Introduction to the John Locke Global Essay Competition Copy-Copy

The John Locke Global Essay Competition offers a prestigious platform for young, ambitious students to showcase their ability to think critically, write persuasively, and engage with challenging philosophical, political, and academic topics. Participants tackle complex, often open-ended prompts, developing core skills in reasoning, argumentation, and original thought.

With thousands of global submissions each year, this competition represents a valuable opportunity for students looking to distinguish themselves in college applications, academic communities, and beyond.

Categories and Age Groups

There are eight subject categories, each offering three prompts (except the Junior Prize, which includes five prompts). Submissions must be argumentative essays of no more than 2,000 words, excluding endnotes and bibliography.

Subject Categories:

• Philosophy: Tackle questions surrounding morality, human nature, and ethical responsibility.
• Politics: Address issues of governance, power, democracy, and civic structure.
• Economics: Explore capitalism, wealth distribution, and global economic systems.
• History: Examine turning points in civilization and analyze causation and consequence.
• Psychology: Study behavioral science, mental health, and cognitive processes.
• Theology: Debate spirituality, religious doctrine, and existential belief systems.
• Law: Investigate justice, rights, corporate ethics, and public policy.
• Junior Prize: Tailored for students aged 14 and under. Essays respond to broader interdisciplinary prompts with a foundational emphasis on debate and structure.

Age Groups:

• Ages 14 and under (Junior Prize only)
• Ages 14 to 18 (eligible for all categories)

Submission Requirements

File Format

Essays must be submitted in PDF format and follow a strict naming convention: FirstName-LastName-Category-QuestionNumber.pdf Example: Jane-Doe-Psychology-2.pdf

Academic Referee

Applicants must provide the email address of a school-affiliated academic referee who can verify the originality of the submission.

Application Timeline

• Registration Opens: April 1
• Registration Closes: May 31
• Submission Deadline: June 30
• Late Submission Deadline: July 10 (subject to $20 USD late fee)
• Shortlist Notification: July 31
• Academic Conference & Awards Dinner: September 20–22

Entry Fees

There is no entry fee if submitted by June 30. Late submissions are accepted until July 10 with a $20 late fee.

Sample Past Prompts

Each subject presents unique angles. Examples include:

• Philosophy: Should I be held responsible for what I believe?
• Politics: Is there such a thing as too much democracy?
• Economics: Do successful businesspeople benefit others when making their money, when spending it, both, or neither?
• History: Why was sustained economic growth so rare before the 18th century?
• Psychology: What is the difference between a psychiatric illness and a character flaw?
• Theology: Does God reward those who believe in Him? If so, why?
• Law: Should a company be permitted to refuse service based on someone’s public statements?

Tips for Writing a Winning Essay

1. Understand the Prompt

Break it down. Identify assumptions. Define key terms.

2. Establish a Framework

Use a structured outline. Clearly present arguments and counterpoints.

3. Integrate Theory

Incorporate ideas from classic and contemporary scholars (e.g., Locke, Hobbes, Sen).

4. Showcase Original Thinking

Avoid generic responses. Use case studies, personal experiences, and lesser-known theories.

5. Polish the Final Draft

Edit multiple times. Read aloud. Get feedback from a mentor. Double-check grammar, clarity, and citations.

Award Tiers

With over 35,000 applicants, only a small percentage receive top recognition:

• Commendation / Merit: Clear structure, logical flow, and sound arguments.
• High Commendation: Excellent insight, clarity, and originality.
• Very High Commendation: Top 1% of all submissions.

Prizes

• Category Winners: $2,000 scholarship towards John Locke Institute programs.
• Grand Prize: $10,000 scholarship (selected from top category winners).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the prompt
• Lack of structure or focus
• Overly complex language or vague reasoning
• Submitting a first draft without revision
• Failing to cite sources or give credit

How AtomicMind Can Help

Students enrolled in AtomicMind’s John Locke Master Class receive strategic guidance, expert mentorship, and editorial support throughout the process. Of our 2024 Master Class cohort, 83% received a distinction or higher.

We help with:

• Selecting the right category
• Breaking down prompts
• Structuring and outlining
• Iterative editing
• Final polish

FAQs

Can I submit in more than one category?
Yes. You may enter multiple categories but must register by the deadline.

Will I receive feedback?
No. Due to volume, the competition does not provide individualized feedback.

Can I quote philosophers or scholars?
Absolutely. Just make sure to cite properly and keep your essay original.

What happens after submission?
Your essay is reviewed by multiple rounds of readers. Finalists are shortlisted and invited to the academic conference.

How much time should I spend preparing?
Expect to invest 15–40 hours from ideation through revision.

Ready to Compete?

Contact AtomicMind to join the 2025 Master Class and start crafting a prize-worthy essay today.

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