<p>Would you guys count being from rural west virginia as a hook at Columbia?</p>
<p>why would it be so?</p>
<p>Maybe. My former physics teacher from little rock, ark went to columbia. he said it was because they want diversity in student experiences.</p>
<p>mmm... so the more rural you are the greater the chances? well, if that's true, then I guess you'll have a great chance, but how rural can West Virginia be? It sounds too civilized</p>
<p>Rural West Virginia doesn't sound too civilized. At least it's more "country" than the capital of Arkansas. Oh yeah, another one of my teachers(from ark.) went to Princeton for the same reason. Definitely a hook</p>
<p>So, would it be a bad idea to play up the "small town girl in the big city" thing in my essay? I'm thinking that it's probably been way over done.</p>
<p>What you write in essays doesn't necessarily have to be unique, just genuine and personal - that's really what they're looking for. If you really feel that vibrant city life can stimulate you from your rural roots, and can convey this in a meaningful and heartfelt way, then go for it.</p>