Feds uncover large-scale college entrance exam cheating plot

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG - USC trying to do damage control via TMZ...

"...On a different front, sources at USC familiar with the scandal tell us the University has known about the investigation for around 2 months, but they did not investigate ... because they didn't want to undermine the feds. Our sources say they've dealt with the U.S. Attorney's Office before, and they know if they conducted a simultaneous investigation it could tip off witnesses and targets, and result in the destruction of evidence.

As for what USC will do with the students whose parents got them into the school via bribery, well-connected sources tell us the students will not all be evaluated the same way. We're told if the students knew they were admitted because of bribes, they will be expelled. If they were in the dark, the University will evaluate all of the circumstances and the decisions will be student-specific.

And, one final thing, as for USC ... we know officials are furious at the parents who engaged in bribery. They say it has tarnished the school, the students and the athletic programs."

Why be mad at the parents rather than being mad at the USC coaches/administrators/staff for accepting bribes? Maybe take a second look at the quality of who you are hiring.

They released a statement.

https://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/la-sp-college-admissions-scandal-usc-ucla-20190312-story.html

In response to the government’s findings, USC quickly tried to distance itself from Heinel and Vavic.

“We understand that the government believes that illegal activity was carried out by individuals who went to great lengths to conceal actions from the university,” USC’s statement continued. “USC is conducting an internal investigation.

“USC is in the process of identifying any funds received by the university in connection with this alleged scheme. Additionally, the university is reviewing its admissions processes broadly to ensure that such actions do not occur going forward.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG - USC trying to do damage control via TMZ...

"...On a different front, sources at USC familiar with the scandal tell us the University has known about the investigation for around 2 months, but they did not investigate ... because they didn't want to undermine the feds. Our sources say they've dealt with the U.S. Attorney's Office before, and they know if they conducted a simultaneous investigation it could tip off witnesses and targets, and result in the destruction of evidence.

As for what USC will do with the students whose parents got them into the school via bribery, well-connected sources tell us the students will not all be evaluated the same way. We're told if the students knew they were admitted because of bribes, they will be expelled. If they were in the dark, the University will evaluate all of the circumstances and the decisions will be student-specific.

And, one final thing, as for USC ... we know officials are furious at the parents who engaged in bribery. They say it has tarnished the school, the students and the athletic programs."

Why be mad at the parents rather than being mad at the USC coaches/administrators/staff for accepting bribes? Maybe take a second look at the quality of who you are hiring.

They released a statement.

https://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/la-sp-college-admissions-scandal-usc-ucla-20190312-story.html

In response to the government’s findings, USC quickly tried to distance itself from Heinel and Vavic.

“We understand that the government believes that illegal activity was carried out by individuals who went to great lengths to conceal actions from the university,” USC’s statement continued. “USC is conducting an internal investigation.

“USC is in the process of identifying any funds received by the university in connection with this alleged scheme. Additionally, the university is reviewing its admissions processes broadly to ensure that such actions do not occur going forward.”

BS. Its CYA time. No way a kid shows up for a crew placement after never having rowed a day in their life and not raised on flag. Even if the coach was bribed, there wasn't one other person who saw this girl or saw other irregularities? Nonsense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG - USC trying to do damage control via TMZ...

"...On a different front, sources at USC familiar with the scandal tell us the University has known about the investigation for around 2 months, but they did not investigate ... because they didn't want to undermine the feds. Our sources say they've dealt with the U.S. Attorney's Office before, and they know if they conducted a simultaneous investigation it could tip off witnesses and targets, and result in the destruction of evidence.

As for what USC will do with the students whose parents got them into the school via bribery, well-connected sources tell us the students will not all be evaluated the same way. We're told if the students knew they were admitted because of bribes, they will be expelled. If they were in the dark, the University will evaluate all of the circumstances and the decisions will be student-specific.

