<p>Just want to clarify on the terminology here, I keep seeing the word "hook" used.. am I right in thinking that it means to have some kind of unusual background? Can anyone give any examples?</p>
<p>I'm British, finished high school in 2005 so am applying as a 'non traditional student' and have been working towards being a rock/pop musician.. is this a <em>hook</em>, or is that more used to describe academic stuff.. hmmmmm..</p>
<p>IMO, I wouldn't say that's a "hook" per se, but you can definitely work it into your essay.</p>
<p>Also, if you search 'hook' on these forums, I'm sure you'll find lots of threads on what is and isn't a hook.</p>
<p>A hook is:
Being a recruited athlete
Being a URM
Being a big celebrity/famous person
Being the child of a celebrity/famous person
Having parents who are willing to donate millions to the college
Having won/placed in a HUGE national/international competition like ITS, Olympiad, etc.
(I'm not going to count TASP and RSI because I don't think they're really hooks.)</p>
<p>That's about it.</p>
<p>A hook is something that will give you a leg up. There is no set list. If you think you are special or a special case then u are hooked.</p>
<p>URM is not a true hook, but a strong advantage that most people fail or refuse to accept.</p>
<p>You do not have a hook.</p>
<p>noobcake: Look at the admissions results of most of the African-American CCers with CC-level stats and tell me that being a URM isn't a hook.</p>
<p>Anyway, OP, most applicants don't have real hooks - including you. Don't worry about it.</p>
<p>Olympic gold medalist.
Star of "Star Wars" prequels.
Academy award nominee.</p>