<p>From what I've read, a "hook" is something that the school is interested in because it is in need of those types of people (who have that certain quality)... right?
I was wondering about how much of a "hook", if any, being a researcher in one of Stanford's strong points/topics (of their many)-- yeast genetics, would be. The yeast genome database is on the Stanford server... which means that the school supports it pretty strongly, at least. Would that look any different at all to the adcoms or not? I mean, you might need to note that the database may be for the graduate school, but that's beside the point... ish.</p>
<p>This is probably just anxiety building up; arghh.
Nonetheless, I'd appreciate an answer.</p>
<p>Are you saying that you do research in yeast genetics, or is this a hypothetical situation?</p>
<p>I believe that a hook that a person has is just the area in which they stand out; something unique they have done and done well. Going by this definition, I'm pretty sure everyone at Stanford has a hook, whether it's doing well in national math competitions, being drum major of the marching band for a significant period of time, illustrating children's books, or doing physics research. I don't think a hook has to be something that Stanford wants in particular.</p>
<p>What you're describing, though, can only help you; it definitely shows initiative and accomplishment. I am not sure if it is a stronger hook than someone who started a volunteer organization at their high school (i.e. something not necessarily "wanted" at Stanford)... I would guess that it is.</p>