<p>Music and athletics are great ECs to have but are not considered "hooks". Being a recruited athlete is a hook. Other hooks include legacy status, first generation student, URM. In terms of an EC, having a national achievement can be a hook. Same with something very unique. Hooks are "tip factors."</p>
<p>A hook can also be if a student is of a different sort than the typical student that attends a particular college. Playing against stereotype creates a hook of sorts. Breaking the stereotype is less of a hook at places like HYP.</p>
<p>Remember, hooks are not the same as having a strong EC profile. Many students can have lots to offer a college without having a big hook such as the above. Athletics and music are examples of commited ECs and if one has achievements in those areas, that still is strong, just not unique. While being unique can help, certainly strong candidates with very solid EC activities and achievements can get in without a unique hook as well.</p>