Talk to an advisor (9 AM-9 PM EST): 866-442-6062

Talk to an advisor (9 AM-9 PM EST): 866-925-2803

Oh, if only real life were more like the movies! We'd all find true love and sport perfect haircuts, every climactic event would be enhanced by the perfect song, the good guys would always win and -- oh yeah -- we'd all get into our first--choice college (with a full scholarship, of course). Why bother with SAT vocabulary, AP courses, and community service when all you really need is a sexy videotape or a poetically persuasive boyfriend?

Well, don't pull out the camera quite yet. Let's weigh in on these cinematic tactics -- are they the real thing, or just another glossy set of far--out Hollywood endings?

The Video App
Unless you're an aspiring artist, it's unlikely that any college admissions officer will roll out the VCR, pop some popcorn, and gather around for your cinematic debut in "Let Me Into Your School!"

In How I Got Into College (1989), Marlon (COREY PARKER) campaigns for his spot at Ramsey College with a whimsical short showcasing his attempts to open a daycare center and learn professional wrestling. His grades and test scores are subpar, but the charm and personality displayed in his film woos the admissions board.

Elle Woods pulls the same stunt in Legally Blonde (2001), but it's unlikely anyone looks good enough in a bikini to secure a slot at Harvard Law (Cambridge, MA) on that characteristic alone, even if it is REESE WITHERSPOON.

"While most colleges are looking for many unique characters that make up a well--rounded class rather than all well--rounded individuals, portraying this trait through a video certainly can be considered ethically questionable," says Paul J. Weber, an admissions consultant for CollegePathfinder.com, a college selection and admissions counseling service.

"Students who have access to expensive equipment and editing tools will gain an unfair advantage in the admissions game," he says. Although many inequities remain, the college application process is intended to provide an equal opportunity for students from varying economic backgrounds.

"Find me one person who has not been influenced or emotionally charged in some way by a film," he says. "The bottom line is that students have four years of their lives to provide evidence of their individuality and unique qualities. Essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews should be sufficient to allow students to let their qualities shine through."

Breaking and Entering
In Outside Providence (1999), Brown University (Providence, RI) revokes Jane's (AMY SMART) acceptance when she's caught hanging in her boyfriend's dorm room at boarding school. Struck with guilt, the boy heads off to Brown. He's denied an appointment, so he climbs through the dean's office window and presents his plea: "Have you ever made a mistake that you wished your whole life you could take back?" Apparently, he tugs a heartstring -- his girlfriend is readmitted.

COLIN HANKS' Shaun in Orange County (2001) also takes a quasi--criminal route to admission. After his rejection from Stanford University (Stanford, CA), he road trips it to pay a late--night visit to the private house of the dean of admissions.

"Personal connections can lead to an interview with an admissions--office honcho, though it won't ever be a late--night visit in the official's home," says Sally Rubenstone, co--author of Panicked Parents' Guide to College Admissions (Petersons, 2002), and editor of CollegeConfidential.com, a college information and advice portal.

In short, you might have better luck sneaking through the Emerald Palace to visit the Wizard of Oz than you would sneaking into the private home, or office, of the Wizard of Admissions.

The Almighty Dollar
While Shaun is gallivanting around Orange County with the drugged--up dean of admissions, his brother, Lloyd (JACK BLACK), accidentally sets fire to the Stanford admissions building. This disaster profits the cause when Shaun's father, in a last--ditch attempt to cinch a seat, donates money to the college -- which, due to the recent arson, is in need of serious financial contribution. Can money buy what grades won't earn you?

"Colleges do have applications that are flagged as 'Advancement Office Pushes,'" says Rubenstone. "This means that the folks in the college fundraising department would like the candidate treated as a VIP. A really big gift to a college at the last minute might make a difference, but it's probably a risk. I remember when I was working at Smith [College],

I was contacted by a private school guidance counselor who told me of a student with an extremely poor record (lots of Ds and even Fs) who was eager to attend Smith. The counselor said the girl's prominent family was in a position to donate significantly to the college if the girl could be admitted. I explained that Smith could not justify accepting such a weak student."

The Cheaters
And then we have the easy way out. We have the big--screen protagonists, who rather than working within the system, attempt to find a way to circumvent it entirely.

In Soul Man (1986), Mark's (C. THOMAS HOWELL) father puts his son in a bind when he withholds financial support; the pampered kid never planned on paying his way through Harvard Law School. He finally finds a scholarship offering a full ride for the most talented black student in Los Angeles. Mark's not black, but with the help of a few "tanning pills," he's got his check and he's on his way to Harvard.

Or, take the kids from The Perfect Score (2004), who think it's easier to break into The College Board to steal the SAT exam than brush up on their algebra and vocabulary. But it's still Hollywood, so happy endings abound. (Spoiler Alert!) In Soul Man, Mark finds his conscience when he falls in love with the black girl who would have gotten his scholarship, and in The Perfect Score, the kids get the answers but they all choose to take the test sans cheat--sheet.

Bottom line: Don't believe everything you rent. As our college admissions experts attest, it takes more than a good script to get into college - hard work and a strong application are required.


Jackie A. Bondanza is a former writer for The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

Sound Off! Post Your Comments