By NAOMI FEINSTEIN

Actresses Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman made brief appearances in federal court on Wednesday in Boston, both facing mail fraud charges for their participation in the recent college admissions scandal.

Both allegedly paid a college prep company to cheat on standardized tests or bribe college coaches to get into top colleges. They are among dozens of wealthy parents accused of participating in the scheme.

In court, Huffman and Loughlin both waived their rights for a preliminary hearing and were free to leave. Prosecutors are seeking prison for the defendants and these charges carry a maximum of 20 years. While others entered plea deals, Loughlin and Huffman have not.

Loughlin’s fashion designer husband, Mossimo Giannulli, was in court with her as he is also charged in the scheme; however, Huffman’s husband, “Shameless” star William H. Macy, has yet to be charged.

In the immediate aftermath of the case, the Hallmark Channel dropped Loughlin and she will no longer have a reoccurring role on Netflix’s “Fuller House.” As for her daughters, Olivia Jade and Isabella, they are still in enrolled at the University of Southern California despite their parents being accused of bribing the USC rowing coach to get their daughters onto the team even though they never participated in crew. However, USC officials said they are reviewing their enrollment.

The next court date has not been set, but prosecutors are going to make sure the defendants pay the price for what they did. Hopefully, the government can learn from this scandal and improve the college admissions process to ensure equality for all students. The amount of money one has should not be a factor in the college admissions process rather it should be focused on the students’ abilities.