(Source: Columbia University)Bummed because there's no more "american idol," "The Apprentice" or "Survivor"? Fear not, reality TV junkies. Simply tune in next Monday to see the debut of "The Scholar."



The show features 10 kids vying for a "full-ride" scholarship to their college of choice (another four will receive $50,000 awards). They'll compete in a braniac olympics to determine the winner, and will be judged by three admissions officers---two from Columbia and one from Cal-Berkeley.

Here's the ABC promo:

The opportunity of a lifetime is about to come true for one of America's best and brightest high school students in an original, new, one-hour unscripted series that will give the winner a college education from a top-rated school of their choice. Filmed on location at the University of Southern California, The Scholar will be the first show ever to celebrate higher education as the ultimate American prize.

For the chance at a full ride to the college of their choice, ten qualified high school seniors from economically disadvantaged backgrounds -- who might not otherwise have an opportunity to attend one of America's top universities -- will compete for a full scholarship, a prize that could be worth as much as $240,000. They will have to demonstrate excellence in the areas of academics, leadership, creativity and community service, while facing sudden-death oral exams defending themselves to an Ivy League scholarship committee.A shameless exploitation of needy kids or an informative look at college admissions? Or both? It's too early to tell, but I'll continue commenting as things progress, assuming the show captures and keeps my interest.