<p>I think that if colleges were to ask, on their applications and at interviews, about books their applicants have read for pleasure, outside of the school curriculum, and to give the answers students provide some weight in the decision process, they would attract applicants who have read widely and thoughtfully.</p>
<p>I would also consider that many students are somewhat lopsided these days. The student who needs remedial work in English could be light years ahead of peers in math or science, for example.</p>