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What is a hook? I'm a woman high school senior interested in engineering or architecture. One of my friend's father told me that being a woman interested in sciences or engineering could help me get accepted to certain colleges. Is that true? Is that a hook? Thanks for the help.

By David Hawsey on Thursday, August 02, 2001 - 10:28 pm: Edit

Beth: Your status as a woman interested in the sciences, engineering or architecture is one form of hook. Engineering in particular is a field that must make special efforts to recruit more women into the profession. Although early strides were made in the late 1980's and early 1990's, that trend has slowed down considerably. Education professionals and even the Bush administration have called for initiatives and incentives to attract more women to the sciences in general.

Another hook could be any unique talent, skill or attribute. Are you the only engineering student who is also a leading soccer goalie? Have you developed your own website to market your engineering ideas to others, or showcase a special invention? Do you already have a patent for something? Do you play the euphonium? Hooks are everywhere. What's your top "selling point" that distinguishes you from others?

Dave Berry will check in with other examples of "hooks" in short order!

By marnie on Friday, August 03, 2001 - 03:24 pm: Edit

In terms of name dropping in the college application process, I fully understand the importance of having an established relationship with the named individual. However, should defferal or a waitlisting provoke the use of further sources, how distant is appropriate. (I.e. if a bigwig director is the uncle of a friend, they dont want to get a phone call or note from little old me in the United Kingdom, correct!?!)GRRRrrr! this is so frusterating. I suppose we are lucky there are so many fantastic, intelligent, well-rounded young adults in the USA. I am so afraid, though, that as an individual all that i have to offer will end up on the cutting room floor of the one university i belong at (ah hemm.. rice).
HOWEVER, (again) I believe that it is important that we young people, (esp. those of us so priviledged as to need the use of this board) be thankful for the college (options) opportunities that lie ahead of us in contrast to many of those less fortunate. Sorry I drifted. If you forgot the question was about hooks!

By Roger on Friday, August 03, 2001 - 03:45 pm: Edit

Marnie, trying to pull in additional resources, it is rarely useful to contact someone who doesn't know you well, no matter how famous or well connected. The most selective schools are used to glowing letters of recommendation from bigwigs who barely know the student. At best, these won't help; at worst, they could damage the applicant's chances.

A much better source might be a boss, a volunteer coordinator, or other person who can provide favorable, first-hand comments that demonstrate the student's drive, maturity, work ethic, creativity, or other desirable characteristic(s).

By Dave Berry on Saturday, August 04, 2001 - 03:50 pm: Edit

Influential connections are not the same thing as hooks, if I undestand your question, Marnie. A hook is, to cite one example, something like being a woman who is skilled and interested in the sciences or technology. Since you're interested in Rice, that might be the case for you. Your hook would then be "woman scientist/techie." That's a good hook, if your stats can carry you at Rice.

It looks as though you've done the right things so far. If your application and essays are the very best they can be, then rest assured that you've done about all you can do.

Your friend might mention you directly to his/her uncle who is the bigwig director. This might create some interest in you. Let your friend do the contact. That will look better than you making the approach. Hang in there. You're going to do just fine.