Local students angered, not surprised by college admissions scheme

Claudette Vega and her mom are doing the college campus visit shuffle. The application process is tough. As it turns out, it's not always tough yet fair, but tough and unfair.

"I think you should do your best and it's kind of discouraging to have other students getting spots that they didn't deserve," said Claudette.

Yet, her mom is absolutely not willing to bend the rules.

"They need to study. They need to apply to go the right way. That's what you need to do. You need to do your research and check your university's application for what is the right way to go.," said Claudia Vega.

Not everyone has been playing by the rules, and two Houstonians are accused of helping them get away with it. Nobody was home when we tried to talk to Niki Williams. She's accused of helping rig College Board test scores. Martin Fox, who's accused of funneling money from a fake charity to help pay her and coaches, ducked our camera but did issue this statement:

“I’m not interested in an on camera interview at the moment. I trust the system and look forward to the day that all the facts come out.”

Students tell us the corruption wasn't the surprise. The surprise was how blatant it was.

"Honestly, I had an idea. I wish it hadn't been this blatant and open, but I did have a little bit of an idea. You know that students are treated preferably," said Darren Campbell.

Especially the children of the rich and powerful. But he and others say the scandal says more about them, than their children. That they may be losing sight of what's important. Finding the right college for a student is about more than having the right name.

"I don't think that defines who you are. That's the main problem," said Claudette.