📅 Key Dates & Deadlines

Every year, the Ayn Rand Institute (ARI) invites high school, undergraduate, and graduate students across the globe to enter its prestigious Atlas  Shrugged Essay Contest. By composing a thoughtful essay on Rand’s magnum opus, you’ll explore the novel’s core themes, sharpen your critical-thinking and writing skills—and compete for life-changing scholarship prizes.

🎓 Eligibility

• Open worldwide, except where local laws prohibit.
• For grade 12, undergraduate, and graduate students active during the contest year.
• ARI may accommodate international or non-traditional students on a case-by-case basis.
• Essays must be written in English, 800–1,600 words, original (no plagiarism), and solely authored by the entrant.

🧭 How to Apply

• Pick an essay prompt—typically centered on a key theme or character in Atlas Shrugged.
• Write your essay (800–1,600 words, English, no personal info in text).
• Create an ARI account and submit your essay online. Each student may submit one entry per contest/year
• Await email confirmation (usually within 24 hours). Winners are notified by email within ~3 months

💰 Scholarships & Prizes

• Grand Prize: $25,000 (1 winner)
• 1st Place seasonal prizes: ~$3,000–$10,000
• Additional awards: Multiple runner-up prizes ranging from $50 to $2,500, totaling over $90,000/year.

Winners receive

• Cash awards
• Official recognition
• Possible video interviews or promotional features
• The prestige of engaging deeply with philosophical literature

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

CLICK HERE TO APPLY