Deadline:
August 01, 2025
Location(s)
Online
Overview
Write about Ayn Rand's novel Atlas Shrugged for a chance to win up to $25,000 in scholarship prizes. The contest is free to enter and is open to all students in 9th grade through graduate school.
Details
ARI has held worldwide essay contests for students on Ayn Rand’s fiction for more than thirty years, awarding over $2 million in total prize money! This year we will award more than $30,000 to student winners.
How It Works
From seasonal rounds to the annual grand prize, here's how our essay contest works
Seasonal Prompts
- Every three months there is a new seasonal entry round, with its own unique essay prompts.
- You may compete in any or all of these entry rounds.
Seasonal Winners
- The top three essays from each season will be awarded a cash prize.
- The first-place essay from each season will advance to compete for the annual grand prize.
Annual Grand Prize
- The first-place essay from each season will be eligible to contend for the annual first-place title.
- Opportunity to secure a grand prize of $22,000.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
CRITERIA
Essays will be judged on whether the student is able to argue for and justify his or her view—not on whether the Institute agrees with the view the student expresses. Judges will look for writing that is clear, articulate and logically organized. Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophical meaning of Atlas Shrugged.
Entrant must be a 12th grader, college undergraduate or graduate student for any part of the school year in which the contest is held. ARI reserves the right to make exceptions to this rule, on a case-by-case basis, for international students or for students with nonstandard school years.
I'M A FOREIGN STUDENT, SO CAN I STILL ENTER THE CONTEST?
Yes! Foreign students may enter our essay contests, except where void or prohibited by law. We have no citizenship requirements. Please enter the contest for your current grade level. If you’re not sure which contest you’re eligible for, please write to the Education Department at essays@aynrand.org.
Dates
Deadline: August 01, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
Prizes
- $40,000 - Total Prize Pool
Prize Categories Include:
- First Place ($3,000)Seasonal top prize
- Second Place ($2,000)Seasonal runner-up prize
- Third Place ($1,000)Seasonal recognition prize
More Than Just Cash Prizes
- College Application Enhancement: Add distinction to your applications with this prestigious award
- Professional Recognition: Gain recognition from a globally respected institution
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