And, one final thing, as for USC ... we know officials are furious at the parents who engaged in bribery. They say it has tarnished the school, the students and the athletic programs."

Why be mad at the parents rather than being mad at the USC coaches/administrators/staff for accepting bribes? Maybe take a second look at the quality of who you are hiring.

They released a statement.

https://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/la-sp-college-admissions-scandal-usc-ucla-20190312-story.html

In response to the government’s findings, USC quickly tried to distance itself from Heinel and Vavic.

“We understand that the government believes that illegal activity was carried out by individuals who went to great lengths to conceal actions from the university,” USC’s statement continued. “USC is conducting an internal investigation.

“USC is in the process of identifying any funds received by the university in connection with this alleged scheme. Additionally, the university is reviewing its admissions processes broadly to ensure that such actions do not occur going forward.”

BS. Its CYA time. No way a kid shows up for a crew placement after never having rowed a day in their life and not raised on flag. Even if the coach was bribed, there wasn't one other person who saw this girl or saw other irregularities? Nonsense.

+1 There are different rules for rich white kids. But sure, DCUM can continue to beat up on Asian kids who attend a Saturday prep class so they can try to get better test scores to compete with kids like this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG - USC trying to do damage control via TMZ...

"...On a different front, sources at USC familiar with the scandal tell us the University has known about the investigation for around 2 months, but they did not investigate ... because they didn't want to undermine the feds. Our sources say they've dealt with the U.S. Attorney's Office before, and they know if they conducted a simultaneous investigation it could tip off witnesses and targets, and result in the destruction of evidence.

As for what USC will do with the students whose parents got them into the school via bribery, well-connected sources tell us the students will not all be evaluated the same way. We're told if the students knew they were admitted because of bribes, they will be expelled. If they were in the dark, the University will evaluate all of the circumstances and the decisions will be student-specific.

And, one final thing, as for USC ... we know officials are furious at the parents who engaged in bribery. They say it has tarnished the school, the students and the athletic programs."

Why be mad at the parents rather than being mad at the USC coaches/administrators/staff for accepting bribes? Maybe take a second look at the quality of who you are hiring.

They released a statement.

https://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/la-sp-college-admissions-scandal-usc-ucla-20190312-story.html

In response to the government’s findings, USC quickly tried to distance itself from Heinel and Vavic.

“We understand that the government believes that illegal activity was carried out by individuals who went to great lengths to conceal actions from the university,” USC’s statement continued. “USC is conducting an internal investigation.

“USC is in the process of identifying any funds received by the university in connection with this alleged scheme. Additionally, the university is reviewing its admissions processes broadly to ensure that such actions do not occur going forward.”

BS. Its CYA time. No way a kid shows up for a crew placement after never having rowed a day in their life and not raised on flag. Even if the coach was bribed, there wasn't one other person who saw this girl or saw other irregularities? Nonsense.

+1 I think one of them was recruited as a coxswain. One look at those girls and you can tell they aren't coxswains based on build alone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The accommodations scam needs to end. Kids who never needed before all of the sudden in 8th grade needed for the high school entry standardized tests. Total scam. Like therapy dogs.

But but, my transgender Haitian black kid with ADHD and processing issues has PTSD due to trauma so he really really needs some help.

Don't be a racist xenophobe antihuman pig, remember how holistic we all holistically are.

PP said the scams have to end. Not the real accommodations. The scammers are really hurting the kids who need it.

This. 50 some odd pages before anyone mentions this. This is going to hurt the kids who need those accommodations. I'm a mom of a child with disabilities who needs the accommodations. I hate that the fbi included the handwriting sample for the one kid in the affidavit. I know I shouldn't diagnose but it looks like dysgraphia to me. The kid probably has other disabilities as well. I'm not saying his mom derserves special treatment. I think including the writing sample was mean spirited. Some of the first posts on the thread were makig fun of the kid for his handwriting. My child has experienced so many nasty comments because of the dysgraphia. We've had to deal with teachers who ignored the iep and tried to punish child for handwriting. Ignorance about disabilities is prevalent and harmful. My child has extended time and did very well on college tests. My child is very bright but struggles in many ways due to child's disailities. My child needs the accommodations to even the playing field. What Singer and his cheating proctors and college coaches did is disgusting.

