Something non-partisan...

[¿spoom]

... to roll eyes over 
I've often wondered how some folks I see on talk shows or political causes went to Ivy league schools, yet seem too dumb to be admitted to schools where you just need to "draw the pirate" 
I wondered just how far the whole donation/legacy went in schools that were turning away lots of really smart peeps. Guess I forgot about the obvious additional explanation-CHEATING. Big scandal just breaking about, "bribes and proxy-test takers and bears, oh my!" With apologies to Wizard of Oz.

[Alberta Patriot]

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/12/us/felicity-huffman-lori-loughlin-massimo-giannulli.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C16RYpGZGc0
Maybe Hollywood should be the starting line of a Federal Judicial Marathon with the finish line in Washington D.C. at the Departments of DOJ, FBI and Cia

[Novavalker]

https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2019/03/12/actor-dean-norris-on-college-admissions-scandal-rich-fckwads-cheated-for-their-already-privileged-kids/

 Hank Shreader  had some choice words

[Alberta Patriot]

https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2019/03/12/actor-dean-norris-on-college-admissions-scandal-rich-fckwads-cheated-for-their-already-privileged-kids/

 Hank Shreader  had some choice words

Yep....The New Season of Breaking Bad starring Hollywood's finest.

[Alberta Patriot]

Two years of these West Coast turds hammering Trump and looking their noses down on "The Red State Deplorables". Does the script get any better than this?

[f6john]

Not only did the parents spend $25 million in an effort to get their kids in the college of their choice, since the mastermind behind this had it set up as a “charity” , they took the tax write off as charitable contributions. Double whammy!

[..]

Where's the outrage from the left.................................again.

Laughable in their hypocrisy.

https://www.insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2019/03/12/dozens-indicted-alleged-massive-case-admissions-fraud


https://nypost.com/2019/03/12/college-scam-mastermind-photoshopped-students-faces-onto-athletes/


https://apnews.com/2450688f9e67435c8590e59a1b0e5b47


Mainly those who vote left are the ones involved.

[Jess from VA]

I read a Dershowitz piece on this earlier, and he wrote something that I found amazing.

He pointed out that in the old days (certainly in my days), kids who could not qualify for top schools didn't go to them (even if they could get in) simply because they would flunk out in short order.  This makes complete sense to me.

But he said that no one even get's C's at them anymore, and some have no grades at all.  Can this be possible, esp at the top flight academic schools?  I realize there are some wacky schools.

How can a degree from any college that inflates all grades, or has no grades at all be worth a plug nickel?

I worked my tail off for good grades, for years and years.

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/alan-dershowitz-college-cheating-scandal-is-big-and-it-may-get-much-worse

Looking at leftists as abusers may be relevant, but nearly all universities are run by and for leftists.

[..]

Another whose good at crocodile tears.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6801879/Lori-Loughlin-gets-emotional-talking-proud-daughter-heads-college.html

Pathetic.

[Rams]

While not suggesting I agree with the practice, why would anyone be surprised by this?    The best and the brightest usually get ahead but, nothing beats having a rich parent.    It’s not always what you know but who you know that will always get you ahead.

Rams

[Alberta Patriot]

While not suggesting I agree with the practice, why would anyone be surprised by this?    The best and the brightest usually get ahead but, nothing beats having a rich parent.    It’s not always what you know but who you know that will always get you ahead.

Rams

The best and brightest that's a stretch. These ultra privileged children did not have what it takes, so fraud, bribery and influence peddling were committed for Dear Sally's leg up.
Athletic Scholarships for children with no history in the sports they allegedly excelled in??? How does it get any worse?

[Serk]

To me, the saddest part is, for every illegitimate idiot who got in, a legitimate deserving kid was denied... 

[..]

To me, the saddest part is, for every illegitimate idiot who got in, a legitimate deserving kid was denied... 

 

or the money helped others less fortunate to get in.

Oh NO, not so, the colleges/unis aren't involved.

Walks away sniggering into his hand.

