<p>I think what some people are calling "hooks" are really "tipping factors"...ie, if Harvard is interested in a particular EC, instrument, sport, something like that one year, it may give you a little boost in the admissions process. The thing is, however, that no one knows what factors will be tipping factors until the admissions committees are sitting down and looking at all the applications. So tokenadult's right....chill out and do things you LIKE. Don't do things just because there's a slim chance it might help you.</p>