WHAT ARE ADMISSION HOOKS at selective schools?

Something about a student - whether a characteristic, talent, or achievement - that provides an advantage in the admission process because it meets an institutional priority.

Does this mean that a student can be admitted if they don’t meet the academic bar at a school simply because they have a hook?  Definitely not, because it’s not in a college’s best interest to admit a student who won’t succeed academically.  However, students with hooks may not have been admitted were it not for their talent, accomplishment, or desired characteristic.  

At highly selective schools, where the applicant pool consists primarily of students with impeccable grades, impressive test scores, unquestionable rigor, and polished resumes, a hook is what can make a student stand out within this impressive crowd. Here are a few examples:

Students from Underrepresented Backgrounds 

Almost all colleges value a student population that reflects a wide range of diversity and life experiences. Because the general applicant pool is drawn primarily from a narrow background, colleges work harder to attract students who broaden the diversity of the student body. Some examples include geography, family education background (“first-gen”), and socio-economic status.

Special Populations

At some colleges, a parent’s fame, employment, or ties to the college can play a factor.  Examples include:  children of parents who work at the school, legacy status, tuition exchange programs tied to a parent’s employment, and parents with status due to their fame or accomplishments.

Applicants to Under-enrolled, Less Selective, or New Programs of Study

Enrollment in STEM and Business programs has exploded.  On the flip side, enrollment in humanities and social sciences degrees has plummeted.  Yet, colleges have faculty on hand, waiting to teach students, and admissions officers must provide them with students to teach.  Larger universities, in particular, tend to admit students directly into programs of study, making it even tougher for students wanting to pursue popular and competitive degrees. A NOTE:  It’s not simply enough to check the box of a less common degree to gain an advantage.  Students’ applications must demonstrate genuine interest, such as research, recommendations, and summer activities.  

Special Talents

It’s common knowledge that athletes are often given priority in the application process.  But not all sports and positions are viewed equally. Students who play in sports that receive publicity and produce revenue at a college are highly coveted.  Students involved in the Performing Arts are often highly valued and must prove their talent through auditions and portfolios. Students with unusual talents are often also advantaged. Some examples include students who receive recognition for unusually large service to their community or state, who have experienced entrepreneurial success, are paying for their own college, or have written a book that has been published.  

Here are the important things to know:

• Most of these hooks are completely out of your control.

• Institutional priorities are generally not known outside the admissions department at each school.

• Different colleges/universities place different emphasis on these priorities.

• The priorities constantly change, so they will likely change between your freshman and senior years.

• Real hooks aren’t something that you can authentically develop over one summer.

Most importantly, admission HOOKS only make a big difference at highly selective colleges.  Most schools will appreciate enthusiastic applicants with strong academic records.  Hooks - or a lack thereof - does not define you!  

Focus on identifying schools that are a great fit for your academic qualifications, interests, goals, your family’s financial budget, and develop a well-balanced list.  We’ll help you communicate your best self in your applications!

Adapted from CollegeEssayGuy