The Biggest College Admission Scandal Has Been Uncovered, Putting Many Elite Schools Under Great Scrutiny.
In March of 2019, federal prosecutors charged 50 people for conspiring with colleges in the biggest admissions scam in American history. The University of California Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Yale, and a host of other schools were involved. To gain admission, affluent parents collectively bribed college admission boards with 75 million dollars. The money was used to falsify ACT/SAT test scores, athletic accomplishments, and bribe exam proctors and sports coaches. Thirty-three parents have been indicted in the scandal.
The scandal was coordinated by William Singer, a former college counselor of over thirty years. All parents made payments to Key Worldwide Foundation, which allowed them to send the money as “donations.” William Singer has pleaded guilty to a number of charges, such as money laundering conspiracy and obstruction of justice.
While the media has primarily focused on the parents affected by the situation, the focus should be on the students who are ultimately the ones who will be affected the decisions made by their respective universities. US Attorney Andrew Lelling of Massachusetts held a press conference March 12, 2019. He stated that the decision is up to the individual schools to determine if any ramifications, such as rescinded admissions, should be taken.
In response, two students from Stanford have started a class-action lawsuit. One USC freshman student involved, Olivia Giannulli, a prevalent social media influencer, lost her partnership with Sephora. It has also been reported that she has withdrawn from USC. A Yale student, who has decided to remain anonymous, has stated she felt “vindicated” because her academic accomplishments were enough to earn admission on their own. USC student, Jack Buckingham, released a statement, unaware that his mother had fabricated his test scores. According to Hollywood Reporter, Jack said, “I am upset that I was unknowingly involved in a large scheme that helped give kids who may not work as hard as others an advantage over those who truly deserve those spots.”
Uncovering this scandal is only the beginning. In the following months, there will be trials, hearings, and tough decisions will be made. The students, unfortunately, will be in the midst of all this.
Written by Lina Tate | Staff Writer
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