[Psychotic Bovine]

I don't believe for a minute that the higher ups at the universities didn't know.  The kind of money thrown around in this scam is hard to hide, and harder to keep quiet.

[cookiedough]

It’s not always what you know but who you know that will always get you ahead.

Rams

I learned that decades ago unfortunately......

kissing _ss is not one of my specialities........

I just love having supervisors (more than a few in my day) making 2-4x's my salary and they are unable to do my job.  How do they become supervisors if they do not know what and how their employees they are supervising do?      My favorite was in the 90's having a male boss sitting in his office reading the wall street journal for hours telling me he gets the best ideas helping the company by reading that paper, go figure???      He had NO clue on what we did and barely worked no idea what he did all day sitting in there all by himself.. 

My wife is the same way, just that her boss has given her decent raises over the decades for if she left that place and her boss would be toast.....  

[Alpha Dog]

I read a Dershowitz piece on this earlier, and he wrote something that I found amazing.

He pointed out that in the old days (certainly in my days), kids who could not qualify for top schools didn't go to them (even if they could get in) simply because they would flunk out in short order.  This makes complete sense to me.

But he said that no one even get's C's at them anymore, and some have no grades at all.  Can this be possible, esp at the top flight academic schools?  I realize there are some wacky schools.

How can a degree from any college that inflates all grades, or has no grades at all be worth a plug nickel?

I worked my tail off for good grades, for years and years.

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/alan-dershowitz-college-cheating-scandal-is-big-and-it-may-get-much-worse

Looking at leftists as abusers may be relevant, but nearly all universities are run by and for leftists.

I saw that interview yesterday as the story broke.  I did not realize how easy it is at Universities these days and these are the tops supposedly.  Now for sure some of the top kids do go, but I would bet for maybe most, now a days, it is just a way to be connected after your degree - which it always has been.

Then I saw the pics of Lori Loughlin and instantly recognized her as a regular on those clean cut cookie cutter Hallmark shows my wife is somehow addicted to currently.  Is nothing sacred?

[baldo]

A Hollywood Scandal?????

A quick look at the list has two, count them, two actresses with names that I recognized. A large majority of the rest were from the investment world, big money.  Some may have connections to movie production companies, but to scream about the evil leftist Hollywood is just a bit ridiculous.

Just more red meat, more low hanging fruit.

[Jess from VA]

When I was in school 71-80, lots of guys were there to not be in RVN (early on), or to party at fraternities like Animal House, and many were able to float along taking Basket Weaving 101 and Sociology with C and D averages, but you could flunk out (and many did).  

I paid around $300 a semester in tuition and worked my ass off for good grades (in undergrad).  Tuition exploded to $1000 a semester in law school (where I had to work twice as hard).

So now people pay $20,000 a year in tuition, but good grades are free?  This sounds exactly like some kind of Democrat Party program/platform (give us all your money, and we'll provide you a subsistence living).

Tuition and fees at Yale are now $55,540 a year.  The U.S. Census Bureau reported in September 2017 that real median household income was $59,039 in 2016.  According to College Board, published tuition fees for 2017/18 at state colleges are an average of  $10K for in-state residents.

[f6john]

A Hollywood Scandal?????

A quick look at the list has two, count them, two actresses with names that I recognized. A large majority of the rest were from the investment world, big money.  Some may have connections to movie production companies, but to scream about the evil leftist Hollywood is just a bit ridiculous.

Just more red meat, more low hanging fruit.

That’s one view. Or could it be like the Democratic playbook? There must be more people involved, this being just the tip of the iceberg. We must investigate! And maybe we can find some conservatives to throw under the bus along the way, win, win, win!

[Psychotic Bovine]

A Hollywood Scandal?????

A quick look at the list has two, count them, two actresses with names that I recognized. A large majority of the rest were from the investment world, big money.  Some may have connections to movie production companies, but to scream about the evil leftist Hollywood is just a bit ridiculous.

Just more red meat, more low hanging fruit.

