Are you a student with a passion for writing and a keen interest in exploring profound questions? The prestigious John Locke Institute Essay Competition offers an unparalleled platform to showcase your talents and gain recognition on a global scale. Open to students worldwide, this competition invites young, bright minds to delve into stimulating topics across a range of academic disciplines. If you’re looking to challenge yourself and elevate your academic profile, the John Locke Essay Competition 2024 is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss.
Key Dates and Deadlines for the 2024 Competition
Staying organized is crucial for any competition. Here are the essential dates you need to mark in your calendar for the John Locke Institute Essay Competition 2024:
- Registration Opens: April 1, 2024
- Registration Deadline: May 31, 2024 (Registration is mandatory for participation)
- Submission Deadline: June 30, 2024 (11:59 pm BST)
- Late Entry Deadline: July 10, 2024 (with a late entry fee and payable by July 1st)
- Notification of Shortlisted Essayists: July 31, 2024 (by 11:59 pm BST)
- Academic Conference: September 20 – 22, 2024
- Awards Dinner: September 21, 2024
Ensure you register before the May 31st, 2024 deadline to be eligible to submit your essay. Early submission is highly encouraged to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
Who Can Participate in the John Locke Essay Competition?
The John Locke Institute Essay Competition is open to students from any country. To be eligible for this year’s competition, candidates must be eighteen years old or younger on the submission deadline, June 30, 2024. There is also a Junior Prize category for younger students, specifically those who are fourteen years old or younger on the same date. This inclusive approach ensures that talented students of various age groups have the chance to participate and be recognized.
Submission Guidelines: Crafting a Winning Essay
To ensure your entry to the John Locke Essay Competition is successful, it’s vital to adhere to the submission guidelines meticulously. Here’s what you need to know:
- Free Entry: Participation in the competition is entirely free of charge.
- Essay Focus: Each essay must address only one of the provided questions within your chosen subject category.
- Word Limit: Essays must not exceed 2000 words, excluding diagrams, data tables, endnotes, bibliography, and the authorship declaration.
- Filename Format: Save your essay as a PDF file with the following naming convention:
FirstName-LastName-Category-QuestionNumber.pdf. For example, if Jane Doe is submitting an essay for question 1 in the Philosophy category, the filename should be:Jane-Doe-Philosophy-1.pdf. Incorrectly named files will be rejected. - Anonymity: Your name should not appear anywhere within the essay document itself to ensure impartial judging.
- Footnotes and Endnotes: While footnotes are not allowed, you may include endnotes and a clearly titled bibliography if necessary.
- Academic Referee: You will need to provide the email address of an academic referee, preferably a school teacher, who can verify the originality of your work. The John Locke Institute will contact your referee to confirm that the submitted essay is your original work.
- Submission Portal: Essays must be submitted online through the designated portal: here.
Submitting your essay well before the deadline is strongly recommended to avoid any potential complications.
Late Entry Option
Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes deadlines are missed. The John Locke Institute offers a late entry option under specific conditions:
- Late Entry Fee: A non-refundable late entry fee of 20.00 USD must be paid by credit card within 24 hours of the original June 30th deadline.
- Extended Submission Deadline: Late entries must be submitted by 11.59 pm BST on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
To utilize the late entry option, log into your account, select the late entry option, and complete the payment process.
How Your Essay Will Be Assessed
The John Locke Institute employs a proprietary grading system to evaluate essays. Essays are rigorously assessed based on several criteria, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation process:
- Knowledge and Understanding: Demonstrating a solid grasp of the relevant subject matter.
- Use of Evidence: Competent and effective utilization of supporting evidence.
- Quality of Argumentation: Logical reasoning, clear and well-supported arguments.
- Originality: Fresh perspectives and insightful thinking.
- Structure: Well-organized and coherent essay structure.
- Writing Style: Clarity, precision, and persuasive writing.
- Persuasive Force: The ability to present arguments that can potentially change a reader’s perspective.
Essays that effectively address counter-arguments and objections are more likely to stand out. It is crucial to answer the chosen question directly and precisely. The John Locke Institute also utilizes various methods to detect plagiarism, AI use, and other forms of academic dishonesty.
Prizes and Recognition Await
The John Locke Essay Competition offers significant rewards and recognition for outstanding essayists:
- Commendation and Shortlisting: Top essay writers will receive a commendation and be shortlisted for prizes.
- Invitation to London: Shortlisted candidates are invited to an exclusive academic conference and awards dinner in London in September.
- Subject Category Prizes: The winner in each subject category and the Junior category winner will receive a US$2000 scholarship towards any John Locke Institute program. Winning essays will also be published on the Institute’s website, providing excellent exposure.
- Overall Best Essay Prize: The candidate who submits the best essay overall will be awarded the prestigious John Locke Institute Junior Fellowship, accompanied by a US$10,000 scholarship for John Locke Institute summer schools and/or visiting scholars programs.
- eCertificates: All shortlisted candidates, including prize winners, will receive eCertificates acknowledging their achievement. Winners attending the London ceremony will receive signed certificates.
Attending the academic conference and awards dinner in London is not mandatory to win a prize.
Contact Information
For any queries regarding the essay competition, please contact: [email protected]. Due to the high volume of inquiries, please check the website for answers to common questions before reaching out.
The John Locke Essay Competition 2024 is a remarkable opportunity to challenge yourself academically, gain recognition for your writing, and potentially win scholarships to further your education. Register today and embark on the journey of crafting a compelling essay that could set you apart!
