<p>In the case of Liz Murray is it the state of being poor which helped her, or the immense experience (something few Harvard kids, even the ones coming from low salaried families have) that she brought to the table. </p>
<p>Many times poverty coincides with hooks, and may strengthen the application if he/she can show something that would be brought to the table, however I don’t think the state of being poor is a hook in and of itself.</p>