<p>If you meant to say that fame, fortune, athletic ability, or stat-raising academic prowess are hooks -- I would agree. If you mean to say that colleges are looking out for their own interest in terms of shaping whatever type of class and students they want to have, first and foremost, above the student's interest or worthiness.... then I'd say, "well, duh!" </p>
<p>But if your post is meant to say that the rest of the applicants are shut out because of the selfish concerns of the ad com in building the prestige of their institution...... then I'm wondering how you resolve the mystery of my financially challenged and test-flubbing daughter's admission to all those reach colleges last year. (Or maybe the colleges are prescient, and can just tell that she's going to become rich and famous down the line?) </p>
<p>I'd have to go with DStark's observation about intellectual curiosity. And to Carolyn: the way that students with lesser stats can show that is often through some sort of out-of-the-box, going beyond the offerings of their school, accomplishment or experience. Conveying the information in an application is simply easier if it can be backed up with something tangible.</p>