I am an Arabic male, and I am fully aware that I am not considered a URM because “white” includes middle eastern origin. However, I am also an immigrant from Palestine.
I have many different college essay ideas, and one of them is about my immigration (Yes, I know this is a cliche but I am approaching it from a unique angle); I was wondering if this would classify as a hook because I read that an atypical background can be considered one. But then again, is my journey really THAT atypical?
It would not be considered a hook, but you have an interesting story to tell which can help you stand out from the crowd. But it won’t be enough on its own.
A.hook is when.a.student fills a specific institutional need of a college (ex. recruited athlete, child of a large donor.etc.). Being an immigrant is not a hook regardless of how interesting your story may be. Could be a good.essay topic though.
Thank you guys for the response. So being Palestinian won’t attract admissions officers at all, regardless of my immigration story? Sorry, this whole “hook” thing is new to me :-S
I agree with everyone else. It may make an interesting essay (or else a really cliched essay), but it by no means a hook.
I’m a purist, so to me a hook is: you were either born with insane athletic ability/as a URM/into a family that has legacy and/or donates a lot of money to the school and/or are celebrities. While some colleges might value geographic diversity, it’s not a hook.
A Hook is something where if you had a GPA/SAT score at the bottom 10%, it would be enough to get you admitted. Bet it athletic ability or large donations, etc. The School is saying we have to have that person.
Your situation is not that. Is it interesting enough to get you noticed for the top 50%? Perhaps.