Remember the definition of “Hook” in the context of applications to these schools. Those without “hooks” mean there are tens of “you” with similar grades, similar achievements, similar backgrounds (socioeconomic, racial, gender blah blah) to the admissions office. So how do they pick “you” out of the other “you” in the bucket? It is more random than you think for applicants w/o “Hooks”. It seems so unfair, but it is what it is. If you are 1st Gen, URM, Legacy, DACA kids blah blah - you have “hooks”. But if you are one of the regular upper middle-income class, (White/Asian) kids in a large suburban school, then you better have all sorts of awards, athlete skills to get picked. Better to recognize these factors up front instead setting wrong expectations and hurting the kids’ self-esteem. JMHO