<p>What is a good example of a "hook"? I want to find out what I can write about in my college essays during the admissions process come Fall. Most of the people on these boards seem to think that the best "hooks" are being a URM or first-generation; this doesn't describe most of us, though. What would you think, then, would be a desirable hook for every other middle-class Caucasian?</p>
<p>I'm extremely interested in finding out what I can use in my essays from your comments. :-)</p>
<p>My possible hooks:
- I have an autoimmune disease that inhibits my quality of life. It requires many doctor's visits, complicated medical tests, and because of it, I have missed a lot of school; in addition to all of this, my grades have suffered from school absences due to the disease. Despite all of this, I try to carry on my life the best I can.
- Severe clinical depression runs in my family, and for the past several years, I have battled the disease on and off---with and without medications. It's been so hard fighting these feelings of wanting to hurt myself; in fact, before I got help, I used to cut myself. With the help of my friends and family, though, I've learned to just be me and live past that stage in my life.</p>
<p>What do you think? Is it too open/personal? Do you think I'd scare them? Am I just worrying too much?</p>
<p>Your premise needs adjusting. A “hook” is a rare commodity that a particular college is looking for. Given this, most people have NO HOOKS and all the wishing and hand-wringing isn’t going to get you one. What is in your control is to present yourself in the best possible light, staying true to yourself and trying to distinguish yourself.</p>
<p>Neither of the issues you listed are “hooks”. They are a part of you and can make you stand out – however, no admissions officer is looking specifically for a person who has overcome illness or depressive issues.</p>
<p>You don’t always need a hook. Be who you are, pursue interests that appeal to you, and show that admissions committee that you are passionate with what you do! It is virtually impossible to create a hook. Granted, satiravelvet, your “possible hooks” should be addressed in your application whether through your guidance counselor rec. or your essays, if not both.</p>
<p>I see now. I feel kind of foolish, but I honestly thought that a hook was something that made you stand out from all other applicants. I know it’s not necessarily supposed to be a disease or overcoming depression; rather, I thought it was an applicant’s way of “pitching” themselves to an adcom, in the same way you write in a college admission essays how you would contribute to the university, how the university would benefit you, etc.</p>
<p>Does being a published photographer in a major international magazine count as a significant hook? I’ve been published for editorial and advertising work several times</p>
<p>Celebrities are known for their talent; because of their popularity, a lot of young actor and actresses use their influence to get into Ivy League schools. (Emma Watson, James Franco, Olsen Twins…) If shaka shaka’s works are well known enough, I don’t think you can automatically discount it.</p>
<p>Hopefully, my hook will be being a recruited athlete :). Still got a ways to go before finding out if it will happen, although I’ve begun the process already.</p>
<p>Sorry for double post, but T26E4, here are some of the Common App’s essay topics from the current version posted on the site:</p>
<p>p 1 Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
p 2 Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.
p 3 Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.
p 4 Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.
p 5 A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an
experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you.
p 6 Topic of your choice.</p>
<p>Shaka-Absolutely! Nationally published photography is a great hook. You just need to make it sing in your essays. After reading McGooley’s quick dismissal (totally wrong), I wonder how many posters are actually attempting to discourage the competition.</p>
<p>Any accomplishment for which you may be renown for on a national international level might be considered a hook. Generally, being a photographer is not a hook but being published in a well-known magazine certainly makes your EC stand-out. Though it’s not necessarily a hook, I’m sure it will greatly help you with admission. A hook is something so strong that it will often compensate for an applicant’s less-than-average scores and enable them to gain admission at a nearly guaranteed rate (provided that their scores aren’t TOO low).</p>
<p>1) URM (Latina)
2) First Generation College Student
3) Low Income
4) My mom has severe RA, and is somewhat disabled by it. It costs our family a lot of money, and I have to work to help. I guess this is a hook. Idk.</p>