Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Ayn Rand Institute
Award: $100 – $25000
Deadline: July 31.
To support high school students for the best essay on Ayn Rand's fiction. Qualifications: Applicants must be 8th through 12th grade students; open to all middle & high school students worldwide, ages 13 and older; all participants must be enrolled in school during the contest period; international students are welcome to participate. Selection criteria: Essays are evaluated by a panel of experienced educators and Objectivist scholars using a comprehensive rubric; key judging criteria include: understanding of the philosophical themes in the novel, quality of critical analysis, clarity and coherence of writing, originality of insights, logical structure and argumentation, and proper grammar, syntax, and citation; judges look for thoughtful engagement with the text rather than mere plot summary. How to apply: Applicants must submit online application form; submit one essay per contest, per season-provided applicants meet the grade-level requirements and are eligible to enter. Focus: General studies/Field of study not specified.