For many people, the college admissions bribery scandal just confirmed their suspicions that the process is rigged. So far, federal authorities have charged 50 people for their roles in the multi-million dollar scheme—but what has been shocking for some educators is how unfazed students have been by the news.

"I was surprised. I am still operating off of high hopes," education consultant Caryn Rivers told WNYC's Jami Floyd. "However, the children that I work with, the high schoolers and college students, they weren't surprised at all."

Rivers is the founder of Pathfinder Placement, an organization that helps mostly low-income students of color navigate the admissions process. As a Harvard alumna and a black woman, she always felt the pressure—and the pride—of having to strive to prove herself in academia. She says the students she works with are more cynical than she was — few think it's a meritocracy. But she thinks there's an opportunity to start pushing kids beyond thinking of elite Ivy League schools as the only ones that matter.

"This is a brand-driven society," Rivers said. "And I believe we need to go generic on brands...and just tell the children, 'What are you good at?' and go hard after that.'"

For the full conversation, click "Listen."