<p>do you think being Italian , French or German or .....it's a hook ??</p>
<p>In this context, a "hook" is something a college is particularly looking for. As each of the items you've mentioned doesn't seem to qualify, I can't imagine any situation where they would be considered hooks. </p>
<p>Pls don't say this is a veiled attempt to argue AA again....</p>
<p>No. </p>
<p>A true "hook" is one of the following:
Having URM (African American, Hispanic, or Native American) status
Being the child of a VERY famous person (aka George W.)
Being the child of VERY rich parents who are willing to donate MILLIONS to a school
Being a recruited athlete
And IN SOME CASES (not always a hook) being a legacy</p>
<p>That's it. Those are the only REAL hooks. Anything else, although it may be an interesting facet if played properly by the applicant, is not a hook and cannot tip a mediocre/average applicant into acceptance. Although writing an essay on a European heritage may turn out a strong essay (if you're a good writer), being of European heritage (like 95% or so of college applicants in the "white" category) is in no way close to a hook.</p>
<p>^ also first generation college student, very low income, and developmental cases.</p>
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also first generation college student, very low income, and developmental cases.
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</p>
<p>Developmental cases = hooks </p>
<p>Low income, first generation are not hooks, simply tipping factors especially when combined whith low performing schools, etc.</p>