Two actresses, one spouse in the fashion business, William H Macy (not indicted... yet, but would bet he would).  One famous 19 year old daughter of L Loughlin who should be indicted (I would imagine it will happen, since she knew all about it and very involved in the scam).  This represents 10 percent of the people being indicted (at this time) who have direct connections to Hollywood.  I would say that's a Hollywood scandal. 

[Jess from VA]

I'm not defending hollywood, but isn't this more a wealthy (and greedy college) scandal than a hollywood scandal?

Hollywood no doubt produces a much higher spendable (waste-able) income than the average, so they should be over represented, especially if buy-in is in the millions.  

But the guy who is shown to be orchestrating this with fake sports team memberships (on paper only) for couch potatoes, and all sorts of tricks and loopholes begins to make it look more like RICO organized crime syndicate using the wealthy parents (this is perfect influence peddling).  And fixers like that often do well in hollywood.  And there may be some sort of comfortable leftist school, leftist money buy-in connection.

One wonders just how all this money was split up?  Fixer%, U Admissions/Alumni committee%, U charitable account%?

And what about the schools selling this..... benefit?   One wonders if the U Presidents and Reagents know about it?  

And this: (some article)
At least nine athletic coaches and 33 parents, many of them prominent in law, finance or business, were among those charged.  Dozens, including Huffman, were arrested by midday.

The coaches worked at such schools as Yale, Stanford, Georgetown, Wake Forest, the University of Texas, the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles. A former Yale soccer coach pleaded guilty and helped build the case against others.

[baldo]

A Hollywood Scandal?????

A quick look at the list has two, count them, two actresses with names that I recognized. A large majority of the rest were from the investment world, big money.  Some may have connections to movie production companies, but to scream about the evil leftist Hollywood is just a bit ridiculous.

Just more red meat, more low hanging fruit.

That’s one view. Or could it be like the Democratic playbook? There must be more people involved, this being just the tip of the iceberg. We must investigate! And maybe we can find some conservatives to throw under the bus along the way, win, win, win!

Of course it's the tip of the iceberg. There'll be plenty more of all shapes and sizes. I couldn't give two shytes what flavor, political leaning, or gender it is. This is just freaking wrong. If found guilty, whoever they are, MAXIMUM EXPOSURE AND PUNISHMENT.

But if you want to make it an us vs them dramafest, have at it.

[baldo]

A Hollywood Scandal?????

A quick look at the list has two, count them, two actresses with names that I recognized. A large majority of the rest were from the investment world, big money.  Some may have connections to movie production companies, but to scream about the evil leftist Hollywood is just a bit ridiculous.

Just more red meat, more low hanging fruit.

Two actresses, one spouse in the fashion business, William H Macy (not indicted... yet, but would bet he would).  One famous 19 year old daughter of L Loughlin who should be indicted (I would imagine it will happen, since she knew all about it and very involved in the scam).  This represents 10 percent of the people being indicted (at this time) who have direct connections to Hollywood.  I would say that's a Hollywood scandal. 

[f6john]

A Hollywood Scandal?????

A quick look at the list has two, count them, two actresses with names that I recognized. A large majority of the rest were from the investment world, big money.  Some may have connections to movie production companies, but to scream about the evil leftist Hollywood is just a bit ridiculous.

Just more red meat, more low hanging fruit.

That’s one view. Or could it be like the Democratic playbook? There must be more people involved, this being just the tip of the iceberg. We must investigate! And maybe we can find some conservatives to throw under the bus along the way, win, win, win!

Of course it's the tip of the iceberg. There'll be plenty more of all shapes and sizes. I couldn't give two shytes what flavor, political leaning, or gender it is. This is just freaking wrong. If found guilty, whoever they are, MAXIMUM EXPOSURE AND PUNISHMENT.

But if you want to make it an us vs them dramafest, have at it.

Oh, sorry, I thought that’s where you were already, low hanging fruit and all.  No drama here, it’s just so fitting that people who like to be in the spotlight and point out the shortcomings of the despicables get caught with their hand in the cookie jar.

[Moonshot_1]

This seems to speak directly to the break down of our higher educational institutions.

