<p>Hook usually means some really good stuff, like published research, RSI, URM, etc. Does family environment matter? Like if your parents are divorced, or your family income is really low. Sorry if this is an obvious qn.</p>
<p>I’m not an expert on this, but I can’t see having divorced parents mattering at all…think about how many other applicants have similar situations, considering 50% of marriages will end in divorce!</p>
<p>EDIT: Oh, hmm. You’re located in Singapore, then I don’t know, heh. I don’t know if that will make a difference then.</p>
<p>I don’t think having divorced parents, would be considered a hook. I think having a low family income, could be considered somewhat of a hook, especially the top schools, because they want some diversity in the in the income department. Another hook would be a family connection. My cousin got into Ivy league school (he was waitlisted originally), because my his father called in a favor. My uncle, is also on the board of directors of an Ivy law school, so I at least have that in my favor. Another hook would be if one’s family was incredibly wealthy, thus, they would most likely donate money to the school.</p>