Hooks

Applying to College
1

<p>Alright, I have a couple questions about "hooks".</p>

<p>My first question is to whether or not this is a hook, because it's something I've never really read or heard about. I'm applying to WUSTL early decision, and this summer I went to their high school summer scholars program with about 80 other students. Basically we all lived on the campus for a month and took summer classes. At the end of the month they chose one student out of the eighty for being an outstanding leader/role model and gave them a "Dean's Leadership Award". I was the recipient of that award.</p>

<p>I was wondering if that's considered a hook, and if so, exactly how strong of a hook it might be. It says if I apply to the university I'll receive their "very highest recommendation". </p>

<p>And my last question, how do you "package" a hook? Should the essays revolve around it or mention it in anyway or is it something that just kind of hangs in the context of an application?</p>

2

<p>Sorry, it is not a hook.</p>

3

<p>Hooks are part of your application that you can’t really do anything about - hooks are URM membership (under-represented minority), developmental admittance (your folks donated millions of dollars), celebrity status (good luck with this), and legacy (your parents went there).</p>

<p>Anything else is just a part of your application, with the exception of tips. Tips are things like hooks but that aren’t as strong. So first generation students, low-income students, students from under-represented geographic areas, etc. have tips.</p>