<p>I noticed that it was an option on the Harvard application. I still have a couple of years before applying, but I was wondering, does this literally mean ALL books, or just the heavy kind? It may sound like I'm exaggerating, but I've literally read hundreds of books this year. Of course, not all of these are actually GOOD books, there's a fair amount of trashy YA fiction in there, but anyways, if and when I apply, should I list all the books I've read, or only the substantial ones? Even if I just write the classic novels, I'm afraid they might think I'm lying... (I love reading in general, but my dad kind of thinks that I need to read most classics before college, so yeah.)</p>
<p>Sorry if this is an already answered/stupid question. Thanks. :)</p>
<p>I really can’t think of a good reason to pick that instead of a “conventional” essay, unless there is some significant reasons why you picked the books that you did, insofar as it relates to the rest of your application.</p>
<p>To answer your question, I wouldn’t give them a list of hundreds of books.
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<p>I wish I read hundreds of books. I think I used to, back in the day when all I read were books that gave me emotional pleasure (read - fantasy), but in the past twelve months I’ve probably read five or so books outside of class. Damn, that’s depressing now.</p>
<p>I envy you. I would say just list the ones that really mean something to you and you would feel express a side of you, regardless of their popular branding.</p>
<p>Thanks for your replies. 
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<p>DwightEisenhower: Oh, I wasn’t set on doing the list instead of one of the essays. Like I said, I still have a couple more years before college 
I was just wondering because I printed out some college application essay topics to practice (I swear I’m not that big of a dork, I just like reading and writing) and it was bothering me. </p>
<p>intenex: The five books you’ve read are probably more deep than anything I’ve read, haha. Do you think Austen’s novels and the Bronte sister’s books are okay? They’re by far my most favorite books, but I’m a little afraid I’ll come off as cliched.</p>
<p>I haven’t read anything by the Brontes, but I like Austen. As long as you come through as yourself, you’ll be fine.</p>
<p>/cliche</p>
<p>Agree with intenex, but I think that a list isn’t a good way to achieve coming off as yourself. Don’t just write down titles - if you plan on telling them what you’ve read, maybe pick your top few favorites and turn it into some kind of essay? Be creative with it. You don’t want to look like a machine that’s just spitting out book names. I can tell you from personal experience that they’re not averse to weird, artsy essays. 
Just my $0.02</p>
<p>I would not advise you to use that option. If they made it an option, they’ll receive plenty of essays about that. It’s fantastic that you read a lot (but if you do choose that option), you have to make what you say really stand out. Only list the really meaningful ones to you (which does not necessarily mean the ‘classic’ or ‘deep’ ones), and say something very substantial about them (quirky is usually not bad).</p>
<p>On a different note, intenex loses his man-card for liking Austen.</p>