Is it a hook for colleges if you are under the H4 visa (a visa for kids who are dependent of their parent’s visas) and cannot take part in multiple activities because of your visa status
No.
Additionally, I’m unsure why a valid H4 visa would preclude you from most activities.
Being an H4 visa holder you can’t apply to multiple summer programs such as MITES or work any internships because they are paid
Definitely not a hook, and you will be applying as an international rather than domestic student to colleges.
Focus on activities you CAN do. Just for starters, you can participate in clubs in or out of school, volunteer for non-profits, play sports or music. There are also many unpaid internships, as well as various math and science competitions that you can seek out. Good luck.
No, definitely not a hook. And since you’re not a US citizen, your college search and selection process will have some challenges that your GC and others may not be aware of.
There was an applicant this last admissions year that came here in a similar situation; he wasn’t the child of H4 visa holders but a non-US citizen applying for citizenship under DACA. He also wondered if his DACA status would be a hook. His situation - nonUS citizen applying - and experiences will give you an idea of the challenges you need to consider and negotiate. Please search and look for the threads started by @HKimPOSSIBLE . It will be worth it to you to be patient and read through the long ones since many contain tips for international applicants; those tips will be very helpful to you.
Which leaves lots and lots of activities that you can do. Additionally, you cannot assume that you would have been able to do a highly selective program if your visa status was not an issue.
I would call it an anti-hook, since it puts you in the international pool, which can be an even more competitive pool of applicants (lower odds at admissions), especially at the tippy top colleges.
MITES and paid internships aren’t hooks either, and as other posters have mentioned, there is no shortage of activities to keep you busy, further your education, and ultimately help you present yourself in the best way possible to colleges.
That isn’t a hook. If you’re anything but a US Citizen and a US Greencard Holder, you’re at a disadvantage.