I am also parent of 2 kids, one with a disability that requires accommodations.

But I will defend the prosecutors on the handwriting issue. It was submitted so that the fake test taker could practice the kid's handwriting. It demonstrates the length the parent was willing to go.

If the kid needed accommodations, it would have been known before junior year in high school, and he would have been using them throughout school (like our kids). Instead, his mom took him to a compromised/bribed psychologist recommended by Singer to gin up a fake disability that would give them extra time, and permission to test alone which made the cheating possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG - USC trying to do damage control via TMZ...

"...On a different front, sources at USC familiar with the scandal tell us the University has known about the investigation for around 2 months, but they did not investigate ... because they didn't want to undermine the feds. Our sources say they've dealt with the U.S. Attorney's Office before, and they know if they conducted a simultaneous investigation it could tip off witnesses and targets, and result in the destruction of evidence.

As for what USC will do with the students whose parents got them into the school via bribery, well-connected sources tell us the students will not all be evaluated the same way. We're told if the students knew they were admitted because of bribes, they will be expelled. If they were in the dark, the University will evaluate all of the circumstances and the decisions will be student-specific.

And, one final thing, as for USC ... we know officials are furious at the parents who engaged in bribery. They say it has tarnished the school, the students and the athletic programs."

Why be mad at the parents rather than being mad at the USC coaches/administrators/staff for accepting bribes? Maybe take a second look at the quality of who you are hiring.

They released a statement.

https://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/la-sp-college-admissions-scandal-usc-ucla-20190312-story.html

In response to the government’s findings, USC quickly tried to distance itself from Heinel and Vavic.

“We understand that the government believes that illegal activity was carried out by individuals who went to great lengths to conceal actions from the university,” USC’s statement continued. “USC is conducting an internal investigation.

“USC is in the process of identifying any funds received by the university in connection with this alleged scheme. Additionally, the university is reviewing its admissions processes broadly to ensure that such actions do not occur going forward.”

BS. Its CYA time. No way a kid shows up for a crew placement after never having rowed a day in their life and not raised on flag. Even if the coach was bribed, there wasn't one other person who saw this girl or saw other irregularities? Nonsense.

I guarantee that the athletic administrators all know and were turning a blind eye.

The problem for USC is that they've been sanctioned multiple times by the NCAA for recruiting violations (e.g., bribing high school athletes to choose USC). In 2010, the football team was stripped of it's 2004 NCAA championship, Reggie Bush was stripped of his 2005 Heisman Trophy, a two-year postseason ban, a loss of 30 scholarships over three years, and vacating all games in which Reggie Bush participated as an ineligible player (14 wins, 1 loss).

This is sucking USC back into the "bad days."

[Anonymous]

The one family paid $250k to get their son into USC and then he withdrew after one year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG - USC trying to do damage control via TMZ...

"...On a different front, sources at USC familiar with the scandal tell us the University has known about the investigation for around 2 months, but they did not investigate ... because they didn't want to undermine the feds. Our sources say they've dealt with the U.S. Attorney's Office before, and they know if they conducted a simultaneous investigation it could tip off witnesses and targets, and result in the destruction of evidence.

As for what USC will do with the students whose parents got them into the school via bribery, well-connected sources tell us the students will not all be evaluated the same way. We're told if the students knew they were admitted because of bribes, they will be expelled. If they were in the dark, the University will evaluate all of the circumstances and the decisions will be student-specific.

And, one final thing, as for USC ... we know officials are furious at the parents who engaged in bribery. They say it has tarnished the school, the students and the athletic programs."

