The College Board is a non-profit organization that develops and administers standardized tests, including the SAT and the ACT. It also provides resources for students and educators, such as test prep materials, college search tools, and scholarships.
The College Board has been criticized for being a monopoly in the standardized testing industry. Its critics argue that the organization’s control over the SAT and the ACT gives it too much power over the college admissions process. They also argue that the College Board’s tests are biased against certain groups of students, such as low-income students and students of color.
The College Board has defended itself against these criticisms, arguing that it is a non-profit organization that is committed to providing fair and unbiased tests. The organization also argues that its tests are essential for the college admissions process, as they provide colleges with a way to compare students from different schools and backgrounds.
The Evidence for a Monopoly
There is some evidence to support the claim that the College Board is a monopoly. For example, the organization has a very large market share in the standardized testing industry. In 2018, over 2 million students took the SAT, and over 1.6 million students took the ACT. This gives the College Board a significant amount of control over the college admissions process.
The College Board also has a number of practices that make it difficult for other organizations to compete in the standardized testing industry. For example, the organization requires students to take its tests at designated testing centers, which can be inconvenient and expensive for students who live in remote areas. The College Board also charges high fees for its tests, which can make it difficult for low-income students to afford to take them.
The Evidence Against a Monopoly
There is also evidence to suggest that the College Board is not a monopoly. For example, there are a number of other organizations that offer standardized tests, such as the ACT, Inc. and the American College Testing (ACT) Program. These organizations provide students with a choice of which test to take, and they can also compete with the College Board on price.
In addition, the College Board has made some changes in recent years to address concerns about its monopoly power. For example, the organization has made its tests more accessible to low-income students by offering fee waivers and scholarships. The organization has also made its tests more fair and unbiased by removing biased items and by providing accommodations for students with disabilities.
Conclusion
The evidence suggests that the College Board has a significant amount of market power in the standardized testing industry. However, the organization has also taken steps to address concerns about its monopoly power. Ultimately, the question of whether or not the College Board is a monopoly is a complex one that requires further research.
FAQs
- Is the College Board a non-profit organization?
Yes, the College Board is a non-profit organization.
- What does the College Board do?
The College Board develops and administers standardized tests, such as the SAT and the ACT. It also provides resources for students and educators, such as test prep materials, college search tools, and scholarships.
- Is the College Board a monopoly?
The evidence suggests that the College Board has a significant amount of market power in the standardized testing industry. However, the organization has also taken steps to address concerns about its monopoly power. Ultimately, the question of whether or not the College Board is a monopoly is a complex one that requires further research.
- What are some of the criticisms of the College Board?
Critics of the College Board argue that the organization’s control over the SAT and the ACT gives it too much power over the college admissions process. They also argue that the College Board’s tests are biased against certain groups of students, such as low-income students and students of color.
- What has the College Board done to address concerns about its monopoly power?
The College Board has made a number of changes in recent years to address concerns about its monopoly power. For example, the organization has made its tests more accessible to low-income students by offering fee waivers and scholarships. The organization has also made its tests more fair and unbiased by removing biased items and by providing accommodations for students with disabilities.
- What can be done to address the College Board’s monopoly power?
There are a number of things that can be done to address the College Board’s monopoly power. One option would be to create a new organization that would develop and administer standardized tests. Another option would be to regulate the College Board more closely.