Who is eligible to apply for the Ayn Rand Fountainhead Essay Contest?

This essay contest is open to 11th and 12th graders in high schools around the world. It is also open to home-schooled students. Unless students won a first-place prize, they are eligible to apply again.

Applicants have a choice of three different topics to write about.  Essays will be judged on both style and content. Judges will look for writing that is clear, articulate and logically organized. Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of The Fountainhead.

How do you apply for the Ayn Rand Fountainhead Essay Contest?

There is no formal application due other than the essay, which must be written in English. The essay should be a minimum of 800 and a maximum of 1600 words, and should be double spaced throughout. The essay should be reflective of the student’s best writing, so be sure to proofread from start to finish. A detailed cover letter that includes the applicants name, address, email (if applicable), school, grade level, and the topic selected (and only one topic is eligible) is required. Finally, if the essay is part of a class assignment, the applicant should include the name of the teacher who assigned it.

How much are the Ayn Rand Fountainhead Essay Contest awards worth?

There are four levels of prizes, and 59 will be given out in total:

FIRST PRIZE: $10,000
3 SECOND PRIZES: $2,500
5 THIRD PRIZES: $500
50 FINALISTS: $50

These awards are paid to the winners in cash, and there are not restrictions on how the winner spends the money!

When is the application deadline for the Ayn Rand Fountainhead Essay Contest ? 

The essay must be postmarked no later than May 28, 2020. The lucky winners will be notified in July, 2020.