<p>OK Can you clear up some confusion here...whats a hook?
I hear its THE THING the college needs at the time--such as the proverbial oboe player...</p>
<p>Is that true--or are there traditionally applauded hooks? Clear as mud?</p>
<p>One traditional hook would be Intel winner (particularly for a science school).</p>
<p>Some possible hooks</p>
<p>Having a book published by a top publisher</p>
<p>Being named 1st chair for state level youth orchestra</p>
<p>Top state placement for an individual sport (tennis, track, etc)</p>
<p>Founding a charity that becomes known in the community</p>
<p>First place in state or national level Science Fair</p>
<p>As I understand it, the standard hooks are:</p>
<p>Legacies, recruited athletes, under-represented minorities and developmentals (big donors). They can comprise up to 40% of students at top schools.</p>
<p>Number four above is the correct answer.</p>