Lax standards, sense of entitlement, pay to play. The top tier schools already attract the wealthiest of us but now they attract the stupidest of the wealthiest.

[DirtyDan]

This seems to speak directly to the break down of our higher educational institutions.

Lax standards, sense of entitlement, pay to play. The top tier schools already attract the wealthiest of us but now they attract the stupidest of the wealthiest.

Bravo 

Tell it on the mountain

Dan

[¿spoom]

Irony is I'd posted about it around 8 hours before this post, and titled it, "Something non-partisan... "   

[¿spoom]

I read a Dershowitz piece on this earlier, and he wrote something that I found amazing.

He pointed out that in the old days (certainly in my days), kids who could not qualify for top schools didn't go to them (even if they could get in) simply because they would flunk out in short order.  This makes complete sense to me.

But he said that no one even get's C's at them anymore, and some have no grades at all.  Can this be possible, esp at the top flight academic schools?  I realize there are some wacky schools.

How can a degree from any college that inflates all grades, or has no grades at all be worth a plug nickel?

I worked my tail off for good grades, for years and years.

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/alan-dershowitz-college-cheating-scandal-is-big-and-it-may-get-much-worse

Looking at leftists as abusers may be relevant, but nearly all universities are run by and for leftists.

An excellent point on Mr. Dershowitz's part. Granted "back in the day", those students with wealth could hire tutors and take the easiest majors once they DID use their influence to get accepted, but now there isn't even that. Your tuition seems to cover your grades, now.

[G-Man]

Agreed Non-Partisan.

I also agree with Jess, not a matter of left or right, it's a matter of having money or not.

The media fed it to us again and everyone ate it up.  Did they really have to continually mention the same two actresses over and over again until it was believed to be a Leftist Hollywood scandal.  I'm not sure about the all the rest, but I sure know that FOX stated those two actresses names during every broadcast at least a dozen times.  Yes, of course they made mention of money and privilege, but you'd never know that there could possibly be a Republican or a conservative in the mix.

[Jess from VA]

There's like 50 arrests.. so far.

So lets see what shakes out.

The biggest fixer seems to be from the left coast.  So there's that.


So far, none of my schools (middle class state U's) have been named.    (where regular people go)

It's a good thing you don't have to bribe people to get in the military.  (I couldn't afford it)

Hey, can you do my basic training for me?  For like, $300 dude.   

[baldo]

Agreed Non-Partisan.

I also agree with Jess, not a matter of left or right, it's a matter of having money or not.

The media fed it to us again and everyone ate it up.  Did they really have to continually mention the same two actresses over and over again until it was believed to be a Leftist Hollywood scandal.  I'm not sure about the all the rest, but I sure know that FOX stated those two actresses names during every broadcast at least a dozen times.  Yes, of course they made mention of money and privilege, but you'd never know that there could possibly be a Republican or a conservative in the mix.

Exactly...

[¿spoom]

https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2019/03/12/actor-dean-norris-on-college-admissions-scandal-rich-fckwads-cheated-for-their-already-privileged-kids/

 Hank Shreader  had some choice words

I like it 

[¿spoom]

Agreed Non-Partisan.

I also agree with Jess, not a matter of left or right, it's a matter of having money or not.

The media fed it to us again and everyone ate it up.  Did they really have to continually mention the same two actresses over and over again until it was believed to be a Leftist Hollywood scandal.  I'm not sure about the all the rest, but I sure know that FOX stated those two actresses names during every broadcast at least a dozen times.  Yes, of course they made mention of money and privilege, but you'd never know that there could possibly be a Republican or a conservative in the mix.

Couldn't have said it better, the media said "2 actresses" every time somebody pulled their collective string. So yeah, it's also guys who hang around Rye & Greenwich  
Among the other parents charged was Gordon Caplan, of Greenwich, Connecticut, co-chairman of the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher, based in New York. Caplan "will have no further firm management responsibilities," the firm said in a statement Wednesday.

Telephone messages seeking comment have been left with Caplan, who is accused of paying $75,000 to get a test supervisor to correct the answers on his daughter's ACT exam after she took it.

Hercules Capital, a Palo Alto, California, hedge fund, announced Wednesday it was replacing its leader, Manuel Henriquez, who has been arrested in New York City and released on $500,000 bail. Henriquez will still hold a seat on the board and serve as an adviser, Hercules said.

Henriquez and his wife, Elizabeth, of Atherton, California, were charged with participating in the scheme on four occasions for their two daughters. They were also charged with conspiring to bribe Gordon Ernst, former head tennis coach at Georgetown University, to designate their older daughter as a tennis recruit to facilitate her admission and with making a $400,000 contribution to a charity to help her get accepted to the school.

[Rams]

While not suggesting I agree with the practice, why would anyone be surprised by this?    The best and the brightest usually get ahead but, nothing beats having a rich parent.    It’s not always what you know but who you know that will always get you ahead.

Rams

The best and brightest that's a stretch. These ultra privileged children did not have what it takes, so fraud, bribery and influence peddling were committed for Dear Sally's leg up.
Athletic Scholarships for children with no history in the sports they allegedly excelled in??? How does it get any worse?

I didn’t say the kids in question were among the best and the brightest.   What I said was the best and the brightest normally get ahead.    I also said I didn’t agree with the practice but, anyone that doesn’t think money has it’s advantages is not being realistic.

Rams

[Gavin_Sons]

I don't blame the parents that got caught in this for wanting the best for their kids. You better believe my kids will have the best education available that i can afford. Are there any good colleges for 500 bucks a year? 

[scooperhsd]

I don't blame the parents that got caught in this for wanting the best for their kids. You better believe my kids will have the best education available that i can afford. Are there any good colleges for 500 bucks a year? 

I don't think even 2 year community colleges are that cheap any more

[Skinhead]

My parents raised 7 kids.  My dad told us he couldn't afford to send us all to college, and wouldn't pick who got to go.  So we were on our own, 4 of the seven completed college 3 Penn State liberals, one PITT conservative.  It can be done if you really want it.

[¿spoom]

By RYAN LANE of NerdWallet  -  The Associated Press
8 WARNING SIGNS YOU MAY NOT FINISH COLLEGE

 Forty percent of students who enroll in a four-year college don't graduate within six years, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

These students miss the benefits of a degree, but they may still pay dearly for their education: According to the office of Federal Student Aid, students who don't complete college are three times more likely to have loans default than those who earn degrees.

To avoid this negative outcome and stay on track, colleges and researchers say to watch for these eight warning signs that can derail your education.

1. NOT ACCEPTING HELP

Some colleges offer programs that spot students who need help. Georgia State University monitors 800 factors to identify at-risk students.

"We brand our system 'GPS Advising,' " says Timothy Renick, the university's senior vice president for student success. "Students are notified the moment that they make a wrong turn, and we can advise them about what they need to do to get back on path again."

But it's up to students to take advantage of assistance, at Georgia State and elsewhere. Don't be embarrassed to use tutoring services, writing centers and other on-campus resources; they're there to help you.

2. TAKING TOO FEW CREDITS

The Community College Research Center found that students at four-year colleges who take 15 credits their first semester are 11 percent more likely to earn a degree than those who take 12 credits. That's partly due to basic math.

Many colleges consider 12 credits a full course load. But taking 12 credits each semester will leave you 24 credits shy of graduating after four years. To help you graduate on time, take at least 15 credits each semester or catch up with summer classes.

3. CHOOSING UNNECESSARY COURSES

The 15 credits you take to stay on track shouldn't be for just any courses. You want classes that count toward your major, says Bruce Vandal, senior vice president of the national nonprofit Complete College America.

"The more credits you take in your major the first year, the better off you are," says Vandal. He recommends nine as a goal.

Balance the types of classes, too. Renick says Georgia State University identified "toxic combinations" of courses. For example, they found students struggle when taking calculus and physics in the same semester.

4. STRUGGLING IN YOUR MAJOR

Pay attention to your grades in courses related to your major. They predict your chances for success.

