what is considered a good "hook"?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<p>I know a lot of top colleges are looking for a "hook" in order to admit students who wouldn't ordinarily stand out.</p>

<p>My hook: I've been the drum major of the marching band at school for 2 years, and I want to major in education. (Teaching band kids in high school relates to a future teaching job, right?)</p>

<p>Just for perspective, here are my other stats:</p>

<p>1470 sat
Sat IIs: 740 Lit, 740 Math 2C, 670 Writing (retaking this one next week)
4.0 Gpa, unweighted.
Tied for rank first in class with 3 or 4 others (class of 450)</p>

<p>My EC's are fairly solid, I've been involved on my church mission team for 3 years, have served on the Mayor's Youth Advisory Board for 2 years, president of Eco Club, etc...</p>

<p>If you need more info, I have more.</p>

<p>Here's my question: Is being a drum major enough of a hook to get me in? I plan on marching in the NU band if I am accepted, but I don't want to major in music.</p>

2

<p>Usually, something like that is not considered a hook. Many many other students at NU were drum majors or captains or conductors or whatever, so that in itself doesn't really make you stand out from the crowd. Hooks are usually something like first-generation college student or URM status. That said, however, your chances for admission look decent - I think you have just as good a chance as anybody else. Are you applying to Weinberg or SESP, just out of curiosity? Good luck!</p>

3

<p>thanks, that's what I wanted to know. </p>

<p>I was just curious if being a drum major was a standout kind of thing. Guess not.</p>

<p>I'm planning on applying to SESP. Wish me luck!</p>

4

<p>good luck, although i have to agree with glamourbaby that drum major is not a hook</p>

5

<p>The good news for you is SESP usually has lower average SAT than other schools; my guess is it's a bit less competitve than Weinberg; I think you are in pretty good shape.</p>

6

<p>Is this a good hook...?</p>

<ul>
<li>Became the first high school student to perform research in the lab at a major public instate university, basically created my own opportunity by contacting professors and eventually worked with the dean of research...(all explained in my essay)...consequently I was the guinea pig for a future program that I am now helping to create.</li>
</ul>

<p>Also, the dean is writing me a recommendation.</p>

7

<p>what about being a AP national scholar after junior year?</p>

8

<p>not a bad hook, browski...a dean's recommendation.</p>

<p>I wish I was in your shoes. But ya, research & some good awards in Competitions like Siemens, Intel have always been good hooks. A few medals in Olympaids didn't hurt anyone either.</p>