The Daily Bribing Their Way Into College
Mar 14, 2019
Jennifer Medina, a national correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the notorious college admissions bribery scandal that entangled numerous wealthy parents and their celebrity kids. She discusses the shocking $25 million operation exposing the inequities in admissions. Medina reveals the tactics employed by affluent families, including bribery and manipulation of the system. The conversation also highlights the crucial role of independent journalism in uncovering such hidden truths and the broader implications of privilege in education.
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The Initial Tip-Off
- The college admissions scandal began with a tip in a separate investigation, leading to the discovery of a bribery scheme involving coaches and celebrities.
- The scheme involved coaches falsely recruiting students to their teams in exchange for money.
Rick Singer's Scheme
- Rick Singer, based in Newport Beach, California, orchestrated the scheme, charging between $15,000 and over $1 million.
- Singer initially did legitimate college counseling but transitioned into bribery, creating fake athletic profiles and facilitating cheating on standardized tests.
Existing Advantages for the Wealthy
- Wealthy individuals already have established methods for influencing college admissions, like large donations and high-end tutoring.
- These methods are considered legal and are part of a complex system that favors the wealthy.