<p>I have a few questions actually. Firstly, I am a first generation American (my parents were born in Ukraine) and I want to know is that considered a hook? Secondly, my parents did attend college but didn't even finish their first semesters, so in common app, I selected the "Some College" choice and chose "No Degree", is that a hook? And lastly, my income bracket is extremely low, but according to my ED school (Columbia) they don't weigh in your financial situation into admissions, so is that necessarily a hook?</p>
<p><em>Bump</em></p>
<p>The concept of “hook” is overrated, with the exception of recruited athlete and specific under-represented minorities. The fact that your parents do not have college degrees is a point in your favor, and being low-income is another point that can help. Your parent’s immigration is probably not a “hook” per se, but adds flavor to your background. All these things will be part of the holistic review. If your grades and test scores are in range for Columbia, these factors will help you stand out from the pool. </p>
<p>When they say they don’t weigh your financial situation they mean they don’t base admission decisions on whether or not you need financial aid. They do take “overcoming adversity” (by performing at a high level despite a low income background) into consideration. </p>
<p>Thanks for the info! So, they do have access to your financial situation when reviewing your app? I assumed the financial aid and admissions departments are just completely separate. </p>
<p>They only know what you tell them, but if you have mentioned financial hardships in your essay or elsewhere, it will be something they consider. They will not be looking at your financial aid application in the admissions office.</p>
<p>Yeah, that makes sense. </p>
<p>I am not entirely sure what the definition of “hook” is, but it seems to include awards like recruited athlete. If so, then I would like to change the definition of a “hook.” In my opinion, a “hook” should be something that you cannot control. I believe a recruited athlete should be called a “prestigious award” instead of a “hook.” “Hooks” should be things like URM, legacy, homelessness, a tragic sob story, etc.</p>
<p>First generation immigrant would not give you any advantage. First generation college student may. However, whether you will be considered first generation college student will depend on the school. Some consider not if your parent finished 2 or 4 year program while others would consider not even if they have attended. </p>
<p>A hook is an attribute an applicant has that meets an institutional need of a college.</p>
<p>Do they need athletes who can help their teams? If a particular college does, then yes, being a recruited athlete is a hook at that school.</p>
<p>Do they need financial donations? Most colleges are always looking for large donations, so having extremely wealthy, generous parents can be a hook.</p>