I was encouraged to see the “Letter From the Editors” op-ed in the December 2023 issue of The Point. Finally, I thought, students (and hopefully parents/guardians) are beginning to realize that the College Board is nothing more than an over billion-dollar business that behaves more like a monopoly than a “non-profit” organization.
While the College Board asserts: “the College Board partners with schools and educators to push open the door to higher learning and create opportunities for all students to do great things” I assert that they are creating quite an opportunity to enrich their own organization at the expense of the very students they say they seek to serve.
The College Board has insidiously worked its way into the very psyche and fabric of the college admissions system. Highly selective colleges and universities encourage students to take “rigorous” courses such as AP classes. [As] Princeton University [States] “Whenever you can, challenge yourself with the most rigorous courses possible, such as honors, Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-enrollment courses.”
Certainly, taking an AP course establishes that a student is taking college-level work in high school. That’s important as colleges review applicants for admission, and which in turn might also save students time and money in college.
However, there are many opportunities for our students to demonstrate they are challenging themselves without paying any fees to the College Board. Taking AP classes here at PVHS is great in that our faculty are amazing and have the experience and expertise to inspire and prepare students to be successful with their AP exams.
On the other hand, classes taken free of charge at a community college ARE COLLEGE CLASSES that also can provide college credit, as well as the rigor colleges appreciate.
I agree with The Point [Editor in Chief’s] assertion that, “Since the College Board earns a lot of profits and has their costs supplemented by the government, they should reduce their exam fees.”
My question to students and families is why still pay the money for the SAT and SAT prep when the vast majority of colleges are test optional or test free? Our UC and Cal State systems are test free.
I encourage students to take a free practice test of both an ACT and SAT and then talk with their counselor or come speak with us in the CCC regarding the results.
Not having to take college entrance exams is the biggest GIFT students have received in terms of the college application process in a very long time…
Why are you still giving your money, time and anxiety to the College Board?
Sincerely,
Joanne Lewis, Director of the College & Career Center