By Paloma Rambana
Rising seniors consider the influence of money and recognition on college admissions.
In March 2019, United States federal prosecutors publicized the information and charges related to the nation’s largest admissions scandal, “Operation Varsity Blues.” Children of celebrities and prominent figures were involved in a transaction scheme in which wealthy influencers submitted fraudulent standardized test scores and conducted monetary bribes. Nearly four years later, soon-to-be applicants still feel the effects of the scandal.
The findings of “Operation Varsity Blues” were declared during the spring semester of rising British International School Chicago senior Dilan Parekh’s first year of high school.
“I feel this scandal makes me realize that the admissions process is unfair. Although colleges have become more aware of scandals, and they do not happen as much, it still made me realize that they would prefer students with more money or higher scores, even if they did not earn them,” said Parekh.
Parekh’s sentiment was shared with fellow future college applicant Abigail Taylor, a rising Bloomfield Hills senior. “It is unfair to the rest of us; I’m stuck with the score I get no matter how bad it is,” said Taylor.
Taylor expressed her disappointment with the college application process. As she plans to apply, the background of the benefactors of the colleges will be something she factors into her decision.
Campus buildings are often associated with influential figures related to the institution. With recent movements of social standards from the public, colleges have decided to rename or disclose transparency behind the names of their buildings. Campus buildings across America are often titled based on historical figures and wealthy benefactors. Figures and benefactors’ roles in society have become an avid part of the campus culture, and colleges must confront and adapt to the public inquires surrounding the figures featured on campus. The college campus has transcended from the facilitation of education into a space where transparency and accountability are among students’ expectations.
Benefactors and historical figures with connections to American colleges maintain longstanding recognition amongst students via historic impact or monetary donation in exchange for a campus namesake. These figures’ names are an aspect of a campus culture that stood unchallenged until recently.
The Black Lives Matter Movement and public expectation that colleges come forward transparently over connections to racism or accountably rename campus buildings increased colleges’ conversation surrounding racism and problematic figures tied to the institution. Georgia’s university, however, refuses to rename buildings connected to racism and segregation movements. Alternatively, colleges such as Holy Cross have renamed buildings after remarkable alums such as Anthony Fauci; the complex had previously been unnamed.
As seniors Parekh and Taylor research before college application season, they have identified that monetary benefactor support is undeniable within the higher education system yet nonetheless will not influence their college decision.
“I have never really heard of the benefactors behind many buildings of the colleges on my list, so they have not affected me,” said Parekh.
However, Parekh has not ruled out campus research as he looks to campuses with modern architecture styles to fit his preferences.
Parekh noted that institutions with celebrities’ monetary support have the potential to improve institutions’ reputations while stating that benefactors have not affected his application process. Parekh looks to colleges’ educational and architectural value versus their prestige or benefactor connections.
“I definitely will start looking into benefactors,” said Taylor.
However, benefactors will not be a deciding factor in her college decision; if the school’s supporters have a negative reputation, it would be something she keeps top of mind throughout the process.
Seniors Parekh and Taylor acknowledged that although their research has yet to incorporate the benefactors behind their campus, they play an active role in students’ lives, as noted in their remarks on the Varsity Blues scandal. Money and recognition remain top of mind for these seniors as they embark on the admissions process.