<p>It’s interesting the need to use the term ‘hook’ so much to define everything. If ‘we’ as a collective voice describe it as a ‘hook’ does that make it any different to an adcom? It seems as though students look through their bag of ECs/Creds and think ‘what can I label as a hook?’. Not everybody has one. Not everybody needs one.</p>
<p>I think in admissions there are some fairly universal ‘hooks’ that are used to describe students that stand out, and may be given extra consideration in admissions because they add needed elements to a university. Traditionally this would be a recruited athlete (team does well, revenue goes up, everybody wins), legacy (schools need the depth of history, and donations), or URM (diversity brings a broader experience to all students, academically and culturally).</p>
<p>Beyond those mentioned I think the need to call something a hook is not necessary. It makes it no more or less wonderful and amazing to an adcom. They are not going to miss it in your application because you didn’t have a note on front saying “HOOK on page 5!!”. I’m being sarcastic here, so take a breath.</p>
<p>What you have done is amazing. Job well done! I don’t think you have to call something a hook for it to be noticed. You will be.</p>