The COllege Board COrporation

By Grace Azaula, 2020

Published 09/23/19

Today, I want to talk about one of the most heartless, desperate, greedy corporations that I have come into contact with. And no, it’s probably not the company you’re expecting. Unless you’re expecting the College Board.

From prep books, to practice tests, to AP exams, to the SAT, the College Board has a plethora of money making sources. Sources that bring in a bucket load of money each year; over $750 million, to be precise. What was once a helpful organization that assisted kids with the college process has turned into a money-hungry corporation.

As a current senior here at Cheshire High, I can attest to the amount of money spent on the College Board. I totaled up my bill and it ended up being close to $500. Five. Hundred. Dollars. This number is absolutely ridiculous, and adds up super quick. $47.50 for an SAT might not sound too bad, but times 3? Now that’s ridiculous. Add three $95 AP exams? Disgusting. And I’m not even close to the students with the highest bills. People who take 4 AP exams a year spend nearly $400 on AP exams alone. Those who want to boost their SAT scores spend another $70-$500 on prep courses, or at the least, $22 for a prep book.

These numbers make my blood boil. The fact that in order to be “successful” in high school you have to spend this crazy amount of money is outrageous. And that is coming from a student who is fortunate enough to live in Cheshire, a town with an incredible school district full of many middle class to upper middle class families. But, for people who live in places of less privilege, these prices take an even bigger toll, and can actually end up preventing students from attending university.

AP scores and SAT scores play a significant role in the college application process. For those who can’t afford to hand out hundreds upon hundreds of dollars for books and exams and tutors, the playing field is not even close to level. Because of their socioeconomic situations, they are deprived of crucial pieces to their application, and thus are being beat out by people who have the money to play the game.

College Board, I have a problem with you. The amount of money that you make me and every other student pay just to have a shot at getting into college is astounding, and quite frankly, repulsive. You are supposed to help kids, and yet you take from us. But hey, I want to get into college, so I guess I have to listen to you, right?