Ayn Rand Essay Contests

The Ayn Rand Essay Contests are annual international writing competitions that award scholarship prizes to students who write original essays on Ayn Rand's novels. Multiple contests run for different novels and grade levels, with prizes totaling up to $25,000. Contests include age- and level-specific categories (e.g., Anthem and The Fountainhead for middle and high school students; Atlas Shrugged for high school, college, and graduate students). Entrants submit original essays in response to set prompts and compete for scholarship awards and recognition.

Cash scholarship prizes (up to $25,000 total across contests) and recognition for winning essays.

Contests are open worldwide. The Anthem and The Fountainhead contests are open to middle and high school students ages 13 and older; the Atlas Shrugged contest is open to high school, college, and graduate students. All participants must be enrolled in school during the contest period. International students are welcome.

Create an account on the contest site, select the appropriate contest for grade level and novel, write original essays responding to prompts, and submit essays before the contest deadline.