What Does Unhooked Mean In Admissions?

In his latest blog, Rick Clarke, the Director of Admission at GA Tech, says, "When you hear admission reps say, 'We are looking for a well-rounded class…' they mean they want choices and options...decisions are based on goals and mission."

This makes us ask:

1) What exactly is a “hook” in college admissions parlance?
2) Why do institutional priorities carry so much weight in admissions?
3) Are hooks the same from one college to another?
4) Is there really anything like a completely unhooked student?
5) How can an unhooked applicant improve their odds of being accepted?

I answered these questions in a recent conversation with Amy Seeley and Mike Bergin of Tests and the Rest.

https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2022/11/15/what-do-colleges-want/

https://gettestbright.com/what-does-unhooked-mean-in-admissions/?fbclid=IwAR3LuM8mFXIWGmvo_jJD7jeKTNaV0_YXLERrAnUJiPf-zlFSD-kFoCWcqTA