Standardized testing has become a part of life for nearly everyone in the developed world, especially in the United States. When we talk about standardized tests in America, one company reigns supreme: the College Board.
Standardized testing in the US started in the 19th century but wasn’t nationally standardized. Universities used to choose exams from local institutions, leading to an inefficient system where students had to take different tests depending on where they wanted to go. To address this, Columbia University and 11 other institutions formed the College Entrance Examination Board in 1899, better known today as College Board. Many of its founding members became part of the Ivy League, giving the board an elite status from the start.
Initially, College Board provided tests in nine subjects, streamlining participating universities’ curricula. World War I significantly impacted standardized testing when the US military created the Army Alpha to assess recruits’ intelligence and skills. Over two million tests were administered, and post-war, College Board adapted this for academic use, resulting in the SAT in 1926. At first, it was used for scholarship decisions, but it quickly became a standard admission test.
Technological advances bolstered the SAT’s popularity. IBM developed a machine that could grade tests much faster than teachers. By the next decade, College Board’s membership swelled significantly. During World War II, College Board was tasked with military testing once again. However, by 1945, only 15% of universities used the SAT, and test variance was high.
The G.I. Bill of 1944, which funded tuition for war veterans, led to unprecedented demand for higher education. College Board then allied with the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation to form the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in 1947, consolidating the industry. The SAT’s usage grew exponentially, and in 1955, the College Board launched the Advanced Placement (AP) program, allowing students to earn credits before attending college.
By the 60s and 70s, College Board and ETS dominated the testing industry in America, administering 1.5 million SATs annually and expanding globally. However, their monopolistic power has drawn criticism. Their services can be expensive, especially for low-income families and international students who don’t qualify for waivers.
Furthermore, the College Board has faced accusations of incompetence. In late 2005, they incorrectly reported thousands of students’ scores but delayed corrections until March 2006. Studies have shown suspicious grading practices, like a correlation between essay length and score. International scandals, such as repeated leaks of test questions in South Korea and China, have also marred their reputation.
Additionally, the College Board’s practice of selling student information for under 50 cents per person led to a class action lawsuit. Despite their non-profit status, their high revenues and executive pay have sparked debates. In 2013, the presidents of ETS and College Board earned significant salaries, raising eyebrows given their monopolistic practices.
Their future, however, is uncertain. With declining university enrollments and the rise of trade schools and online courses, the College Board’s long reign may be nearing its end.
Understanding the evolution and current dynamics of standardized testing can highlight the complex balance between educational standards and accessibility.