The Lincoln Forum Scholarship Essay Contest is held annually, with a new Abraham Lincoln related prompt each year. Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students in an American college or university during the spring semester proceeding the deadline for the year the award is offered. Entries must be between 1,500 and 5,000 words. You do not have to be an American citizen, but you do need to be attending an American college or university during the eligibility period. This is not open to high school seniors, so applicants must be current undergrads.
Essays may be submitted via regular mail (postmarked by the deadline) or via e-mail (time stamped before midnight of the due date). The essay must be typed and include a works-cited page or bibliography. Endnotes are suggested but not required. There is no application form for the contest. The essay and your contact information serve as your application. Applicants must include the name of their college or university with their entry and all contact information (regular and email address) must be put on the essay proper.