History
The development of a common entrance examination was only the beginning.
In 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Formed by a handful of colleges, our purpose was to simplify the application process for students and college admission offices.
More than a century after evaluating those first few test-takers, we’re helping more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college each year, and we continue to serve the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools.
2010
The College Board Advocacy & Policy Center launches to connect education policy, research and real-world practice to innovative solutions.
2005
The Access & Diversity Collaborative on Enrollment Management and the Law helps higher education officials evaluate their race-and ethnicity-conscious recruitment, and their outreach and retention practices. The addition of an essay portion to the SAT promotes the teaching of persuasive writing in American high schools.
1975
The College Board Celebrates 75 years of success. Simultaneously, the College Board Educational Opportunity Center launches as the first of two federally funded programs providing direct support for students in Washington, D.C.
1959
The first administration of the PSAT measures students’ critical reading and math skills in preparation for college entrance requirements. Beginning in 1971, it provides additional benefits as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test for 11th-grade students.
1954
The College Board’s College Scholarship Service is established, pioneering need-based student financial aid.
1900
The College Entrance Examination Board is formed to help colleges and universities identify deserving students through shared entrance exams, or “College Boards.”
