This week’s episode of The Inside Scoop featured host David Owen in conversation with Kevin Maloney from the College Board, focusing on the SAT Suite of Assessments and their significance in preparing students for postsecondary education and careers.
Maloney explained that the College Board is a nonprofit organization with a history spanning over a century. It provides assessments such as the SAT, PSAT, and AP exams to help ensure students have equitable access to higher education. According to Maloney, these tools are used in college admissions and serve as measures of students’ readiness for academic and career paths, including technical programs.
The discussion emphasized the importance of early assessments like the PSAT 8/9 and PSAT/NMSQT. Maloney said these tests offer students feedback on their academic skills and open doors to scholarship opportunities and resources such as “BigFuture.” He noted that these resources allow students and families to explore colleges, career options, and financial aid. The assessments act as progress checks rather than final evaluations, providing early insight into strengths and areas needing improvement. Familiarity with the testing process can also help reduce test anxiety among students.
Maloney highlighted the availability of scholarships through partner organizations and the College Board’s BigFuture Scholarships program, which together offer more than $300 million in funding. Students also have access to free preparation tools, including the Bluebook app for practice tests and question banks, as well as personalized SAT prep through Khan Academy. These resources enable students to practice in advance and understand answer rationales.
“These assessments are used for admissions and help measure students’ readiness for academic and career paths, including technical education programs,” Maloney stated.
“These tests serve as check-in points rather than final judgments, giving students early insight into their strengths and areas for growth,” he added.
“They can also help to reduce ‘test anxiety’ by familiarizing students with the process,” Maloney said.
“In addition to scholarships—more than $300 million is available through partner organizations and the College Board’s BigFuture Scholarships—students gain access to free preparation tools,” he explained.
“The Bluebook app provides practice tests and question banks, while Khan Academy offers personalized SAT prep to build mastery over time,” Maloney noted.
“These resources help students practice in advance and understand the rationale behind the answers,” he concluded.
