<p>"A hook is something that sets you apart from the rest like my friend whose mother was murdered and who was shot at. If ash writes an essay about it that is a major hook."</p>
<p>Hmmm....I don't really think that is a hook....</p>
<p>what DO you think a hook is then? I just read about so many people wanting hooks and I'm curious if I could have one...</p>
<p>the way i see a hook is as something that distinguishes you from the hundreds of other students with great grades and scores. for example, being a dedicated and talented harpist, or deep committment to the charity that you founded, etc.</p>
<p>hm, so are prestigious awards i.e., USAMO winner or intel / siemens westinghouse semifinalist considered hooks?</p>
<p>i would believe so, as not many people are given these awards.</p>
<p>someone named dooit aptly described what a hook is.</p>
<p>"A hook is something the colleges want, because it will benefit them not you. eg. URMs for Diversity, athletes for sports, development candidates for money, legacy for loyalty etc."</p>
<p>Don't despair if you don't have a hook. My D got into Yale without being an athlete, a legacy, the child of a gazillionaire, or an URM. Don't ask me why she got in when many others with equally excellent grades, test scores, and extracurriculars did not, because she (and I) have no idea. But she did. If I had to guess, I'd say it's because in her essays, teacher recommendations, and interviews her personal integrity, intellectual curiosity, wit, and friendliness came through and persuaded Yale that they wanted her to go there.</p>