The news that dozens of people have been charged in a high-profile college admissions scandal is frustrating for parents and students in New England.
Fifty people, including actresses Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin, are facing charges.
This is the time of year when parents and prospective students take tours of college campuses. Doug McCurdy and his son are considering Northeastern University, one of the area schools mentioned in the nationwide college admissions scandal.
"They're not helping their kids in the long run, and certainly not helping anybody in the competitive landscape to get into schools," said McCurdy.
Boston University and Boston College were also named, but none of the institutions are being accused of any wrongdoing.
"We have not seen the schools as co-conspirators," said U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling.
Federal prosecutors say a few years ago, a California high school student submitted doctored SAT scores to BU, BC, and Northeastern with the help of the masterminds behind this scheme.
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"They either take the exam in place of the student, or would correct answers after the student handed in the card with his or her answers on it," said Lelling.
"Northeastern evaluates each applicant on the merits of their application," that school told NBC10 Boston in a statement. "We are not aware of any impropriety in connection with any Northeastern admissions."
BU and BC have not commented.
It's unclear if the California student in question was ever admitted to any Boston-area school. But just the thought of some students getting an unfair advantage because of wealth and privilege is leaving a bad feeling on campus.
"Some students are actually working really hard for people to cheat their way in, I don't think it’s right," said freshman Peter Chang.
