John Locke Essay Competition Prep

In the John Locke Essay Competition Prep course, students will learn the ins and outs of essay writing, in preparation for entering the competition. We offer prep classes in all categories. Students will choose one topic, compose an original thesis and argument, and write an essay for submission. Students will engage in a guided analysis of primary and secondary sources, develop critical thinking skills, and discover interesting insights. In addition to the group classes, students will receive guidance on their individual projects from the instructor through one-on-one sessions.

Grade 6-12 students

Studying in the U.S or overseas

John Locke Essay Competition

Contest information

Small group and 1-on-1

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.
Economics	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.
History	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 Age Category	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

Aralia Students' Feeback

We’re delighted to share that our child has been shortlisted for the John Locke Essay Competition. Thank you, Elaine, for recommending Professor M. His guidance and support played a crucial role in this achievement.

6 Unique Business Ideas for High School Students

Grade 8, India

Shortlisted, John Locke Philosophy

We’re very grateful to all the teachers for their support and encouragement. Please pass along our special thanks to Professor P for everything he has done to help our child.

Grade 12, Illinois

Shortlisted, John Locke Economics

Thank you to all the teachers for your guidance, and special thanks to Elaine, my son's Aralia academic consultant, for her continued encouragement and support.

Grade 9, China

Shortlisted, John Locke History

Thank you, Professor M, for your guidance and support! Being shortlisted for the John Locke Philosophy Competition is such a wonderful achievement, and we’re truly grateful for the role you played in helping him reach this milestone.

Grade 8, Beijing

Shortlisted, John Locke Philosophy

My daughter has been shortlisted! We’re truly grateful to all the teachers for their guidance and support. Your classes have made such a meaningful difference in her learning.