S e c o n d e d I t I o n 1 Reading for the Real World 1

doctorate
degrees.
But fewer men on campus have not changed the male/female ratios in some 
majors. There are still fewer women in fields such as math, engineering, science, 
and computers. Women’s advocacy groups like the American Association of 
University Women are urging colleges to make this issue a 
priority
, but the 
focus for many schools still centers on recruiting more men. To increase male 
enrollment, some schools have formed partnerships with male mentoring groups 
to encourage younger students to aim for college. Other schools have modified 
their recruiting and admissions policies, sending out extra mailings to boys and 
paying closer attention to male candidates.
However, public universities may face legal challenges from women about 
these recruiting practices that favor males. Recently, the University of Georgia lost 
a 
lawsuit
filed by female students because of an affirmative action policy that 
favored males. As one female junior complained, “It’s not fair that a boy would get 
extra 
weight
(in the admissions index) over a girl, but it would be better if there 
were more boys on campus.” This dilemma presents a challenge for colleges: How 
can a school attempt to close the gender gap in ways that ensure that both men 
and women have equal access to opportunities in universities?
Reading Time
_______ minutes _______ seconds
598 words
36
bachelor --- a four-year college degree
36
doctorate --- a five-to-seven-year graduate degree
41 
priority --- something that takes importance over other things
49
lawsuit --- a legal action in court
51 
weight --- importance; likelihood of selection

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R 
eading Comprehension
50