College Board facts for kids
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One of College Board's office buildings in Reston, VA
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| Founded | December 22, 1899 (as College Entrance Examination Board) |
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| Type | Nonprofit educational |
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CEO
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David Coleman |
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President
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Jeremy Singer |
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Revenue (2019)
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 US$1.11 billion |
| Expenses (2019) | ▲ US$1.05 billion |
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Formerly called
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College Entrance Examination Board |
The College Board is a non-profit organization in the United States. It was started in December 1899. Its main goal was to help more students go to college.
The College Board works with over 6,000 schools, colleges, and universities. It creates and manages tests and programs. These help students get ready for college and apply to schools. The College Board's main office is in New York City. David Coleman has been the CEO since 2012. Jeremy Singer is the current president.
Besides tests, the College Board offers many tools and services. These help students and parents with college planning. They also assist colleges with admissions and financial aid.
Contents
History of the College Board
The College Board was first called the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). It was founded on December 22, 1899. Representatives from 12 universities and three high schools met at Columbia University.
Their idea was to create clear guidelines for high school subjects. They also wanted to make fair exams. These exams would help colleges decide which students to accept. This made it easier for students to apply to different colleges.
What is a CEEB Code?
The College Board keeps a special list of numbers. These numbers are called CEEB codes. They are used for countries, college majors, colleges, and high schools.
In the United States, many places use these codes. They help to clearly identify schools and programs. For example, a student might use a college's CEEB code. This makes sure their school sends their grades to the right place.
Tests and Programs for College Readiness
The SAT Test
The SAT is a test many students take for college admissions. It was first given in 1926. The College Board designs how the SAT is made and used. Another group, Educational Testing Service (ETS), creates and scores the test.
The SAT covers reading, writing, and math. Scores range from 400 to 1600 points. There are two main sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Each section is worth up to 800 points.
The digital SAT is an adaptive test. This means the second part of a section changes based on how you did on the first part. If you do well, the next part will be harder. If you struggle, it will be easier. Most students take the SAT in their junior or senior year of high school.
The basic cost for the SAT is $68. There can be extra fees for late registration or changing your test date. However, students from lower-income families can get fee waivers. This helps make the test more accessible.
In 2016, the SAT was redesigned. It went back to the 1600-point scale. The essay part became optional. The test now takes about three hours. The College Board also partnered with Khan Academy. This provides free study materials for the SAT.
In March 2020, some SAT test dates were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this, many colleges changed their admissions rules. Some made the SAT optional, meaning students did not have to submit scores. Others became "test blind," meaning they would not even look at SAT scores.
Since spring 2024, all SAT tests are taken digitally. This means students use a computer or tablet. The digital SAT is shorter, taking about two hours. It also allows calculators for the entire math section. This change aims to make the test easier to take and more fair.
SAT Subject Tests
SAT Subject Tests were special tests that measured knowledge in specific subjects. These included math, science, and history. The College Board stopped offering these tests in January 2021 for U.S. students. They were phased out for international students later that summer.
PSAT/NMSQT Test
The PSAT/NMSQT is a practice test for the SAT. It costs about $18, but the price can change. This test also helps students qualify for scholarship programs from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
There are other versions of the PSAT, like the PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9. These are also practice tests. However, they do not qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship. As of spring 2024, all PSAT tests are also taken digitally using the Bluebook app.
Advanced Placement Program (AP)
The College Board's Advanced Placement Program (AP) offers high school students college-level classes. These classes help students learn more and get ready for college. Doing well in AP classes and on AP exams can show colleges that you are ready for challenging work.
Students can also earn college credit for high scores on AP exams. This means they might not have to take that class again in college. Each AP exam costs $97. Many colleges accept AP scores for credit or advanced placement.
In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some AP exams became digital. As of 2025, many AP course exams are digital-only.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) lets students earn college credit by passing exams. These exams show that a student already knows college-level material. Many colleges accept CLEP scores for credit.
Accuplacer Test
The College Board's Accuplacer test is a computer-based test. It checks a student's reading, writing, and math skills. Over 1,000 high schools and colleges use Accuplacer. It helps them decide which classes a student should take.
There are usually no fees to take the Accuplacer test. However, some schools might charge a fee if you want to retake it.
SpringBoard Program
SpringBoard is a program created by the College Board. It helps students get ready for AP courses and college-level work. It provides lessons and activities for students in grades 6 through 12.
SpringBoard helps students build important skills. It also prepares them for AP tests and success in college. Teachers get training and tools to help students learn.
Truinfadores Campaign
In June 2020, the College Board and NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises started a campaign called Truinfadores. This program helps Spanish-speaking families understand the college planning process.
It also offers scholarships through the College Board Opportunity Scholarship program. These scholarships can provide up to $40,000 for college tuition. They are open to any student, especially those from families with lower incomes.
BigFuture Resource
BigFuture is a free online tool from the College Board. It helps students plan for college, find ways to pay for it, and explore different careers.
BigFuture also has a National Recognition Program. This program honors students from groups that are often underrepresented. This includes African American, Hispanic, and Indigenous students. It also recognizes students from rural areas.
Bluebook Application
Bluebook is a secure app used for taking digital College Board exams. It works on Windows, MacOS, iPadOS, and ChromeOS devices.
Since spring 2024, all SAT and PSAT tests are taken using Bluebook. Some AP exams are also fully digital, while others are still on paper or a mix of both. The College Board plans to make more AP exams digital in the future.
CSS Profile for Financial Aid
The College Board also offers the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE. This is an application that many colleges use to figure out how much financial aid a student needs. Students pay a fee to submit their profile to colleges.
See also
In Spanish: College Board para niños
- ACT, another major college admissions test
- College admissions in the United States
- IB Diploma Programme, another program similar to AP
- Writing assessment
