I have seen so many definitions of hook that I am getting a bit puzzled. What counts as a hook (I know like URM, first-gen, but not of those apply to me). Would being, say, the star of a movie/documentary made by a big-name production company, or the founder of a non-profit, or a varsity sports star for a lesser known sport, or relocating multiple times through high school and bouncing back, be considered hooks? (not saying all of those apply to me, just naming examples)
A hook can be anything a college believes will make a class stronger and more well-rounded. It’s a characteristic that they cannot pass up.
Athletes for teams that a school recruits for are hooked. A superb EC – like being Emma Watson is a hook. URM and legacy are hooks. Everything else is interesting and potential helpful in getting recruited, but not a hook. Your best strategy is to apply to a range of schools that fit your academic credentials. Don’t worry about being hooked if you aren’t.
I was wondering if anyone could speak in particular to the ones mentioned. I am applying to a wide range of schools! Just nervous for Tuesday and bored, lol
None of the types of things you listed sound like “hooks”. “Hook” is a specific meaning. That doesn’t mean they might not be considered interesting factors in your application, and “interesting” can play well in some cases IF your academics are also up to snuff for the schools.
I’m a purist, so to me a hook is: you were either born with insane athletic ability/as a URM/into a family that has legacy and/or donates a lot of money to the school and/or are celebrities.
The ECs you listed in July (above) are solid activities. I don’t think any qualify as a hook though.
A hook is something that fills an institutional need of a college. Some common examples are: URM, recruited athlete, child of a big donor, a person who might generate positive press for the college. It looks to me that you have strong ECs but no hooks. Few people have hooks.
“the star of a movie/documentary made by a big-name production company” – not a hook, interesting EC. I would consider it a hook if you were a well known Hollywood movie star.
“the founder of a non-profit” – not a hook, interesting EC, especially if non-profit has a record of true achievement and outside recognition.
“varsity sports star for a lesser known sport” – not a hook unless you are recruited, good EC if you have tangible achievements (All District, All State)
“relocating multiple times through high school and bouncing back” – not a hook, might highlight positive attributes of resilience, persistence, adaptability.