Mastermind of 'Varsity Blues' college admissions scandal sentenced to 3.5 years in prison; $10 million in restitution. William "Rick" Singer helped many wealthy and well-connected parents get their kids into some of the nation’s top-tier universities using inflated test scores and fake athletic credentials. More than 50 people — including several actors — have been convicted in the case authorities nicknamed Operation Varsity Blues. His sentence is the longest handed down in the sprawling scandal. Source 8e.