The John Locke Essay Competition: Everything You Need to Know

In the competitive world of academia, standing out from the crowd is essential, especially when applying to prestigious universities. One of the most effective ways for high school students to demonstrate their academic abilities is by entering the John Locke Essay Competition. Named after the renowned English philosopher, the competition invites young minds to explore philosophical, political, and social issues through well-crafted essays. With participants from around the globe, this competition offers not only recognition but also valuable skills that can set students apart in their academic and professional journeys.

In this blog, we'll explore the John Locke Essay Competition in detail, covering who can apply, what the competition is about, when to apply, the benefits of participating, and how students can best prepare for it.

What Is the John Locke Essay Competition?

The John Locke Essay Competition, organized by the John Locke Institute, is an international essay contest that challenges students to think critically and write persuasively on topics across various disciplines, including Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Psychology, and Law. The competition honors the legacy of John Locke by encouraging students to engage with challenging questions that promote intellectual curiosity and deeper understanding.

Each year, the competition provides a list of questions across these categories, allowing students to choose one that resonates with their interests. Participants must then submit an essay of up to 2,000 words that addresses the chosen question with clarity, original thought, and a well-supported argument.

The competition offers two main categories:

• Junior Prize: For students aged 14 years or younger as of June 30, 2024.

• Senior Prize: For students aged 18 years or younger as of June 30, 2024.

The competition is open to students from any country and educational background, providing a truly global platform for young thinkers.

Who Can Apply?

The John Locke Essay Competition welcomes participants from around the world, with no restrictions on nationality or academic background. The only requirement is age:

• Junior Category: Students aged 14 years or younger by the competition deadline (June 30, 2024) are eligible to participate in the junior category.

• Senior Category: Students aged 18 years or younger by the same deadline can compete in the senior category.

This age-based categorization ensures that students at different stages of their academic journey are evaluated fairly. Whether you’re a younger student just starting to explore complex ideas or an older student with more developed writing and research skills, there is a place for you in the competition.

When Can Students Apply?

Timing is crucial for students interested in entering the competition. Here are the key dates for the 2024 John Locke Essay Competition:

• Registration opens: April 1, 2024

• Registration deadline: May 31, 2024

• Essay submission deadline: June 30, 2024

• Late entry deadline: July 10, 2024 (subject to a $20 fee)

• Shortlisted candidates notified: July 31, 2024

• Academic conference: September 20-22, 2024

• Awards dinner: September 21, 2024

Registration is a necessary step before submitting your essay. You can register any time between April 1 and May 31, and once registered, you can begin preparing your essay. The submission deadline is June 30, 2024, with an option for late submission until July 10, subject to a small fee. It’s always a good idea to submit your essay well in advance of the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

What Are the Benefits of Participating?

The John Locke Essay Competition offers a range of benefits, making it a valuable opportunity for high school students looking to enhance their academic profiles and develop their intellectual abilities. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Strengthening College Applications

For students applying to highly competitive universities, participating in the John Locke Essay Competition can significantly enhance their college applications. Being shortlisted or winning the competition demonstrates a student’s ability to think critically, engage with complex ideas, and communicate their thoughts clearly—skills that are highly sought after by prestigious institutions.

2. Developing Critical Thinking and Writing Skills

Writing an essay for the competition involves deep critical thinking. Students must analyze the chosen question, develop a strong argument, and structure their ideas in a way that is both logical and persuasive. This process helps students hone their writing skills, a critical asset for both academic success and future careers.

3. Scholarship Opportunities

Winning essays in each subject category come with financial rewards. The prize for each category winner is a $2,000 scholarship toward attending any John Locke Institute program. The overall best essay receives an honorary John Locke Junior Fellowship and a $10,000 scholarship toward attending one or more of the Institute’s summer schools or visiting scholar programs.

4. Recognition and Networking

Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend an academic conference and the awards dinner in London. These events provide an opportunity to meet other academically talented students, interact with John Locke Institute faculty members, and engage in stimulating intellectual discussions. This networking experience can be invaluable for students looking to build connections with like-minded peers and experts in their chosen field.

5. Global Exposure

Being published on the John Locke Institute’s website provides students with a platform for global recognition. This exposure is especially beneficial for students pursuing careers in academia, law, politics, or public policy, as it offers a chance to share their ideas with a broader audience.

How Can Students Prepare for the Competition?

Preparing for the John Locke Essay Competition requires a strategic approach. Here are steps to help students get ready:

1. Choose a Topic That Inspires You

Each year, the competition offers essay questions across various disciplines. To succeed, students should choose a question that genuinely interests them. Whether it's a philosophical debate or a political issue, selecting a topic that resonates with you will make the research and writing process more enjoyable and engaging.

2. Conduct Thorough Research

Strong essays are built on solid research. Students should dive into academic sources, primary documents, and expert analyses to build a comprehensive understanding of their chosen topic. This research will allow students to develop well-supported arguments and provide evidence to back up their claims.

3. Develop a Clear and Persuasive Argument

A great essay hinges on a clear thesis statement and a well-structured argument. Students should outline their main points and ensure that each paragraph builds on the next, creating a cohesive and persuasive narrative. The ability to anticipate and address counter-arguments is also key to a successful essay.

4. Write, Revise, and Refine

The first draft is just the beginning. After completing the initial version of the essay, students should review it for clarity, coherence, and flow. Revision is critical to producing a polished essay. Seeking feedback from teachers or mentors can also provide valuable insights and help identify areas for improvement.

5. Follow Submission Guidelines

Essays must be submitted as PDFs with a specific file naming format (e.g., FirstName-LastName-Category-QuestionNumber.pdf). The essay should not exceed 2,000 words, and it must include endnotes and a bibliography where necessary. It’s also important that the student’s name does not appear in the document itself to maintain anonymity during the judging process.

Key Points About Submission and Assessment

• No Entry Fee: Entry into the competition is free.

• Word Limit: Essays must not exceed 2,000 words.

• Format: Essays must be submitted as PDFs and must follow a specific file naming format.

• Endnotes and Bibliography: Candidates are allowed to use endnotes and must include a bibliography, but footnotes are not permitted.

Essays are judged on several criteria, including knowledge of the subject, use of evidence, quality of argument, originality, structure, and persuasive force. The best essays will be those capable of changing someone's mind by presenting a well-reasoned argument that addresses counterpoints.

Conclusion

The John Locke Essay Competition offers high school students a unique opportunity to showcase their intellectual abilities, develop critical thinking skills, and gain recognition on a global platform. Whether you’re passionate about philosophy, politics, economics, or history, this competition encourages you to engage deeply with complex ideas and contribute to academic discourse.

For students aiming for prestigious universities or those simply looking to challenge themselves academically, participating in the John Locke Essay Competition is a great way to stand out. Start preparing now—this could be the first step toward making your mark on the world of ideas!