The Tragedy of Varsity Blues 

It has been two years since the Varsity Blues scandal broke. College admissions this year has been marked by the unanticipated challenge of applying during a global pandemic. Netflix has added confusion to the current conversation by bringing the scandal to the forefront again.

On March 17, Netflix released “Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal,” a documentary that investigates the mastermind behind a scam used by celebrities like Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman, as well as ultra-wealthy parents, to get their children into top universities. There is no defense for the unscrupulous actions taken by Rick Singer and his ilk. While the focus of the scandal and the documentary surrounds the rich and famous, Varsity Blues has shed light on some of the general, wider-reaching issues facing college admissions.  

There is real and damaging anxiety around the relentless competition for admission to schools that are perceived to be exclusive. In order to wear an "elite" sweatshirt, students and families often focus on a small number of colleges, rather than exploring a wider range of places where students will thrive, learn and avoid crushing debt. 

For their part, colleges need to assume responsibility to communicate as clearly as possible what they are looking for in applicants, including skills, academic accomplishments and background. It will also be helpful for the financial expectations to be more openly conveyed. This uncertainty has not been alleviated by the changing concerns that have affected students researching schools and applying during the COVID pandemic. 

Many of the issues in the Varsity Blues scandal surrounded athletic recruitment and, thankfully, reforms have taken place, in athletic departments and in admissions offices. The scandal has reinforced the importance of legitimate professional organizations, such as Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and certifying bodies such as American Institute of Certified Educational Planners (AICEP).  These groups vet their membership, ensuring their members have appropriate education, experience and references.  

The tragedy of Varsity Blues is wide reaching. The saddest part might be that the adults involved lost sight of the ultimate goal. The process should always have been about the student, who they really are and where they really will thrive. That's where the focus should be now, and where it should have been all along.