The John Locke Institute Essay Competition is a long-running writing contest for teens who are interested in humanities and social science in the United States.

In this post, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the John Locke Institute Essay Competition including key dates, application requirements, and tips!

What is the John Locke Institute Essay Competition?

The John Locke Institute Essay Competition is an annual event that encourages young thinkers to engage deeply with philosophical, political, and economic topics.

It offers students the opportunity to develop their writing and analytical skills while competing for prestigious awards and recognition.

The JLI Essay Contest is a highly prestigious writing competition that invites high school/secondary students from around the world to submit a piece falling in one of several humanities categories.

See these below along with sample questions: Philosophy (e. g.

Do we have any good reasons to trust our moral intuition?) Politics (e. g.

When is compliance complicity?) Economics (e. g.

What is the optimal global population?) History (e. g.

Has music ever significantly changed the course of history?) Law (e. g.

When, if ever, should a company be permitted to refuse to do business with a person because of that person’s public statements?) Psychology (e. g.

There is an unprecedented epidemic of depression and anxiety among young people.

Can we fix this?

How?) Theology (e. g.

Does God reward those who believe in him?

If so, why?) Junior Prize (e. g.

Is there life after death?) Eligibility for John Locke Institute Essay Competition Students, of any country, who are 18 years old or younger before the date of submission can submit.

They also have a junior category for students who are fourteen years old, or younger, on the date of the submission deadline.

Be between the ages of 14 and 1

8. Submit an essay on one of the given topics.

Each year, the competition provides a list of prompts related to philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, and law.

Follow the word limit.

Essays should be between 2000 and 2500 words in length.

Submit their essays through the official submission portal.

Prizes?

The John Locke Institute Competition offers many distinctions, out of which multiple offer scholarships for high school students.

For example, the overall winner receives $10,000 in cash scholarships, and category winners $2,000 towards a JLI program.

How Do I Apply to the John Locke Institute Essay Competition?

To apply for the John Locke Institute Essay Competition, students must submit an essay that does not exceed 2,000 words in length.

Students may add endnotes and/or a bibliography for citations.

Additionally, the application requires a verification from an academic referee of the participant to ensure their essay is their original work.

See below for key dates for the 2024 contest: Registration opens: 1 April, 202

4. Registration deadline: 31 May, 202

4. (Registration is required by this date for subsequent submission. ) Submission deadline: 30 June, 202

4. Late entry deadline: 10 July, 202

4. (Late entries are subject to a 2

0. 00 USD charge, payable by 1 July. ) Notification of short-listed essayists: 31 July, 202

4. Academic conference: 20 – 22 September, 202

4. Awards dinner: 21 September, 202

4. Tips for Success at the John Locke Institute Essay Competition Choose Your Topic Wisely Selecting the right topic is crucial for crafting a compelling essay.

Follow these steps to make an informed choice: Reflect on Your Interests: Choose a prompt that genuinely captivates you and aligns with your academic strengths and personal interests.

Your enthusiasm will be evident in your writing, making it more engaging for the judges.

Understand the Prompt: Carefully analyze the essay prompt to ensure you fully understand the question being asked.

This will help you stay focused and relevant throughout your essay.

First, write down all your thoughts on the subject without doing any research.

It is the best way to gather all your ideas and pick the best one.

Be sure to find evidence to support all the things later on in the essay.

Conduct Deep Research Thorough research is the foundation of a strong essay.

Here’s how to approach it: Initial Brainstorming: Begin by jotting down all your initial thoughts on the subject.

What are your gut-level opinions?

What intrigues you about the question?

Identify any immediate counter-arguments you can think of.

This exercise will highlight gaps in your knowledge and guide your research.

Create a Reading/Watching List: Develop a comprehensive list of resources related to your topic.

Include books, academic articles, interviews, podcasts, documentaries, and other reputable sources.

Be sure to gather materials that both support and challenge your argument.

Seek Expert Opinions: If possible, consult with experts or scholars who can provide valuable insights and direct you to credible sources.

Their guidance can enhance your understanding and provide depth to your argument.

Note-Taking and Analysis: As you read and watch, take detailed notes on key points, arguments, and evidence.

Pay attention to the questions and knowledge gaps you identified earlier, and seek to address them through your research.

Develop Original and Well-Structured Arguments Formulate a Unique Perspective: Aim to bring a fresh and original viewpoint to your essay.

Judges are looking for innovative ideas and perspectives that stand out from the crowd.

Organize Your Essay: Structure your essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Ensure each section flows logically and supports your overall argument.

Address the Prompt Directly: Make sure your essay responds directly to the question posed by the prompt.

Avoid deviating from the topic or including irrelevant information.

Refine and Proofread Your Essay The final touches on your essay can make a significant difference in its effectiveness: Proofread Carefully: Review your essay for grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies.

A well-polished essay demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.

Seek Feedback: Have a teacher, mentor, or peer review your essay.

Constructive feedback can help you refine your arguments and improve the overall quality of your work.

Work with a Mentor: Collaborating with a teacher or mentor can provide valuable insights and suggestions.

They can help you explore different perspectives, point out weaknesses, and suggest improvements.

Finding the right mentor is crucial, and Rishab Jain shares how he secured the mentor who assisted him with his award-winning ISEF research project.

Just as his mentor was invaluable to him, having a mentor will be equally beneficial for your essay competition.

Be sure to watch his video to learn how to find a mentor who can support you in your journey. https://www. youtube. com/watch?v=tKmS4UZbfII&t=7s Learn from Previous Winning Essays Carefully analyze winning essays to understand the criteria judges use.

Focus on clarity and precision in your writing.

Winning essays tend to be more direct and evidence-based, rather than elaborate.

How Will Your Essay Be Judged?

Let’s explore each of the elements to illustrate what judges are looking for.

Demonstrating Knowledge and Understanding A successful essay demonstrates a deep understanding of the relevant discipline.

This involves not only familiarity with the literature but also the ability to integrate key concepts into your argument.

Effective Use of Evidence Using evidence effectively means backing your arguments with credible and relevant data.

One of the ways to do this is by citing studies and research findings that support your claims.

Structure, Writing Style, and Persuasive Force A well-structured essay with a compelling writing style is crucial for effective communication.

Your argument should not only be supported by evidence but also presented in a persuasive manner.

Quality of Argumentation Finally, the quality of your argument depends on how seamlessly you integrate the elements mentioned above.

A strong argument is well-reasoned and supported by evidence while maintaining clarity and coherence.

Ready to take your essay writing to the next level?

Join our Skool Community for access to valuable resources, expert advice, and a supportive network of peers who are as equally enthusiastic as you are.

Connect with many peers, share your progress, and gain insights that can help you excel in the John Locke Institute Essay Competition.

Don’t miss out on the Skool Community.

Start your journey towards essay success today!

Concluding Remarks Participating in creative competitions and winning them can enhance your college application, bring exposure and recognition to your works, and earn scholarships.

However, the the John Locke Institute Competition isn’t the only well-known creative-based competitions for high schoolers.

Check out this video to learn more about the competitions that high school students can compete and even win top-tier prices in! https://www. youtube. com/watch?v=h7OlgFLByK8.