<p>In a few of my posts, people have mentioned having a good "hook," one that makes you stand out. However, I can't really think of a good hook, unless I go with the cliched ones: sports and music. What are some ones not to use? Can you use your background for your hook? For example, if somebody had a rough family life or a disability, could they use that to their advantage, as long as they had good grades and everything?
Thank you! I really appreciate all of the tips and help I've gotten on this website!</p>
<p>To clarify, I want to know what the best type of hook to use is; music, sports, academics, volunteering, background, personal qualities like determination, etc.!
Thanks!</p>
<p>I’d suggest using a fish hook . . . but if you decide to do that, it would only be considerate to include a few band-aids with your application as well!</p>
<p>Honestly, you have to stop living your life around what “Prep School X” is going to want and . . . well . . . start living your life!!! Forget about prep school, forget about pending applications and figure out if there’s anything in your life that you actually enjoy doing and/or find challenging. Then, if you possibly can, do more of whatever that is.</p>
<p>And (although this does not seem to be the case for you, Bubblegum!), if you really are at a loss to find something that interests and motivates you, then just go do something that’s useful. Find something you can do that benefits someone else, and do that. I don’t care if it’s helping your mom paint the bathroom, or offering to weed someone’s lawn who needs the help. If you can’t identify anything you want to do for your own benefit . . . then at least find a way to use your time productively.</p>
<p>Your “hook” is you. And if you don’t know who that is, then we can’t help you.</p>
<p>I’d like to agree on some of dodgersmom’s points and then maybe give some of my own opinions. </p>
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<p>Your hook doesn’t have to be anything amazing or special, at least in my opinion. Even a ‘stereotypical’ hook such as sports or music can be a good hook if you clearly show that you really love doing that particular activity in your application or a CD sampling what you’ve done in that activity. Your ‘hook’ = Your passion</p>
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<p>Volunteering is a good hook but it can’t really be a rushed thing, you need to have volunteering over a long period of time. Based on the time that you posted this I’m assuming you’re applying for the 2013-2014 year; you have plenty of time so if you already have good CS background then start working! </p>
<p>But if you’re applying to some good BSs then you obviously should have at least ONE thing that you’re pretty good at and you obviously should have at least ONE passion. I’ll restate, ‘hook’ = passion</p>
<p>I’m an average Joe so don’t take my words as an AO, but this is what I think. </p>
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<p>To be honest none of those are the ‘best’ hooks, the best hooks are activities I like to call NTAs. NTA stands for Non-Teenager Activity, and it means that you should do whatever that normal teenagers do not do. One of the most unique examples I like to give is sewing quilts. I guarantee that not a lot of teens sew quilts in their spare time, but if you’re the unique one that does it stands out and makes the AOs notice you. AOs want uniqueness and flavor to their schools. And if you sell your quilts and organize a successful charity through your quilting, then that’s a NTA + Community Service + Successful Charity all in one! Almost a shoo-in to get you accepted.</p>
<p>No, I didn’t make up the concept of quilting and NTA on my own, I read it briefly in a book I read. I think it was called ‘How to Make Colleges Choose You’. I was bored ok ;-;</p>