<p>I applied to Penn SEAS ED, and I was wondering how big of "hooks" each of the following are:</p>
<ol>
<li>Female applying to an engineering school</li>
<li>Legacy </li>
<li>Created a computer-program-based online business.</li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li><p>“Female applying to an engineering school” - this is an OK hook, but I would say it doesn’t make that large of a difference. certainly being an asian male puts one at a disadvantage but being a female i doubt would make a difference, it probably corresponds to like +20 on SAT.</p></li>
<li><p>“Legacy” - at Penn especially this is an enormous hook in the ED round. it corresponds to a +160 on SAT but being a double legacy I am slightly biased. of the three “hooks” you mentioned this is the most helpful.</p></li>
<li><p>“Created a computer-program-based online business.” - this is not a hook, it is a strong credential. while it helps greatly in the SEAS world it is not a hook but a definite plus.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I do believe that factoring in gender into admissions is illegal.</p>
<p>^ Tell that to the people at Bryn Mawr, Wellesley, Smith, and Mount Holyoke. ;)</p>
<p>Also, regarding the hook of being a female applicant to Penn Engineering, check out this web site:</p>
<p>[Penn</a> Engineering - Advancing Women in Engineering](<a href=“Advancing Women in Engineering |”>Advancing Women in Engineering |)</p>
<p>legacy is big at penn</p>
<p>^ only in the Early Decision round, and even then it’s not as big of a bump as some might think (per the most recently released statistics).</p>
<p>what about having research done at penn with a fantastic reccommedation</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! I really appreciate it :)</p>