<p>It depends on what you mean by “hook”. Certainly many Engineering Schools are doing everything they can to have a more balanced M/F ratio. I believe, for example that Cornell’s data show that the acceptance rate for Female Eng. Applicants is about twice as high as that for Male Applicants.</p>
<p>Now – does this mean that the female applicants have lower test/grades? Perhaps. Though I suspect it’s more of a case that Cornell can only accept 1/3 -1/4 of the QUALIFIED male engineering students, and accepts a higher % of QUALIFIED female engineering students.</p>
<p>Anyway to answer the question – is it a hook? Maybe, or maybe it’s just an ‘eyelet’. Certainly with competitive numbers it’s easier for females in this field.</p>