Participating in writing competitions is an excellent opportunity for students applying to humanities and business programs. These competitions allow students to showcase their English proficiency and writing skills. For international students and those preparing to apply to U.S. high schools or undergraduate programs, participating in these competitions not only improves language skills but also helps students express their ideas and creativity more effectively.
Recommended John Locke-Related Competitions
1. HIR: Harvard International Review Academic Writing Competition
Founded in 1979, the HIR Academic Writing Competition is known for its interdisciplinary and cross-cultural approach, covering fields such as history, literature, arts, and philosophy. The competition features a variety of prompts, including in-depth historical analysis and creative speculative writing.
Eligibility:
Students in grades 9–12
Participation Format:
Individual submissions are accepted (up to 2-person collaborations). Submit a short essay between 800 and 1200 words on an international affairs topic (excluding charts, tables, or author statements).
[Learn more about the competition]
2. HIEEC: Harvard International Economics Essay Competition
Organized by the Harvard Undergraduate Economics Association (HUEA) and the Harvard College Economic Review (HCER), the HIEEC allows students to demonstrate their writing skills and economic reasoning.
Eligibility:
Students in grades 9–12
Competition Format:
Participants select one topic from four provided prompts and construct a convincing argument combining economic theory with real-world examples. Essays must be under 1,500 words.
[Learn more about the competition]
3. Marshall Society Economics Essay Competition
Founded in 1927, the Marshall Society is a prestigious economics organization at Cambridge University, UK. Named after Alfred Marshall, author of Principles of Economics and founder of partial equilibrium analysis, this competition is considered a “golden ticket” for students aiming for top universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.
Eligibility:
High school students worldwide
Competition Format:
Choose one topic from six official questions on contemporary economic issues. Essays must be under 1,250 words.
[Learn more about the competition]
4. The New York Times Writing Competitions
As one of the world’s most influential media organizations, The New York Times hosts a series of writing competitions that are both prestigious and accessible to a wide range of students. These competitions cover multiple areas, including informational writing, summer reading & writing, opinion writing, and more.
Eligibility:
Students aged 13–19
Competition Topics & Timeline:
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Summer Reading & Writing: June 9 – August 18
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STEM Writing Competition: January – February
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Personal Narrative Writing: September – October
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Editorial Writing: March – April
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Student Review Competition: November – December
Each series has its own submission requirements and timeline.
[Learn more about the competition]
5. The Concord Review
Founded in March 1987, The Concord Review focuses on publishing and recognizing exceptional history essays written by high school students. As the world’s only journal dedicated to high school history research, it has a profound impact on students’ historical learning and exploration.
Eligibility:
Students in grades 9–12
Competition Format:
Submit a long-form history essay (at least 5,000–7,000 words) on any topic (ancient or modern, domestic or international).
Participation in The Concord Review not only enhances academic skills but also strengthens university applications, particularly for top-tier schools like Harvard University.
[Learn more about the competition]
This page is designed to help students explore high-quality academic writing competitions that complement the John Locke Essay Competition, providing opportunities to enhance writing skills, critical thinking, and academic profiles.
