“Never give someone only one chance to be great.” - Mr. David Coleman
How College Board makes profit
The College Board claims to be a non-profit organization, but it’s hard to take that claim seriously when its exam fees for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Advanced Placement test (AP), services for late registration, score verification services and a multitude of other related fees are costing families and schools millions of dollars each year.
Increasing number of colleges, SAT and AP classes
We now know there are over 800 colleges (and counting) that are SAT optional or flexible. We also know that AP classes and tests have doubled over the past ten+ years.
Belief that “more is more”
We have reached a crescendo of students and families believing that “more is more” when it comes to prepping for the PSAT/SAT tests.
Cost of SAT prep
There are some SAT prep centers that cost upwards of $1800 per in-person course to online courses that cost up to $1400 per course. One-on-One tutoring can cost up to $200 an hour.
Consequences of more tests
I believe we have more stressed out and anxious children in our high schools than ever before. This is a big reason why.
Homewors without enjoying them
One thing I can guarantee this type of course load will provide is 4 hours or more of homework every night and not enough time for students to take electives they will enjoy.
How schools can help
If schools had the courageous conversation to eliminate class ranking, eliminate the weighting of AP classes and mandate lunch for every student, I believe we will have healthier and happier kids.
Things to consider for college readiness: