So it turns out helicopter parents with money to burn can create a hot mess in the college and university admissions process. Who knew?

Most parents with high school-age students understand the college-entry scandal that led to 50 arrests last week is just the tip of the iceberg in a system rife with elitism. The only shocking aspect of the story was just how low wealthy and celebrity parents were willing to go to get their underperforming darlings entry into prestigious colleges and universities.

The Justice Department investigation should be just the start. State and federal lawmakers must next examine ways to level the playing field. For every undeserving student who gains admission to a prestigious school, there is an accomplished child who had the door slammed in his or her face, denying a rightful opportunity for advancement.

The focus has been on Hollywood actresses Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin and the dozen or so other parents who were also charged in the scheme. But their behavior is only a symptom of a much greater disease: The cutthroat nature of the college and university admissions system encourages parents to go to greater and greater lengths to give their kids an edge.


Another example: Parents spend thousands on private consultants who “help” students prepare their resumes, write essays and tutor them on how to take the SAT. The college prep market is a $12 billion industry.



A study of Harvard University revealed legacy students made up a third of its admissions, and legacy students had an acceptance rate five times higher than non-legacy applicants.

The main difference between these parents and the ones arrested last week is that one method of gaining favoritism is legal and the other isn't.