Fountainhead High School Essay Contest

Scholarship Value: $3,000

Awards Available: 9

Award Deadline: Jan 31, 2026


What drives a man to pursue his vision against all odds? In The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand weaves an electrifying tale of innovation, integrity, and the price of independence in a world that celebrates conformity. This enduring classic continues to challenge and inspire readers with its bold defense of individualism and creativity.

First Prize: $3,000

For the top essay in the The Fountainhead contest

Total Prize Pool: $40,000

9 Winners Selected

Prize Categories Include: 1

First Place ($3,000) Seasonal top prize

Second Place ($2,000) Seasonal runner-up prize

Third Place ($1,000) Seasonal recognition prize

College Application Enhancement

Add distinction to your applications with this prestigious award

Professional Recognition

Gain recognition from a globally respected institution

Seasonal Prompts

Every three months there is a new seasonal entry round, with its own unique essay prompts.

You may compete in any or all of these entry rounds.

Seasonal Winners

The top three essays from each season will be awarded a cash prize.

The first-place essay from each season will advance to compete for the annual grand prize.

Annual Grand Prize

The first-place essay from each season will be eligible to contend for the annual first-place title.

Opportunity to secure a grand prize of $22,000.

Entry Requirements

Follow these steps to submit your essay for the The Fountainhead essay contest

1. Register for the Contest

Get immediate access to the book and essay prompts.

  • Click 'Get Started'
  • Verify your email address
  • Complete the registration form
  • Access book and essay prompts instantly

2. Read the Book

Read The Fountainhead carefully, paying close attention to the characters and the philosophical themes. And most importantly, enjoy the story!

3. Write Your Essays

Respond to each of the assigned prompts in the contest dashboard.

  • Written in English only
  • Is original and unpublished work
  • Includes page citations for quoted material
  • Is between the stated word limits

4. Submit Your Entry

Submit your essay by January 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT.

  • One submission per student per entry round
  • Essays must be your own original work
  • Stay tuned for grading updates and interview invitations
How to Apply:

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...

Owl Scholarship

Deadline: Jan 29, 2026
$50,000
ScholarshipOwl is your source of relief from the dreaded application process. We put students on the fast-track to success by providing direct access to the scholarships they need the most. Take the hassle out of financial aid and maximize your chance at a free ride in college. No matter how much funding you need for school, we have the opportunities...

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...