Studying in the U.S or overseas
Contest information
Maximum 7 students per class
Class Introduction
The John Locke Essay Competition Preparation helps students develop the skills and intellectual depth needed to excel in one of the world’s most prestigious academic writing competitions. In previous years, our students were shortlisted and received High Commendation awards, Third Prizes, and Grand Prizes in the John Locke Essay Contest.
This class is designed to help high school students hone their writing skills and prepare for the prestigious John Locke Essay Competition. The competition challenges students to think critically and write a compelling essay on a topic related to philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology, and law. Throughout this class, students will learn to analyze and evaluate complex philosophical and political ideas, develop their research and writing skills, and craft a well-supported, well-written argumentative essay.
Our experienced teachers will guide students through brainstorming, researching, outlining, drafting, and revising their essays. They will provide personalized feedback and suggestions to help students improve their writing and critical thinking skills. By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to produce a high-quality essay that meets the requirements of the John Locke Essay Competition. They will also be better equipped to engage with complex philosophical and political ideas and articulate their thoughts effectively in writing.
Outcome
- Receive personalized feedback and suggestions to improve their writing and critical thinking skills.
- Gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to produce a high-quality essay.
- Be better prepared for the John Locke Essay Competition and other similar academic pursuits.
- Understand and analyze complex ideas effectively.
2026 Class Sessions
| Subject Categories | Prep Classes | Teacher Background | Class Schedule |
| Economics | Group A class (group class + one-on-one class) | Previously an economics professor at Trinity College with a PhD in Economics. His students received the Grand Prize, Shortlists, and Commendation Awards. | 2 group classes, 2 hours each class. 8 one-on-one classes, 1 hour each class. Total 12 hours of classes. |
| Group B class (group class + one-on-one class) | Economics professor with nearly 15 years of teaching experience. His students have won multiple awards in the John Locke and HIR competitions. Served as a senior researcher at the U.S. Census Bureau’s Economic Research Center and holds a PhD in Economics. | 2 group classes, 2 hours each class. 8 one-on-one classes, 1 hour each class. Total 12 hours of classes. | |
| History | Group A class (group class + one-on-one) | A former history professor at the University of Virginia and a distinguished scholar in historical research. His students have achieved Third Prizes and High Commendation Awards in the John Locke competition. | 2 group classes, 2 hours each class. 6 one-on-one classes, 1 hour each class. Total 10 hours of classes. |
| Group B class (group class + one-on-one) | A public university history professor with nearly 25 years of teaching experience. She has guided students to multiple awards in John Locke and other competitions. She received the American Teachers Association Excellence in Teaching Award and holds a PhD in History from the University of Florida. | 2 group classes, 2 hours each class. 6 one-on-one classes, 1 hour each class. Total 10 hours of classes. | |
| Junior Prize | Group A class (group class + one-on-one) | The instructor has a proven track record in the John Locke Essay Competition, with a 70% shortlist rate and multiple student awards. She has over 13 years of experience teaching AP and dual-credit English courses in high school, and is also a university English lecturer. | 4 group classes, 1.5 hours each class. 4 one-on-one classes, 1 hour each class. Total 10 hours of classes. |
| Group B class (group class + one-on-one) | A public university history professor with nearly 25 years of teaching experience. She has guided students to multiple awards in John Locke and other competitions. She received the American Teachers Association Excellence in Teaching Award and holds a PhD in History from the University of Florida. | 4 group classes, 1.5 hours each class. 4 one-on-one classes, 1 hour each class. Total 10 hours of classes. | |
| Group C class (group class + one-on-one) | The instructor has a proven track record in the John Locke Essay Competition, with a 70% shortlist rate and multiple student awards. She has over 13 years of experience teaching AP and dual-credit English courses in high school, and is also a university English lecturer. | 4 group classes, 1.5 hours each class. 4 one-on-one classes, 1 hour each class. Total 10 hours of classes. | |
| Politics | Group class + one-on-one | A former politics professor at the University of Virginia and a distinguished scholar in political research. His students have achieved Third Prizes and High Commendation Awards in the John Locke competition. | 2 group classes, 2 hours each class. 6 one-on-one classes, 1 hour each class. Total 10 hours of classes. |
| Law | Group class + one-on-one | PhD in National Law with a license to practice law in the U.S. 100% of her students were shortlisted. Has served for years as a national judge for the U.S. Scholastic Writing Awards and as editor-in-chief of a law journal, with publications in several renowned legal journals. | 2 group classes, 2 hours each class. 8 one-on-one classes, 1 hour each class. Total 12 hours of classes. |
| Psychology | Group class + one-on-one | A psychology professor at the College of William & Mary, with over 20 years of teaching experience. He has conducted research and taught at several top U.S. universities and holds a Ph.D. from Emory University. He has a strong track record of mentoring undergraduate students in hands-on, real-world research projects. | 2 group classes, 2 hours each class. 8 one-on-one classes, 1 hour each class. Total 12 hours of classes. |
| Theology | One-on-one classes | He is a philosophy professor at a top public university with nearly 20 years of teaching experience. A published author, he has contributed papers to leading academic journals and is currently working on two books. He holds a PhD in Philosophy and a master’s degree from UC Berkeley. He has guided multiple students to awards in Philosophy and Theology competitions, achieving a 100% success rate. | At least 10 hours of classes, with the option to add more hours depending on the student’s specific situation and needs. |
| Philosophy | Group class + one-on-one | He is a philosophy professor at a top public university with nearly 20 years of teaching experience. A published author, he has contributed papers to leading academic journals and is currently working on two books. He holds a PhD in Philosophy and a master’s degree from UC Berkeley. He has guided multiple students to awards in Philosophy and Theology competitions, achieving a 100% success rate. | 2 group classes, 2 hours each class. 8 one-on-one classes, 1 hour each class. Total 12 hours of classes. |
| Public Policy | One-on-one classes | Students can choose from several experienced instructors, who are all college-level professors. | At least 10 hours of classes, with the option to add more hours depending on the student’s specific situation and needs. |
| International Relations | One-on-one classes | Students can choose from several experienced instructors, who are all college-level professors. | At least 10 hours of classes, with the option to add more hours depending on the student’s specific situation and needs. |
| Science & Technology | One-on-one classes | Students can choose from several experienced instructors, who are all college-level professors. | At least 10 hours of classes, with the option to add more hours depending on the student’s specific situation and needs. |
🏆 2022-2025 Aralia Students’ Achievements
Aralia students have achieved outstanding success in the John Locke Essay Competition over the past 4 years!
✨ 2022: 14 global awards (including 1 Global Grand Prize and 1 Global Gold Medal)
✨ 2023: 20 global awards (including 1 Global Bronze Medal in Politics)
✨ 2024: 55 global awards
✨ 2025: 47 global awards
Feedback
Students and their parents will receive brief feedback after each class regarding the student’s general participation in class. Students will also receive feedback on graded assignments via email.
Recommended Readings
To best prepare for this program, we recommend reading:
