Anthem High School Essay Contest
Scholarship Sponsored by Ayn Rand Institute
Anthem, Ayn Rand's powerful novella, presents a gripping vision of a dystopian future where the word 'I' has been forgotten entirely.
Contest Prizes
Win Up To $3,000
Compete for substantial cash prizes and earn recognition for your exceptional writing about Anthem
First Prize $2,000
For the top essay in the Anthem contest
Prize Categories Include:
First Place ($2,000) Annual top prize
Second Place ($1,000) Annual runner-up prize
Third Place ($500) Annual recognition prize
College Application Enhancement
Add distinction to your applications with this prestigious award
Professional Recognition
Gain recognition from a globally respected institution
Contest Structure How It Works
Our annual Anthem contest is designed for 8th- to 10th-grade students exploring Ayn Rand's novella
Annual Contest
The Anthem contest runs once per year with a single entry period.
Submit your essay by the deadline: July 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time
Essay Topics
Respond to each of the assigned prompts in the contest dashboard.
Your essays should demonstrate understanding of the novel's philosophical themes.
Prize Categories
Essays are judged annually and the top three essays are awarded cash prizes.
Winners selected based on understanding, clarity, and originality of thought.
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 Anthem.
How to Enter
Entry Requirements
- Follow these steps to submit your essay for the Anthem essay contest
- 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
- Read the Book
- Read Anthem carefully, paying close attention to the characters and the philosophical themes. And most importantly, enjoy the story!
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
Submit Your Entry
- Submit your essay by July 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
- One submission per student per entry round
- Essays must be your own original work
- Stay tuned for grading updates and interview invitations