<p>I'm going to be applying to Caltech next year (among a bunch of other equal level schools and safeties), and was wondering if any of these things would be considered hooks or hook-like. </p>
<ul>
<li><p>Created and led a jazz ensemble that raised money to Africa to help fund the distibution of clean water among the people. </p></li>
<li><p>Taught myself Calculus I and then took calculus II and III as well as a year of calculus based physics at the local community college (which is unheard of at my high school). </p></li>
<li><p>After earning my eagle, I taught the nuclear science merit badge in boy scouts (a role usually held by an adult with years of experience in the field). </p></li>
<li><p>Served as president or equavilent in 4 clubs/sports teams. </p></li>
</ul>
<p>I am kind of relying on these to help my application given my 3.7 gpa and slightly below average (for Cal tech) SAT scores. So, I know admissions are unpredictable, but would any of those count as a hook to admissions officers? </p>
<p>A hook in my opinion is something that gives you a different and potentially easier path. Hooks are generally things like sports, legacy, being the child of a famous personality etc. </p>
<p>None of what you have mentioned are hooks really. But they could tips, which taken in totality tip the results in your favor. Caltech values interest/dedication to math and science. The calculus and the calculus based physics classes will definitely help. The nuclear science merit badge in boy scouts could help.</p>
<p>You have not talked about your sports level, yes that could help, but in Caltech the coaches do not have the powers that Coaches in other schools may have. </p>
<p>So everything taken together could make you a strong candidate but the admissions committee looks into your application in many aspects: your SAT/ACT scores, the rigor of your curriculum beyond what you have said, your recommendations etc. Hence no one can really predict your chances.</p>
<p>Try to make your application as strong as possible and apply. That is the only way you will know. Good luck.</p>
<p>Good point, and thanks. My sports level isn’t overly strong. My sports team is marching band (which I was told falls under sports by a technicality). The other three are organizations such as boy scouts.</p>
<p>The traditional “hooks” that mazewanderer mentioned don’t have any bearing at all on Caltech admissions. Here, the things that will make your application really stand out are attending an international science olympiad (such as IPhO or IMO), participating in RSI and having a strong letter of recommendation from your mentor, or ranking among the top few in a science research competition such as Siemens or Intel STS.</p>
<p>You’ve done some pretty cool stuff, but nothing I would consider a hook for Caltech. If you’re interested in Caltech though, then you should apply.</p>
<p>i was at PFW last weekend and you sound like the typical type of person there except for you grades/scores… work your hardest at those and get them up and you have a shot (what % a shot is has not been determined lol)</p>
<p>LHC is right: Traditional hooks are not of importance at CalTech. They do not care if your parents went to Caltech etc. So the “hooks” if you can call them so for Caltech would be wining Intel STS etc.</p>
<p>Ok, yeah unfortunately I haven’t been able to do a lot of math and science things 9though I’d love to) outside of the classroom. So, Intel, IMO, RSI (my parents didn’t even let me apply), or siemens are deffinately out of my reach. Thanks though, and even more so for being honest. I will deffinately apply, because there is a chance. How much will my GPA hurt me? The part that kills it is my freshman year grades (straight Bs). After that I’ve gotten a B here or there, so my UW GPA is about 3.7. Maybe a smidge higher or lower. Will they consider the upward trend?</p>
<p>doberhound1: Give it your best shot and try to explain why you got a B etc. Be honest but obviously try and show it in the best light. If this is the school that you are passionate about, make sure that the ad com understand that. You need to make sure you good scores on the SAT/ACT etc. and take it again if the scores are not where you want it to be.</p>