<p>Okay so I know it's probably not a hook, but does it look pretty unusual and could possibly make up for lowish SAT scores (2000). I am working with 3 other high schoolers to pilot a non-profit journal dedicted to global politics. I serve currently as an assistant editor and the secretary on the board of directors. By the time I apply for college (I'm a junior) I should have about 3 or 4 articles published by that time.</p>
<p>Basically, you’re asking:</p>
<p>“I started a club that produces a magazine written by high schoolers, and because I started it, I am in a very self-important position. Is this a hook?”</p>
<p>When you read between the lines, the answer should be pretty obvious.</p>
<p>It’s a great EC, but it’s not a hook.</p>
<p>Getting published in your own magazine is not impressive. But starting the magazine can be impressive, especially if it has a relatively wide circulation (read: not just your school) and involves a big time commitment on your part. This could become a great topic for your essays.</p>
<p>It is not, however, a hook. A hook gets misconstrued so often on this site. These are the main hooks, most of which are out of your control: URM, legacy, recruited athlete (am I forgetting any?). In general, these are the only things that will make up for low scores or grades, and even then, only to an extent. So as to how much this will ameliorate your SATs, that depends on what sort of schools you’re looking out. HYPS–no. Lower ranked schools, especially LACs with an application process largely centered around personal qualities versus raw stats, yes.</p>
<p>Only on CC is a 2000 SAT score described as lowish. Makes me giggle.</p>
<p>Also, isn’t low income considered a hook?</p>
<p>Well it’s technically a nonprofit. So I actually started a nonprofit, is that better than just starting my own magazine? Starting the nonprofit required a lawyer and heck of a lot of work.</p>
<p>If the journal circulates and gains prominence, possibly. But that is quite unlikely. Something like this is best reserved for when you actually know what you’re talking about (e.g. after you finish undergraduate education), and it’s really something that anybody can do with deep pockets. I would see it as an unusual EC but not a hook.</p>
<p>You rarely “start your own” hooks. You either already have them (URM status, legacy, low income first generation), or you’ve worked long and hard to at something for a significant extended amount of time (5+ years) and now has national/international recognition (recruited athlete, recruited musician, IPhO…and the like).</p>
<p>^ What oasis said. There are tens of thousands of applicants who have basically done what you’ve done (starting your own journal/publishing articles in it).</p>
<p>tens of thousands of teenagers have started their own nonprofit? I mean I know this isn’t an awesome EC but I wouldn’t say tens of thousands have done the same thing.</p>