. We can make them understand that the future of education is not about profit, but about equity and opportunity for all.
Need Help Navigating the College Application Process?
If you’re overwhelmed by the college application process, don’t worry, you’re not alone! We understand the pressure, the stress, and the confusion. That’s why we’re here to help. Join the JobLoving community and connect with other students, mentors, and educators. We’re here to provide the support and resources you need to navigate this challenging journey.
Let’s work together to create a more equitable and accessible future for all students!