Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Brief Description
The Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest at The Ayn Rand Institute is a prestigious competition that challenges students to explore Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism through their writing. This essay contest provides a unique platform for students to showcase their critical thinking and writing skills while connecting with like-minded individuals who share their passion for Rand’s ideas.
Host Institution(s)
The Ayn Rand Institute, a nonprofit organization, is the primary host of the Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest. The institute was founded in 1985 to promote the philosophy of Ayn Rand, author of the renowned novels “Atlas Shrugged” and “The Fountainhead.”
Level/Field of Study
The Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest is open to high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students worldwide. All majors and areas of study are welcome to participate, as the focus is on the essay’s quality and presentation of ideas rather than the specific field of study.
Number of Awards
The Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest awards 84 cash prizes, totaling over $130,000 in prize money. There is one first-place prize of $25,000, three second-place prizes of $2,500, five third-place prizes of $500, and 50 finalist prizes of $100. Additionally, 25 semi-finalist prizes of $50 are awarded.
Target Group
This essay contest is open to all students worldwide, regardless of nationality or citizenship status. It specifically targets students who are passionate about Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism and are interested in exploring it further through their writing.
Scholarship Value/Inclusions
Aside from the cash prizes mentioned above, winning the Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest holds significant prestige and recognition within the Objectivist community. The winning essays, along with the second and third-place winners, will be published on the Ayn Rand Institute’s Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest website, providing a valuable opportunity for exposure and recognition.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest,
- Applicants must be high school seniors, undergraduate, or graduate students.
- They must also have read Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged” and write an essay of 800-1600 words on one of the three prompts provided on the Ayn Rand Institute’s website.
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Application Instructions
To apply for the Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest, students must submit their essays online through the official entry form available on the Ayn Rand Institute’s website. The deadline for submissions is 27 Dec 2025. Winners will be announced on January 22, 2026, on the Ayn Rand Institute’s website.
Official Website
For more information and to submit your entry for the Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest, visit the official website.