"If you barely pass that first course, talk to a faculty member or advisor about how you can strengthen your skills before attempting upper-level and more difficult coursework in the field," Renick says.

5. BEING PLACED IN REMEDIAL CLASSES

Remedial classes are supposed to prepare students for college-level work. But they can make students feel like they don't belong in college.

If you need remedial classes, you're not alone. Approximately 1 in 4 freshmen end up in remedial classes, according to the national think tank Education Reform Now.

If you feel comfortable taking traditional courses, Vandal says to advocate for yourself. Tell your adviser you deserve to take regular courses and be responsible for getting the support you need.

6. RUNNING OUT OF MONEY

If you're facing a financial shortfall, talk to the financial aid office about options like completion scholarships and emergency loans. For example, Georgia State University provides micro grants to help students complete their studies.

Make sure you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, as well. The FAFSA makes you eligible for government grants, loans and other financial aid. Only 60.9 percent of high school seniors submitted a FAFSA in 2018, according to the National College Access Network.

7. SKIPPING CLASS

Students who don't attend class struggle academically. "This view is not just what faculty members claim to get you to show up," Renick says. "The data support the claim."

If you're not putting in the necessary effort, ask yourself why. Regularly skipping class is likely symptomatic of a bigger issue. Figure out the root problem and address it before your grades suffer too much.

8. DEALING WITH ADVERSITY

Unforeseen life events, such as illness or the death of a loved one, can force students to drop out. Long-term issues involving food insecurity and housing can prove overwhelming as well.

Before withdrawing, see what emergency services your school offers , like grief counseling, food vouchers or short-term housing.

"There is likely somebody on that campus who can help you navigate (your) challenges," says Vandal. "It's not something you have to bear alone."

9. SETTING YOUR COURSE

Many 2nd year students cannot remember what their major is, or even where their campus can be found. This is important if you are gong to apply for more Pell Grants.

10. Heritage Issues

Those whose parents are facing jail time for "assisting" them into their school in the first place, may be asked to leave. It's important that they work on their athletic skills and try out for the team ASAP.

[¿spoom]

Disclaimer: I may have changed the original title from "8 warning signs..." to "10 warning signs" and added another two equally "Captain Obvious" ones.    

[Jess from VA]

Forty percent of students who enroll in a four-year college don't graduate within six years,

Regardless of all the well reasoned points in the article, that is just piss poor motivation (or direction) by too many people.  And even harder to explain as it costs some 600-1000% more than when I went to school.  

And I'd be curious to know what percentage of the 40% who don't finish took student loans or, other G or Univ benefits?  If you are a benefit/loan underwriter, you are taking too many shitty risks with your (and maybe our) money, and benefiting the schools and lenders more than the students who owe it all back (but don't pay).  

I don't think it was that bad when I started undergrad during Vietnam, when a whole bunch of students were there to avoid the draft (and to just get a C average, and party in frat houses).  The draft ended when I was still in school, and most of those guys quit immediately.  

I realize many people get tired of their kids at home and help them off to school.  But if they are in the 40% failure crowd (and I'm sure some of those have to leave through no fault of their own),  maybe they should be going in another direction than college.  

How about raising the bar for loans and benefits?   (to better than 60% finishing)

-------

And I take exception to one of the points in the article.  (#2)

Take more credits (15, not 12) a semester to finish in 4 years.  

As if you run out of time after 4 years even, and are forced to quit.

Well, if you are in a difficult or challenging curriculum and/or if grades matter to you, then going down to 4 (instead of 5) academics a semester, will result in less stress, better attitude and better grades every time (assuming you're putting in the work).  And success breeds continuing success.  School is not a sprint, it is a long haul, and if (only) one extra semester is all it takes to do 4 academics (instead of five) every semester, that is no sweat to deal with.  It's exactly what I did in both undergrad and law school.  It ended up adding 18 months, to a straight 7yrs, and my GPA (and relative sanity) showed it.

And that extra time was spent working construction making money to pay for all that school.  (instead of borrowing it)