John Locke Global Essay Competition
This global essay competition run by academics at Oxford University in the UK is a highly competitive and ultra-prestigious program in the social sciences. You’ll need to be an outstanding writer and thinker to win, but doing so will will really help you STAND OUT in college admissions and beyond!
Note: the deadline for entry tends to be late June, as UK schools follow a different calendar. Submit something responsive, or create something new once you’ve finished your exams this spring.
“The John Locke Institute encourages young people to cultivate the characteristics that turn good students into great writers: independent thought, depth of knowledge, clear reasoning, critical analysis and persuasive style. Our Essay Competition invites students to explore a wide range of challenging and interesting questions beyond the confines of the school curriculum.
Entering an essay in our competition can build knowledge, and refine skills of argumentation. It also gives students the chance to have their work assessed by experts. All of our essay prizes are judged by senior academics from the University of Oxford. The judges will choose their favourite essay from each subject category and an overall 'best essay' across seven subjects: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Psychology, Theology and Law.”
How do I get started? Check out the link here.
How do I expand this narrative arc? If you are interested in civics, policy, debate and history, consider some of the other ways to deepen and broaden your experience in these areas.
We the People speech competitions
Spend a week gaining insight into the workings of the U.S. Senate and the federal government at the U.S. Senate Summer Program
Expand your expertise into the international realm with Best Delegate Model UN’s online programs and summer camps.
Convene a Youth Town Hall in your community to start a dialogue between young people and community leaders.