Ayn Rand Essay Contests

Eligibility Criteria:

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The Ayn Rand Essay Contests invite students from around the world to explore the ideas and themes found in Ayn Rand’s novels through critical thinking and writing.

Scholarship Details

• Separate contests for Ayn Rand’s novels: Anthem, The Fountainhead, and Atlas Shrugged
• Key judging criteria include understanding of themes, originality, logic, and writing clarity
• First place winners in The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged contests each receive $3,000. Grand prize winner among flagship contests receives an additional $22,000 (total $25,000)
• Anthem contest grand prize is $2,000, with additional awards for runners-up

Eligibility Criteria

• Anthem contest open to middle and high school students worldwide, ages 13 and older
• The Fountainhead contest open to middle and high school students worldwide, ages 13 and older
• Atlas Shrugged contest open to high school, college, and graduate students worldwide
• All participants must be enrolled in school during the contest period
• International students are welcome to participate

Application Process

1. Choose the appropriate contest based on your current level of education
2. Read the assigned novel in its entirety
3. Write an essay that addresses the official prompt for the selected contest
4. Review the contest guidelines and scoring rubric provided on the Ayn Rand Institute website
5. Submit your completed essay online before the published deadline
6. Wait for judging and notification of winners following the review process