Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contest

1. Competition Process

First, students will select a book based on their level of education and begin reading (The Fountainhead or Atlas Shrugged). After registration, students respond to the assigned prompts on the dashboard. 

2. Competition Structure

• Seasonal Rounds: Every three months, new prompts are released. Students may enter any or all rounds.
• Seasonal Winners: Top three essays each season receive a cash prize; first-place essays advance to the annual grand prize.
• Annual Grand Prize: First-place essays from each season compete for the overall annual first-place title.

3. Eligibility

• The Fountainhead: For students in grades 8-12. 
• Atlas Shrugged: For students in grades 9-12.

4. Grading Standards

Essays are judged on four criteria: Clarity, Organization, Understanding, and On Topic. Graders look for writing that is clear, articulate, and logically organized. Essays should stay on topic, address all parts of the selected prompt, and interrelate the ideas and events in the novel. 

5. Prizes

9 winners will be selected for each competition. Prize details are below:

• First Place: $3,000 (Seasonal top prize)
• Second Place: $2,000 (Seasonal runner-up prize)
• Third place: $1,000 (Seasonal recognition prize)