The College Board is alleging that a Texas-based SAT prep company vioated copyright law by obtaining and distributing a “pirated” version of the PSAT administered on October 17, 2007. (The adjective “pirated” is used by the College Board to refer to tests that have been unlawfully obtained and distributed.)
To learn more about this developing story click here for an article that appeared on DallasNews.com or click here for an article that appeared on Star-Telegram.com.
Because it is unclear whether some Texas teens got the pirated test before or after the October PSAT, it is impossible at this time to determine whether they had an unfair advantage in qualifying for National Merit Scholarships.
It is important to note that neither article indicates that any students from Texas knew they were being given a “live,” pirated version of the PSAT. Thus, is seems that the blame for any wrongdoing falls squarely on the shoulders of a handful of adults in Texas. (The adjective “live” is used by the College Board to refer to tests that have not yet been “retired” and made available to the public. Also, in case you didn’t know, the PSAT is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.)