The College Board has confirmed it will end its Landscape tool. The tool had been used by U.S. colleges since 2016. It gave schools context about applicants’ neighborhoods and high schools. The decision was shared this week from Washington, D.C.
The change comes at a time of major shifts in U.S. admissions. Colleges face new limits after the Supreme Court banned race-based admissions in 2023. Several states have also passed laws that restrict the use of demographic or geographic data.
College Board and the Role of Landscape
Landscape was built to help admissions teams. It gave basic details such as the number of AP classes offered at a high school. It also showed SAT participation rates and neighborhood income levels. It did not list race or ethnicity.
According to Reuters, many colleges saw the tool as useful, but some said it lacked depth. Others worried it was too often misunderstood by the public. The College Board said it will focus on new data tools that match today’s legal and policy environment.
The board stressed its aim has not changed. It wants all students to have a fair chance to show their talent. It will continue to provide SAT and AP data to schools, officials, and policymakers.
Impact on Students and Admissions
The end of Landscape raises big questions. Colleges will now need other ways to compare applicants from very different schools. Many officers used the data to see gaps in access to classes or activities.
Equity groups fear this may hurt students from poor or rural areas. Without a standard tool, each college may build its own system. That could lead to uneven results.
Still, some experts argue Landscape was limited. They say schools must now design more flexible models. Test-optional rules, new essay prompts, and other tools may help fill the gap.
What Comes Next in Admissions
Admissions is in a time of change. After the 2023 court ruling, colleges started to look for new ways to build diverse classes. Essays and personal stories now carry more weight.
Some states have gone further and banned the use of neighborhood or income data. That makes it harder to use indirect measures of diversity. Colleges are now under pressure to adapt quickly.
The College Board says new programs are being planned. These will focus on fairness, compliance, and respect for student background. For now, the end of Landscape marks the end of one tool in a larger, changing system.
The College Board remains a central player in admissions. Its next steps will be closely watched by students, parents, and universities.
FYI (keeping you in the loop)-
Q1: What was the College Board’s Landscape tool?
It was a system that gave colleges data about a student’s high school and neighborhood. It showed factors like income levels and AP course access, but not race.
Q2: Why did the College Board end it?
The decision came after court rulings and new state laws. Colleges also asked for more flexible tools that fit current rules.
Q3: Will students notice the change?
Students do not need to take action. But colleges will now miss a standard source of context when reviewing applications.
Q4: How will colleges adapt?
They may use test-optional rules, new essays, or other data models. Each school may design its own system.
Q5: What does the College Board plan next?
The board will keep sharing SAT and AP data. It is also working on new programs to support fair admissions.
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