<p>^Apologies for the typos. I finished editing prior to re-reading the entire post. The latter part should read like this:</p>
<p>Basically, if you don’t have any of the aforementioned ‘hooks,’ then you can maximize your changes by being ‘very unusual academically’ (as evidenced by winning academic competitions and having ‘best in career’ recommendations, not just by getting good grades/scores) or by having ‘some type of distinguishing excellence’ (national/international champion of something). If you can do neither of these (which is the case for most people), then simply strive to be what Fitz calls a ‘good all-arounder’: strong academically, extracurricularly, and personally. Most people in the pool are good all-arounders, so by becoming one you are by no means guaranteeing admission. However, you would be maximizing your chances. How do you become a good all-arounder? Do well in the classroom, do what you love outside of the classrom and do it really well, and be a genuinely nice person. Which is the advice offered in Applying Sideways.</p>