<p>Here are my two personal experiences with hooks:
- Two athletes who matriculated at two “need-based” schools on scholarships. One a free-ride the other a 3/4. Both are safely in the upper-upper-middle-class which in this area makes them easily 1%'ers nationally.
- A close relative of mine lives next door to the Admin Director of a nationally known LAC. His advice to my relative when her kids applied for college was: Do not check the box that says you are applying for financial aid. Even if you need it, get accepted first and then negotiate with the FA office after.</p>