The Anthem Essay Contest, hosted by the Ayn Rand Institute, invites students to reflect on Ayn Rand’s novella Anthem and explore its philosophical themes through structured, thoughtful writing. This international competition challenges participants to analyze the text, formulate a clear thesis, and support it with logical reasoning and textual evidence. Open to students worldwide, the contest awards generous cash prizes across several placement categories, rewarding excellence in critical thinking and writing.
Scholarship Details
- Open to students worldwide
- Cash prizes awarded in five placement categories
- Top 1–3% of essays are typically selected for awards
- No restrictions on how prize money may be used
- Designed to help students improve writing and analytical skills
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to all students, typically middle and high school students, depending on the contest level
- Must write and submit an original essay in English
- Essay must be based on Ayn Rand’s novel Anthem
- Essay must be between 600 and 1,200 words and double-spaced
Application Process
- Read Anthem by Ayn Rand
- Select one of the three essay prompts provided for the contest
- Write a double-spaced essay between 600 and 1,200 words in English
- Submit the essay online through the Ayn Rand Institute’s contest submission portal
- Ensure submission is received by the posted deadline (check official contest page for date)
- Wait for notification of contest results
If you're a student with strong ideas and a passion for writing, the Anthem Essay Contest offers a unique opportunity to sharpen your critical thinking skills and earn cash for your efforts. Reflect on Rand’s themes of individuality, freedom, and discovery, and compete against top student writers from around the globe. Read, write, and take your stand—your voice matters.