I'm curious about what HN readers would suggest for a better approach to college admission. Of course, pg recently put himself on record<p><a href="http://paulgraham.com/credentials.html" rel="nofollow">http://paulgraham.com/credentials.html</a><p>as favoring reducing the role of family wealth in college admission decisions. <i>History suggests that, all other things being equal, a society prospers in proportion to its ability to prevent parents from influencing their children's success directly. It's a fine thing for parents to help their children indirectly--for example, by helping them to become smarter or more disciplined, which then makes them more successful. The problem comes when parents use direct methods: when they are able to use their own wealth or power as a substitute for their children's qualities.</i><p>What specific changes would help college admission practices improve in this regard?