<p>While Mark23’s “hook” may not be unique in and of itself, a great deal rests on how he spins it. If he just says “I like programming and website design. I think it’s cool. Look at the pretty websites I’ve made!” then yeah, his application probably isn’t going to go anywhere. However, if he can grab the reader with an interesting narrative of why he got interested in the first place, what he’s learned from it, and what he hopes to accomplish with it as a student and a future professional, then I think he’s got a much better shot (no guarantees, of course). </p>
<p>I can’t think of an example off the top of my head, but say you’re interested in some sort of social issue/problem. You’ve done volunteer work or you have personal experience dealing with the issue. You’re also interested in programming, and your dream is to find a way in which you could use that interest to help solve the problem. Tell them about that dream, why you’re passionate about it, and (if the question prompts it) how Stanford can help you achieve that dream. </p>
<p>I hope that makes sense. I’m a few years removed from the college application process, so feel free to correct me if my understanding of the whole admissions process is off. Good luck!</p>