What is a hook when you are applying for college? Would running a business or a couple business’ be a hook? Can you guys explain this to me, and what is your hook if you have any and any examples of what they are.
Thanks. 
<p>A hook is a specific passion that you've been extensively and impressively involved with. A hook usually helps during admissions to colleges that prefer well-lopsided students (such as Harvard). Hooks usually involve an academic "label:" young scientist, politician/activist, entrepreneur. My hook (if I even have one) would probably be Global Affairs (executive chair of Global Awareness Council, VP of Model United Nations, and member of IB Student Advisory Board). I'm also a human rights activist (president of Amnesty, Youth Advisory Council at a shelter for victims of domestic violence, applied for several grants for Human Rights Education projects--will find out in the fall).</p>
<p>If one tries to get a hook for the college admissions bonus, it will most likely show. Genuine passion and commitment goes a long way. Never commit yourself to anything that you're not completely devoted to. Also, "unique" hooks are especially attractive.</p>
<p>An example of one hook would be an athlete.....</p>
<p>If you want to find a "hook," I'd recommend this progression (although there is definitely no deadline to finding an academic niche):</p>
<p>Freshman year- attend meetings at various clubs that you think you might be interested in. Freshman year is the year to experiment with extracurriculars. Weed out the ones that you're not interested in. I didn't have this opportunity because 9th grade was in the junior high for my school.</p>
<p>Sophomore year- become actively involved in any clubs (perhaps 2-3 main clubs) that you decide to stay with. Try running for an office at the end of the year. Start brainstorming-- are there any changes that you would like to see in your community? What are you interested in/good at? How can you apply these interests and talents in your community? The possibilities are endless. If there is a club or community project you would like to initiate, start planning at the end of sophomore year. Get involved and contribute to the community over the summer. Take advantage of your vacation and explore your interests.</p>
<p>Junior year- This is the year to be an officer in various clubs; this way, you can run for a higher office (president, perhaps) for senior year. Also, this is the year to start a club or project because you'll be an upperclassman and have the respect of the student body. I think that most "hooks" are officially established in this year. For the summer after junior year, look into governor's schools (according to your interests) or internships (congressional page, scientific research, etc.).</p>
<p>Senior year- Hopefully, you'll have some leadership positions and some achievements to your credit. Don't slack off during senior year! That's the ultimate sign that your hook wasn't really a true passion afterall.</p>
<p>Oh yeah, and there are some hooks such as legacy, URM status, first-generation, and impressive athletic ability (you really have to be extremely impressive).</p>
<p>Interesting. Unfortunately, I wasted my freshmen year. I signed up for no clubs, I was a bit lost in the beginning anyways. However I know a various amount of clubs I will be joining in my sophmore year so I can weed them out in the first couple months. :D</p>
<p>if you are aiming for ivies and other selective colleges:</p>
<p>club participation isn't a hook in terms of college admissions. anyone can participate in it. club leadership isn't necessarily a hook in terms of college admissions. they receive many applications where the applicant is the mock trial captain or yearbook editor-in-chief or the key club president or the trumpet section leader or the tennis captain. only something at the very top, such as ASB president or class president, is sometimes considered a hook. otherwise, you need to be somewhat exceptional, like nationally ranked debater, or hold statewide office for key club, or be in all-state band, or be all-state athlete. </p>
<p>of course, real hooks, that is, those that will put your application into a different category than just someone who excels and has leadership in extracurricular activities are things mentioned by navyblue (legacy, child of a donor, URM status, first-generation, disadvantaged background, etc.). otherwise, you'll need to be really impressive, like a recruited athlete or someone who's played in carnegie hall. </p>
<p>the reason why those are hooks is because colleges don't get many of those, and thus are "hooked" to view those applicants in a different light since they're so different and rare.</p>
<p>p.s. running a business is a potential hook. at the ivy level, there will be multiple applicants who do this. but running a business that requires leadership, as in having employees, will be a much more effective hook.</p>
<p>yeah, I have a few questions about what they do if there is a unique and extreme hook...do they just put it to the side sort of? How can they weigh that against other people? </p>
<p>"well, he's the district attorney and has 16 generations of prominent legal scholars in his family...but he recieved a B in Math, so uh...yeah.."</p>