Pam Proctor

Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

Gaining admittance into the college of your choice is no easy task. With THE COLLEGE HOOK, written by Pam Proctor, the president of College Application Consultants, Inc., I have to say that your odds are greatly improved!

The book is broken down into four main parts: Discovering Your Hook, The Top Ten College Hooks, Packaging Your Hook, and Selling Your Hook. Each main category is then broken down into smaller, more-manageable sections, such as Hooks That Worked, The Resume Power Play, and Acing the Interview.

I know you're asking yourself: "What in the world, exactly, is the college hook?" According to Ms. Proctor, it's pretty simple: it's "that one special interest that will cause admissions officials to salivate over an application and significantly increase the odds of getting into a favorite college."

Basically, colleges are looking for that unique "something" that makes you you - that "something" that will make their college a better college, and will make them sorry if they don't accept you! But to find your hook, you have to find the strengths and weaknesses in yourself, and that's not always an easy task. But THE COLLEGE HOOK stresses the importance of doing just that, and The Top Ten College Hooks (including Athletic, International, Music, Political, Technology, Humanitarian, Science, Writing, Drama, and Multicultural) go a long way in helping you figure out your personal hook before you begin the college admissions process.

This is a must-read for teens getting ready to begin sending out those college applications. From writing an interesting, professional resume to acing your admissions interview, everything about the application process is covered.… (més)

The College Hook is very informative, and I’d recommend students - and parents - read it before students start high school. The book emphasize how to separate yourself from others, an idea that’s ultimately difficult to do when faced with the question of “how are you a good fit for _____________?”

But, I’m hesitant to suggest that every college student read The College Hook because without my own internship, the book would have made me feel like a complete failure. My interest in photography pales in comparison to that of Josh, the first student Proctor helps find his hook. After all, he interned with “a nationally famous portrait photographer, assisting him on shoots and around his studio.” Although, I have to wonder how Josh didn’t know that was his “hook.” The kid did, supposedly, set up a darkroom in his basement.

And I’m a big believer that students should not focus on one aspect of themselves just to “hook” a college. I complain a lot about one-dimensional characters, and to present myself just as the journalist or just as the reader would not show off who I am.

Still, The College Hook is well-organized, well-written book full of useful tips for every applicant to college.… (més)