<p>What exactly classifies as a hook? I understand odds fairly well, but it always confuses me when people talk about hooks. So basically I am wondering what makes something a hook and does it make you odds better or compensate for something else (such as low test scores or class rank) or something else totally different?</p>
<p>A hook is basically anything that sets you apart from most applicants. I think there are a few “main” hooks which are:</p>
<ol>
<li>being an under-represented minority (hispanic, black, native american)</li>
<li>being a first-generation college student </li>
<li>overcoming an incredible adversity (life-changing disease, homeless, no parents)</li>
<li>legacy status at a particular college</li>
</ol>
<p>however, I think there are other hooks that are more “in your control” which would be:</p>
<ol>
<li>recruitable for a certain sport</li>
<li>2400 SAT, incredible GPA/course load</li>
<li>scientific research/publications, intel awards</li>
</ol>
<p>^ I wouldn’t classify first-generation as a real hook, since many asians are first gens.</p>