USC Changes Admissions Process For Student-Athletes Amid Cheating Scandal

It was announced this week that the University of Southern California is changing its admissions process for prospective student-athletes for the 2019-2020 academic year. Thing change comes weeks after it was revealed that some parents allegedly paid to ensure their children were enrolled in the prestigious college.

According to CNN, the university now plans to alter admissions procedures by having a candidate's file reviewed on three levels before their information is sent to the school's admissions staff.

"The head coach will certify in writing that the student is being recruited for athletic abilities. Athletic rosters will be audited at the beginning and end of every academic year and cross-checked with admissions lists," reads the announcement.

Actress Lori Loughlin, 54, and her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, 55, were two of the parents accused in the college admission scandal. In March, it was suggested the couple paid $500,000 in bribes to college consultant William "Rick" Singer to get their two daughters into the University of Southern California as crew recruits, despite neither participating in the sport.

Former USC assistant women’s soccer coach Laura Janke, who is accused of helping Singer, will plead guilty to racketeering conspiracy and is cooperating with authorities, reports the New York Post.

Loughlin's 19-year-old daughter Olivia Jade, who was admitted into the university, was a social media influencer, primarily due to beauty sponsorships with Sephora and TRESemme, but has since been dropped by both brands due to the allegations. Last month, a source told Entertainment Tonight that Olivia and her sister Bella "are suffering in their own ways from the fallout of their parents' decisions."

The insider added, "Bella and Olivia have a very tight-knit group of friends who have been there to support them. They've needed that support because they're being attacked at every turn."