<p>What is in your opinion a hook? The definition I would give and is generally accepted is "something that can set you apart from others". I'd like to see what kind of concrete examples the forum can give. </p>
<p>Your opinion is incorrect. A hook is a MUST HAVE for the college. Not many people have them. Actually, this is probably one of the top-ten most repeated queries on this site. Use of the search function will get you answers tout de suite.</p>
<p>But if you’re trusting of my answers: athletic recruit, development or celebrity kid, high performing URM, some other super-genius type kid, fac brat (kid of faculty), legacy (sometimes).</p>
<p>Some people will chime in “first generation applicant” – only a tip and only for some schools. In general NO, IMHO. Many applicants are 1st gen but they get dropped easily in the 1st cut just like many others.</p>
<p>If you need to ask: then 99.9% of the time, you don’t have a hook.</p>
<p>I agree with your generally accepted definition. Examples include being an underrepresented minority, being a recruited athlete, having a parent donate an admissions building, or being a first generation college student. Notice that most of these are beyond the applicant’s control.</p>