October 15, 2025—This episode of The Inside Scoop features host David Owen speaking with Kevin Maloney of the College Board about the SAT Suite of Assessments and their role in preparing students for college and careers. Mr. Maloney explains that the College Board, a nonprofit organization over 100 years old, provides resources such as the SAT, PSAT, and AP exams to ensure equitable access to higher education opportunities. These assessments are used for admissions and help measure students’ readiness for academic and career paths, including technical education programs.

The conversation highlights how early assessments such as the PSAT 8/9 and PSAT/NMSQT unlock important benefits, including feedback on academic skills, access to scholarship opportunities, and tools like "BigFuture." These resources enable students and families to explore colleges, careers, and financial aid opportunities. These tests serve as check-in points rather than final judgments, giving students early insight into their strengths and areas for growth. They can also help to reduce "test anxiety" by familiarizing students with the process.

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. The Bluebook app provides practice tests and question banks, while Khan Academy offers personalized SAT prep to build mastery over time. These resources help students practice in advance and understand the rationale behind the answers.