What is the College Board?

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I’ve been hearing a lot about the College Board in discussions about college admissions and standardized testing, and I’m trying to understand exactly what it is. Specifically, I want to know its structure, the major programs it administers (like the SAT and AP courses), its role in education policy, and why it holds such influence in U.S. higher education. Can you explain what the College Board is as an organization, its mission, and how it operates?

The College Board is a United States-based nonprofit membership organization founded in 1900 that aims to connect students to college success and opportunity. It is best known for administering standardized tests used widely in the college admissions process, developing curricula for high schools, and providing college planning resources. Here are key details:

  1. Core Purpose: To expand access to higher education and promote equity in education by providing programs, services, and assessment tools for students, schools, colleges, and universities.
  2. Major Assessments Developed & Administered:
    • Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT): A widely used standardized test for college admissions in the U.S. measuring evidence-based reading and writing, and math skills. It also includes an optional Essay section.
    • Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT): Taken primarily by 10th and 11th graders as a practice SAT and to qualify for National Merit Scholarship Corporation programs. Also offered as the PSAT 8/9 for younger students and PSAT 10.
    • Advanced Placement (AP) Exams: Subject-specific exams taken by high school students after completing rigorous AP courses. Scoring well (typically 3, 4, or 5) can earn college credit, placement, or both at many universities. Over 30 AP courses are offered.
  3. College Search & Planning Resources:
    • BigFuture: A free online platform providing comprehensive college search tools, career exploration, and step-by-step guidance for students and parents on planning and paying for college.
    • SAT Suite Assessments: Includes the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9, providing a consistent pathway from 8th grade through high school with integrated tools and feedback.
  4. Financial Aid Services:
    • CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile): A more detailed financial aid application required by many private colleges and universities, used alongside the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine institutional financial aid packages.
  5. K-12 Curriculum & Support:
    • SpringBoard: A college and career readiness program for grades 6-12, offering rigorous instructional resources and assessments aligned to college readiness standards.
    • Pre-AP: Program resources designed for middle school students to build the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success in AP courses and college-level work.
  6. Membership & Scale:
    • Over 6,000 member institutions, including colleges, universities, school districts, and other educational organizations.
    • Serves millions of students annually through its assessments (SAT, AP, PSAT) and programs.
  7. Nonprofit Status: The College Board operates as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization.
  8. Focus on Access & Equity: A core tenet is to provide opportunities for all students, regardless of background, through initiatives like fee waivers for SAT, AP exams, and CSS Profile applications for eligible low-income students, and the free SAT practice platform through Khan Academy.
  9. Research & Advocacy: Conducts research on educational trends and outcomes, and advocates for policies and practices that improve college access and success.

In essence, the College Board is a central player in the American education landscape, acting as a bridge between secondary education and higher education through assessments, curriculum support, planning tools, and financial aid services.

Published: October 24, 2025