The "Laptop Stickers" essay is a well-known college essay. But is it still a good model to follow? First, read the full essay. Then, we will break down the strategy behind it and explain why you should not copy the topic.
My laptop is like a passport. It is covered in stickers on the outside, inside, and bottom. Each sticker is a stamp, symbolizing a place I've been, a passion I've pursued, or a community I've belonged to. These stickers make for an unconventional first impression at a meeting, but it's one I'm proud of. Let me give you a quick tour:
"We < 3 Design," bottom left corner. Art has been a constant for me for as long as I can remember. Today my primary engagement with art is through design. I've spent entire weekends creating websites and social media graphics for my companies. Design means more to me than just branding; it gives me the opportunity to experiment with texture, perspective, and contrast, helping me refine my professional style.
"Lol ur not Harry Styles," upper left corner. Bought in seventh grade and transferred from my old computer, this sticker is torn but persevering with layers of tape. My brother and I have an inside joke that we are the celebrity’s biggest fans, and this sticker is a constant reminder of my favorite person in the world (my brother, not Harry). We have a playful, teasing relationship, but we're each other's best friends.
"Catapult," middle right. This is the logo of a startup incubator where I launched my first company, Threading Twine. I learned that business can provide others access to fundamental human needs, such as the economic empowerment of minorities and education. In my career, I hope to be a corporate advocate for the empowerment of women, creating large-scale impact and deconstructing institutional boundaries that prevent women from working in high-level positions.
And there are many others... the yellow stripes of the Human Rights Campaign; "The Team," from the Model G20 Economics Summit... and stickers from "Kode with Klossy," a community of girls promoting women's involvement in underrepresented fields.
When my computer dies, it will be like my passport expiring. It will be difficult leaving these moments behind, but I probably won't want these stickers in my 20s anyway (except Harry Styles, that's never leaving). My next set of stickers will reveal my next set of aspirations. They hold the key to future paths I will navigate, knowledge I will gain, and connections I will make.
It uses a "Montage" structure. One central theme (the stickers) connects many different mini-stories about the applicant's life.
It is a great example of "Show, Don't Tell." Each sticker is used as real proof of a personality trait or an achievement.
The essay balances serious goals with relatable, human details. This makes the applicant feel like a real person.
The ending connects the past to the future. It shows the applicant is ready to grow in college.
No. The topic itself is now a famous cliché. Using it will make your essay seem unoriginal to admissions officers.
Brainstorm your own "laptop." This is a unique object, place, or concept that connects different parts of your life.
Select 3 to 5 different anecdotes. Each one should connect to your theme and reveal a different quality, passion, or value.
For each story, explain the deeper meaning. End your essay with a conclusion that looks toward your future goals.
