Introduction
User Eligibility
The following are the three categories of users eligible* to use SSS and the qualifying characteristics of each.
1. Enrollment Managers, Recruitment & Admissions Officers
- Higher education institutions identified as being accredited at the college level by an agency or association recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education (see complete listing at ED.gov); offers a two-year (minimum) or four-year degree; and/or is a member of The College Board.
- Scholarship programs holding 501c(3) status, sponsored by higher education institutions or government organizations with 501c(3) IRS status, and approved by the SSS Review Committee.
- Educational Opportunity programs Holding 501c(3) status, sponsored by higher education institutions or government entities and approved by the SSS Review Committee.
Educational opportunity programs must:
- maintain a 501c(3) IRS status;
- offer activities to help students get ready for college or prepare them for the college admission or financial aid process;
- provide a campus-based experience that enhances a student’s ability to attend college;
- provide college credit that is transferable to accredited colleges and universities;
- provide significant need-based financial aid for ALL who desire to participate in their programs or provide significant higher education-focused scholarships;
- not require attendees to be a member of their organization; and
- be an appropriate “fit” for utilizing the College Board’s Student Search Service as determined by the College Board and its SSS Review Committee.
- Consortia composed exclusively of members who individually qualify as higher education institutions (see Consortia Policies).
2. Consultants & Vendors
Consultants and vendors (i.e., mail houses) sponsored by a current user, and subject to verification by SSS. Information is not available to consultants who assist, give advice or offer programs about the college process directly to parents and/or students.
3. Secondary Internet Delivery Service (IDS) Contacts
Individuals designated by a current user to download SSS output
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* The College Board reserves the right to accept certain requests to become an SSS user, where the above criteria is not fully met.
The College Board reserves the right to reject any request to become an SSS user, including but not limited to, where accreditation or transferability of course credit is difficult to verify (as in the case of certain international organizations) and where the requesting organization:
- fails to maintain a 501c(3) IRS status;
- intends to use SSS for purposes of offering test preparation services;
- offers no financial aid to prospective or admitted students;
- is a for-profit scholarship organization;
- engages in certain practices (e.g., discriminatory) deemed unacceptable to the College Board;
- has previously had its SSS user rights revoked by the College Board; or
- is affiliated with an organization that falls into any of the above categories.