Why be mad at the parents rather than being mad at the USC coaches/administrators/staff for accepting bribes? Maybe take a second look at the quality of who you are hiring.

They released a statement.

https://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/la-sp-college-admissions-scandal-usc-ucla-20190312-story.html

In response to the government’s findings, USC quickly tried to distance itself from Heinel and Vavic.

“We understand that the government believes that illegal activity was carried out by individuals who went to great lengths to conceal actions from the university,” USC’s statement continued. “USC is conducting an internal investigation.

“USC is in the process of identifying any funds received by the university in connection with this alleged scheme. Additionally, the university is reviewing its admissions processes broadly to ensure that such actions do not occur going forward.”

BS. Its CYA time. No way a kid shows up for a crew placement after never having rowed a day in their life and not raised on flag. Even if the coach was bribed, there wasn't one other person who saw this girl or saw other irregularities? Nonsense.

+1 I think one of them was recruited as a coxswain. One look at those girls and you can tell they aren't coxswains based on build alone.

Yes! That was the first thing I thought when I saw this! My best friend in college was coxswain for our crew team and you have to be like 90 lbs. No way that girl was that small. So not one trainer, assistant coach, no one raised a flag?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG - USC trying to do damage control via TMZ...

"...On a different front, sources at USC familiar with the scandal tell us the University has known about the investigation for around 2 months, but they did not investigate ... because they didn't want to undermine the feds. Our sources say they've dealt with the U.S. Attorney's Office before, and they know if they conducted a simultaneous investigation it could tip off witnesses and targets, and result in the destruction of evidence.

As for what USC will do with the students whose parents got them into the school via bribery, well-connected sources tell us the students will not all be evaluated the same way. We're told if the students knew they were admitted because of bribes, they will be expelled. If they were in the dark, the University will evaluate all of the circumstances and the decisions will be student-specific.

And, one final thing, as for USC ... we know officials are furious at the parents who engaged in bribery. They say it has tarnished the school, the students and the athletic programs."

Why be mad at the parents rather than being mad at the USC coaches/administrators/staff for accepting bribes? Maybe take a second look at the quality of who you are hiring.

They released a statement.

https://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/la-sp-college-admissions-scandal-usc-ucla-20190312-story.html

In response to the government’s findings, USC quickly tried to distance itself from Heinel and Vavic.

“We understand that the government believes that illegal activity was carried out by individuals who went to great lengths to conceal actions from the university,” USC’s statement continued. “USC is conducting an internal investigation.

“USC is in the process of identifying any funds received by the university in connection with this alleged scheme. Additionally, the university is reviewing its admissions processes broadly to ensure that such actions do not occur going forward.”

BS. Its CYA time. No way a kid shows up for a crew placement after never having rowed a day in their life and not raised on flag. Even if the coach was bribed, there wasn't one other person who saw this girl or saw other irregularities? Nonsense.

+1.

The schools were grossly negligent at best.

[Anonymous]

I'm worried about this story because of how it is going to affect affirmative action.

This story, coupled with the lawsuit in Harvard, is all about the 'two tiers' that exist to get into schools--one the regular merit-based application and the other about 'hooks' that can get you in, be it legacy, donations, athletics and yes, affirmative action. Anything that is giving anyone a leg up is now suspect, and if you think affirmative action isn't going to be the 'baby with the bath water' you aren't paying attention. Those who oppose affirmative action are already using this story already in their assault on preferences of any sort.

Yea it's fun to watch some rich white people squirm, but longer term things are a bit more dicey.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Right, that’s the same. Lord you’re dumb.

They are comparable because weight loss through diet/exercise is something that you actually have to work for. Test prep is literally available to all students - FREE - through Kahn Academy. Some students take advantage of it, some don't.

Cheating is not the same thing as test prep.

If Kahn Academy test prep is equivalent, why are people paying so much for private test prep and tutors?

