<p>3 Science Olympiad Medals at Regional and 1 at State Level, National Merit Finalist (Expected for My State***), Accrued $375 in various CLeveland Clinic Scholarships at a Regional Science Fair, Place 2nd at another Regional Science Fair, Qualified for the State Science Fair, Top scorer on AIME test in my school as a junior. </p>
<p>Haven't really achieved these but I could possibly get Semi-Finalist for Siemens and INTEL STS</p>
<p>Those accomplishments (or intentions, not clear which) show that you are talented at math, intelligent overall, and have spent a significant amount of your time over the last few years participating in science fairs, with some success. If you achieve semi-finalist in Siemens or Intel, then that will be even greater success.</p>
<p>All that, together with great letters of recommendation, a great high-school transcript, and pretty good essays, will make you a reasonable candidate - in other words, better than average odds. I don’t know if you think that makes it a ‘hook’. I doubt it makes you a sure thing, but I’m sure it’s helpful.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>G</p>
<p>In short, no. Regional level competitions definitely aren’t hooks–even people who went to Intel get rejected.</p>
<p>Yeah, those would definitely help your app, but it won’t be as strong as a “hook”. More like a rather average EC among ivy applicants.</p>