<p>I was wondering what exactly constitutes a "hook"? Is it only URM and being a first generation applicant? Or, for example, would the fact that I lived in Germany for three years during middle school be considered a "hook"? If there are other examples I would love to hear them!</p>
<p>Hey,
My grades aren’t the best, but like you I have some “hooks” that will be my best hope at getting into Yale.
My passions are history, polisci, and economics. My life revolves around them, and combining economics, business, and government. I am a junior in HS</p>
<p>Played Clarinet with HS Symphonic band since 8th grade, been to several regional bands
Cofounder and Vice President of Model UN: have been recognized/awarded in each conference, other high school politicians are no match for real political strategy.
Invited to Academy of Political Science, a think tank where membership is normally for graduate students and professors
Invited to Commonwealth Club of California, nation’s oldest public forum
Offered internship to Wall Street Journal by its CEO (I got interviewed, at this time they are “still looking for a place for me”)
Work closely with Mayor of my town, advising on economic and political strategy
Have relationship with local libertarian think-tank and economics publisher- Independent Institute
Have a relationship with the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Submitting project to ISEF-affiliatied fair: Using Differential Calculus to Predict World Petroleum production; with economist mentors from the Federal Reserve
Business manager of school newspaper
Columnist for school newspaper
Experienced in generating profits with stock market (maybe I can increase Yale’s endowment? 
)
And if it means anything, i am a book collector, with 300 books dedicated to my passion.</p>
<p>I have a 3.88 WGPA at the moment. If I get disregarded for that, then, f- them.</p>
<p>I am also curious as to other people’s hooks…</p>
<p>Kirk, I don’t think it’s a traditional hook, but it’s a type of diversity! If that makes any sense whatsoever…</p>
<p>and ractogon, though that’s an awesome list of EC’s, I don’t see a <em>hook</em> persay (except for maybe econ/business major, if that counts)</p>
<p>kirk, I think majors can be hooks too… like if you said you wanted to major in ancient greece literature, that would be a hook. but it has to be within reason, I think</p>
<p>Is the story of how I got into all this a hook?
And in this case I am confused on the difference between EC and hook.</p>
<p>not really, no. a hook is just if you’re an under-represented minority (black, mexican, native american), in an under-represented geographic location, first generation to higher education, recruited athlete or something of that sort: mainly factors beyond your control at this point! an EC is an extracurricular activity, or something you did in your spare time.</p>
<p>Oh! then, i dont think i have any hooks ;(</p>
<p>Can anyone else give insight into whether living in Germany for three years is a hook, and examples of other hooks?</p>
<p>Hooks are something like first generation to go to college, low income, under-represented minority. Hooks are somethingthat you cannot influence.</p>
<p>First generation college student is a hook for many kids…quite effective.</p>
<p>My ECs list looks so stupid in a “Hooks” thread…</p>
<p>Well I wouldn’t say I really influenced living in Germany… I’m just not sure if living abroad would be considered a hook or not</p>
<p>Well, I meant to say from what Bluenotebook said, it looks like hooks are things you have not influenced, as in historical/family background. There are lots of people who lived abroad in their chidhood. It’s not extraordinary</p>
<p>I wouldn’t really say its common place. I know many more people who would be considered “minorities” then I do people who have lived abroad.</p>
<p>Well I’m not even sure if living abroad is counted as a “hook.” That’s why I started this thread, I just don’t really have a definitive answer on it yet</p>
<p>Bump…</p>
<p>Bump, can anyone provide clarification on this?</p>
<p>Bump…</p>
<p>I wouldn’t consider that a hook necessarily</p>