Yes I actually do think Filipino is considered a hook. All Asians are not treated equally in admissions. And yes there is often a lot of fortune in this process, especially since they even withheld some of their accomplishments. Had those ECs been more focused on medicine or life sciences and presented in the same way, they may have gotten chopped TBH. I am also imagining many with similar resumes were not admitted. I don’t like false hope. I just tell folks to give these schools a shot but never expect anything. And also do not do ED1 at a school that really isn’t close to a top choice. That is like wasting an opportunity. 2 safeties? Actually did not read that before. That is ridiculous and I would never recommend that. It would take tons of confidence to do that to one’s self and it really isn’t worth the risk.