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Ayn Rand The Fountainhead Essay Contests
Location:
Virtual (online global participation)
Cost:
Free to enter
Contest Date:
Seasonal entry rounds—with Summer (March 11–June 7), Fall (June 21–September 13), Winter (September 27–December 20)
Application Deadlines:
Varies by season—Summer closes June 7, Fall closes September 13, Winter closes December 20
Eligibility:
Open to middle and high school students worldwide, ages 13 + (grades 8–12)
This annual writing contest from the Ayn Rand Institute invites students to write an 800–1,600‑word essay on a prompt related to The Fountainhead. Participants may enter multiple seasonal rounds. Essays are evaluated on clarity, logic, originality, and depth of engagement with Rand’s themes. Seasonal winners receive cash awards, and top entries compete annually for a grand prize of up to $25,000
Please note: This information is compiled from publicly available sources and may change from year to year. Dates, locations, fees, and other details are subject to updates—please verify all information directly on the official competition website before applying.
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