Because the structure of having organized classes or tutoring is more effective for most kids. The whole "test prep is cheating" spiel is pure bs. We used a tutor for test prep and they met, 1ce a week or every two weeks. Tutor gave them tests from books and sections of math and english to review. This review has helped them in their current classes. The quality of teachers we have dealt with is very hit or miss. Many of the science and math teachers have been abysmal. We've used tutors off and on their entire academic careers because of this. We aren't rich and our tutors cost much less than pps have quoted. Our kids also have disabilities so we are more concerned about them missing instruction in school. When our children were very young, we noticed most of the parents had a tutor their kids used regularly or occassionally. It is part of the culture that we are around that kids do some kid of organized tutoring or class outside of school. How people can argue that this is cheating is dumb.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm worried about this story because of how it is going to affect affirmative action.

This story, coupled with the lawsuit in Harvard, is all about the 'two tiers' that exist to get into schools--one the regular merit-based application and the other about 'hooks' that can get you in, be it legacy, donations, athletics and yes, affirmative action. Anything that is giving anyone a leg up is now suspect, and if you think affirmative action isn't going to be the 'baby with the bath water' you aren't paying attention. Those who oppose affirmative action are already using this story already in their assault on preferences of any sort.

Yea it's fun to watch some rich white people squirm, but longer term things are a bit more dicey.

No doubt that is what this Justice department is gunning for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The one family paid $250k to get their son into USC and then he withdrew after one year.

Fools and their money....

Why are these people (the wealthy parents) still thinking that their dumb progeny must have college to succeed? Let them find their way in the world; not everyone is cut out for the intellectual rigors of a competitive college. Most of these kids probably have legit learning disabilities or just simply are not intelligent. There are plenty of opportunities out there for these kids to lead happy lives and do meaningful work. They could work in the trades, join the military, work their way up in a company from the ground floor, become an entrepreneur, etc.

In the case of Lori Laughlin's daughter, she's already a wildly successful business woman! She's crushing the social media marketing game. There's zero need to fake her way into college. She would have been better off going to community college part-time and spend the rest of her time developing content for IG and YouTube. Such a waste of money and potential to bribe their way into USC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm worried about this story because of how it is going to affect affirmative action.

This story, coupled with the lawsuit in Harvard, is all about the 'two tiers' that exist to get into schools--one the regular merit-based application and the other about 'hooks' that can get you in, be it legacy, donations, athletics and yes, affirmative action. Anything that is giving anyone a leg up is now suspect, and if you think affirmative action isn't going to be the 'baby with the bath water' you aren't paying attention. Those who oppose affirmative action are already using this story already in their assault on preferences of any sort.

Yea it's fun to watch some rich white people squirm, but longer term things are a bit more dicey.

What’s wrong with the caltech / Oxbridge model of admissions?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Right, that’s the same. Lord you’re dumb.

They are comparable because weight loss through diet/exercise is something that you actually have to work for. Test prep is literally available to all students - FREE - through Kahn Academy. Some students take advantage of it, some don't.

Cheating is not the same thing as test prep.

If Kahn Academy test prep is equivalent, why are people paying so much for private test prep and tutors?

Because the structure of having organized classes or tutoring is more effective for most kids. The whole "test prep is cheating" spiel is pure bs. We used a tutor for test prep and they met, 1ce a week or every two weeks. Tutor gave them tests from books and sections of math and english to review. This review has helped them in their current classes. The quality of teachers we have dealt with is very hit or miss. Many of the science and math teachers have been abysmal. We've used tutors off and on their entire academic careers because of this. We aren't rich and our tutors cost much less than pps have quoted. Our kids also have disabilities so we are more concerned about them missing instruction in school. When our children were very young, we noticed most of the parents had a tutor their kids used regularly or occassionally. It is part of the culture that we are around that kids do some kid of organized tutoring or class outside of school. How people can argue that this is cheating is dumb.

You lost everyone when you said you use tutors weekly and (shocking) your kid has accommodations too.