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
Key milestones and deadlines for the Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
July: Submission Deadline
August - September: Interview Period
October 3: Grading Complete
October 10: Winners Announced
View Scholarship
Scholarship Value: $3,000
Awards Available: 9
Award Deadline: Register to View