Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

Scholarship Value: $3,000

Awards Available: 9

Award Deadline: Register to View


Win up to $25,000 in scholarship prizes

Write about Ayn Rand's novel Atlas Shrugged for a chance to win up to $25,000 in scholarship prizes. The contest is free to enter and is open to all students in 9th grade through graduate school.

Atlas Shrugged Contest Book Selection

Who is John Galt? In Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand's magnum opus, a crumbling society faces its greatest test when the brightest minds begin to disappear. This thought-provoking masterpiece explores what happens when the motor of the world stops—and challenges readers to question the very foundations of morality.

Contest Prizes

Win Up To $25,000

Compete for substantial cash prizes and earn recognition for your exceptional writing about Atlas Shrugged

First Prize $3,000

For the top essay in the Atlas Shrugged contest $40,000

Total Prize Pool 9

Winners Selected

Prize Categories Include:

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

Our Grading Standards

Understanding what our judges look for in winning essays

Our Judging Philosophy

Essays are judged on whether the student is able to justify and argue for his or her view, not on whether the Institute agrees with the view the student expresses.

Our 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.

Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of Atlas Shrugged.

Clarity

Clear and articulate writing that effectively communicates ideas

Organization

Logically organized arguments and well-structured content

Understanding

Outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of the novel

On Topic

Addresses all parts of the prompt with relevant content

Important Dates

Contest Timeline

Key milestones and deadlines for the Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

July 31: Submission Deadline

August - September: Interview Period

October 3: Grading Complete

October 10: Winners Announced

View Scholarship

Be Bold Scholarship

Deadline: Feb 01, 2026
$25,000
The "Be Bold" Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile. It takes less than 2 minutes to apply.To us, boldest does not mean "best", or "most accomplished". Being bold means being:EarnestDeterminedMovingThe scholarship will be awarded to the student whose profile is most bold, according to these characteristics.Furthermore, the scholarship will be...

No Essay Scholarship by Sallie

Deadline: Jan 31, 2026
$2,000
The $2,000 No Essay Scholarship by Sallie is only open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and any US Territory age 17 or older at the time of entry, and who meet one (1) of the four (4) following eligibility requirements at the time of entry:A parent who currently has a child enrolled in...

A Better Financial Future Scholarship

Deadline: Jan 31, 2026
$2,000
The Scholarship is open to all residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, age 17 or older at the time of entry. Employees and contractors of LeverEdge Association are ineligible to participate in the Scholarship Program. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply.SelectionOne (1) entry will be selected at random at the end of the...

$10,000
The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship.This scholarship...

Niche $25,000 Scholarship

Deadline: Mar 31, 2026
$25,000
Niche can help with every step of the college search including paying for it. We're giving one student $25,000 to help cover tuition, housing, books and other college expenses — no essay required!High school seniors who apply can also be eligible to receive acceptance (and scholarship!) offers from our Niche Direct Admissions partner colleges.Apply for our $25,000 No Essay Scholarship...

Faith Based College Scholarship

Deadline: Jan 31, 2026
$2,000
The Christian Connector offers various scholarship drawings for Christian/Faith Based colleges and universities. All of the information services provided by The Christian Connector are offered absolutely free!Eligibility:Students applying to the Faith Based College Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2026, 2027, 2028 or 2029) interested in attending a Christian/Faith Based university or college.About:The Christian Connector offers a...

New Year Scholarship Award

Deadline: Jan 31, 2026
$2,000
Since 1995, our mission has been to help connect students with the right schools for them. Carnegie Dartlet, the organization that houses CollegeXpress, is an educational publisher and higher education marketing agency. Every year, thousands of students across the United States and around the world discover their colleges using our websites, magazines, and services.To be eligible for the Scholarship you:A)...

Appily Easy Money Scholarship

Deadline: Jan 31, 2026
$1,000
The Appily scholarship application is fast and easy.Scholarship Eligibility: This scholarship is open to high school sophomores, juniors, and first semester senior students for all majors and schools. We will judge this scholarship based on other criteria such as volunteer work, extracurricular activities, special circumstances, etc.About the sponsors of the scholarship (EAB and Appily):EAB is the market leader in helping colleges...

10 Words or Less Scholarship

Deadline: Apr 15, 2026
$1,000
Scholarship Eligibility:A) Anyone who is between the ages of 14-25 who will be attending school in the Fall of 2026.B) This scholarship is provided by StudentScholarships.org. In order to apply for our scholarship follow these instructions:1. Go to www.facebook.com/myscholarships and place a comment on any post you see answering the question:In 10 words or less, tell us why you deserve...

Tillman Scholarship

Deadline: Feb 01, 2026
$40,000
The Pat Tillman Foundation recognizes remarkable service members, veterans, and military spouses as the next generation of leaders. Through academic scholarships, lifelong leadership development, and a global community of peers and supporters, the Foundation empowers these individuals to make a meaningful impact as they transition into their next chapter of service beyond self.Find eligibility requirements, scholar benefits, and step-by-step instructions...