<p>Ok, so I just paid hundreds of dollars just to send my FINANCIAL AID information to colleges (CSS Profile). I mean, seriously, what the hell? We don't have millions of dollars to give away. The FAFSA doesn't charge anything, why should CollegeBoard?
Then, it got me thinking. The CollegeBoard makes TONS OF MONEY. Think about it. There are MILLIONS of students taking the SATs every year, each cost between 50-100 dollars (it's more if you're an international student). APs are ridiculously high.
Then, it costs money (like $10/college) just to send the blood scores. SENDING THE SCORES. It's all done electronically; why the hell do we have to pay just to let the colleges know how much we got?! They probably make more money sending scores than actually administering the SAT. If there are millions of students, applying to 8-10 colleges a year, costing, about $10 per college, CollegeBoard makes TRUCKLOADS OF CASH.
Then, recently, they started this Score Choice. Although it seems nice, basically what they're doing is motivate students to take the SAT more and more, so they get a good score. They just multiplied their earnings (and everyone thinks this is a "kind" move). Of course, Score Choice if of no use to students, as many colleges have rejected it.
I haven't even touched upon the money they make off SAT I Guides, SAT II Guides, AP Guides, and online classes.
They know that many students/families barely have any money to pay for college, but they're forcing us to pay just to GET TO COLLEGE?!
CollegeBoard is supposed to be "non-profit", but if you ask me, they're the most silent, money-hoarding corporation in the US.</p>
<p>Nothing in life is free. There is a cost to doing everything. </p>
<p>Do you go to a job and work there for free or of less than you are worth? I doubt it. A business performs a service and employs people. If they did not charge the proper fee to 1) pay for the service, while 2) paying personnel, they would be out of business. </p>
<p>My suggestion is if it is so poor a serve, then create and offer a competing one and may the best win in the marketplace. </p>
<p>1) you can limit your applications to test optional colleges</p>
<p>You might be interested in this article
<a href=“Bloomberg - Are you a robot?”>Bloomberg - Are you a robot?;
<p>The issue with such articles, as cited above, is others deciding how much is to much to make for someone else’s business, non-profit or not. Non-profit does not mean not developing revenue; it just means that what can be done with that revenue is severely limited. Just ask the AARP, unions etc. </p>
<p>If the college board is overdoing it, then a competing service will show up. But that competing service better provide the same or better for less. I just think it is not my business to determine what any person or business should ask for their services.</p>
<p>One thing I should add for the OP is that FAFSA is not “free.” Many other taxpayers and I are paying for it. If people did not work to pay taxes, you would have no “free” FAFSA. If you actually had to pay out of your pocket for it, you will see it costs more than the college board. It has to cost more for the simple reason that government has no incentive to actually do anything cost effectively.</p>