Collegeboard is so unfair

Test Preparation
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I requested a device from Collegeboard, because I did not have a laptop, the screen was literally the smallest I have seen in my entire life 6 inches. I luckily took out my backup laptop which had a battery issue but I managed to find a power outlet. I was called out during the test and was asked to switch back to that laptop, losing precious time and gaining anxiety. I mentioned collegeboard for a makeup test and they either were going to give me a refund or give me my scores.

I didn’t want to wait till march and skip my RD’s so I said yes to scores.

It feels really unjust.

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I don’t think you literally mean a 6” screen? (Because no one makes laptops that small).

In any case, what’s done is done. Focus on what’s ahead — and, as multiple posters have suggested in your long thread, develop a Plan B.

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I swear, I never thought something would be that small

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Do you believe there is nothing more I can do than mailing them again?

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What precisely do you think the CB would do at this point if you emailed them yet again? They gave you options and you took one. There’s a little more than a week left until the deadline for most applications, so even if you think you’re entitled to something (and you’re not), the timing doesn’t work.

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OP- I say this with respect- there are MANY things in life which are unfair. Perseverating on this– not letting it go- when you have so many other A priorities to deal with is an absolute waste of time, energy and your mental health.

Move on. You will get to college and discover MANY things which are unfair. Housing lotteries (essentially if you get a low number you’ll get a nice dorm. A high number you’ll get a less nice dorm). The way colleges manage enrollment (I got locked out of a class I really, really really wanted to take because the professor capped enrollment at 15 students and I was the 16th to register). The way staffing for courses are unpredictable- a class you really want to take is taught by an incredible world famous “star” who retires the semester you had planned to take the class. The dining hall will run out of waffles just as you show up for breakfast and have to eat toast instead.

Unfair. Nothing you can do. And complaining and hoping there is “recourse” just prevents you from moving on.

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Take this as a learning opportunity. Something this important should not be left to chance (i.e. not knowing what size device you will get) and to the last minute (December test). Murphy’s Law is real - always plan for the worst and be prepared.

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You’re lucky that you weren’t in the US, taking the test. You would have been called out just for taking out that “backup” laptop. They would have cancelled your test and not rescheduled your test nor provide a refund.

You need to learn and understand that the US colleges run on strict rules and timelines. If you’re not ready to meet a challenge, then it will be impossible for you to be successful. Life is unfair. So what? That’s a very common thing, but people charge through it. You shouldn’t perseverate on something that won’t come back.

If you haven’t had a chance to see the movie the Martian with Matt Damon you’ll notice he deals with challenges. Yes, it’s fiction but it shows you what people are willing to do, to move on to the next step. In Spanish we call it, “Pasito a Pasito”-Small step to small step

I was on financial aid in college and, unfortunately for me, the financial aid office had strict hours. I could never make it to that office, during my senior year, because I had tough classes during their hours.

The financial aid offices were half an hour away from the buildings where I had my classes. If you missed the class, you missed three hours of lecture notes that weren’t in the texts, but were on the tests. I couldn’t rely on friends’ notes because everyone takes notes “differently” and at different speeds. (I was always the one who people came to for notes because mine were more “thorough”).

When I finally skipped the end of a class, and was able to get to financial aid, they had a special meeting that caused the office to close. At that time, we didn’t have direct deposit, but even if it had existed, I still needed to sign the paperwork to release my federal, state, and scholarship funds.

I had bills to pay and I had borrowed money from friends and family promising them repayment immediately. Life was unfair.

I dealt with it. I tried three times to do it and on the third time I finally got in.

The colleges and universities are really big tests of your faith in yourself. If you can’t adapt, you’re going to be miserable.

I missed some time on a final because I was out sick for a while, and didn’t get the updated room number. Fortunately, I got a call from a friend who said, “why aren’t you here in the lecture hall?? We’re starting our final! I was 45 minutes late and I had no idea the final had been switched to an engineering building.

I rapidly took the test and wrote a note on my Final saying that I had been sick and didn’t have the updated room number, but that I would do my best. The professor later called me and asked me if I wanted to take the current score that I achieved, or he could call in his graduate assistant to give me the final. I told him that I would accept whatever score I got because I didn’t want our (exceptional) GA to miss out on time with his family (because he would have to be called in during the holidays).

Things happen. We don’t perseverate on: could’ve, would’ve, should’ve. Those are called excuses. Future employers don’t want employees who can’t adapt.

Again, I really think you need some strong mental health support.

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Tell me I’m not the only one that read that and continued, “suave suavecito.” :rofl:

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It’s especially unfair when the class you really, really, really wanted to take is a prerequisite, and you need it for the next two classes in the sequence. The registrar will be less than impressed when you point this out.

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You just have to move on. And definitively do not mention this in any of your emails to colleges or on the common app. It will not gain you sympathy and in fact will do the opposite.

It’s time to let this go and focus on what you can. We have already talked about the fact that you will qualify for a full tuition merit scholarship at university of Mississippi. This is at their highest level of merit scholarship. Focus on the positive and work on your remaining applications AND your plan B.

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So… you told them you didn’t have a laptop, but you actually did. You then turned it on and tried to use it, even though it sounds like you weren’t supposed to. You’re lucky they didn’t penalize you and instead offered to refund your test fee. I’m not clear what action on their part was unfair.

Anyway, as others have pointed out, it’s time to move on. Better yet, you can use this as a learning opportunity. As an international student in the U.S., you will face many challenges, and this incident will pale in comparison.

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Collage board has always been difficult (coming from someone who has used it for years) so I understand your pain. Im sorry the laptop they sent was awful. Good luck with your scores!!