Competition
The Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition 2027
Details
When: Thu 1 Oct
–
Provider: Harvard Crimson
Cost: US$20 entry fee
Applications close: February 23, 2027
Prizes: Up to US$1,000
Number of places: 12
Location: All
About this experience
The Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition (HCGEC) gives high school students around the world the chance to sharpen their writing while connecting with leading professionals and a community of future thinkers.
Submit a 500-word essay in response to your chosen prompt. You can choose from three categories: creative, argumentative or journalistic.
Global prizes for each category include:
- 1st place: US$1,000 + Crimson Mentorship Credit + Harvard Crimson Summer Journalism Course
- 2nd place: US$750 + Crimson Mentorship Credit + Harvard Crimson Summer Journalism Course
- 3rd place: US$500 + Crimson Mentorship Credit + Harvard Crimson Summer Journalism Course
- English Language Learner Award: US$100
- Junior Category (Ages 13-15): US$100
All winners will have their essays published on the official HCGEC website and receive a Certificate of Achievement.
Eligibility details
- Open to students aged 9-18 worldwide
- Essays must be written in English
- Each participant may submit one entry only
- Choose one prompt from one category
- Must respond to an official prompt from one of three categories:
- Creative
- Argumentative
- Journalistic
- Max 500 words (excluding citations, title and student name)
- Submission must be in Word document format (.doc) – Google Docs or Drive links will not be accepted
- Use Times New Roman size 11 with 1.5 spacing
- All submissions must be original work – entries will be screened for plagiarism and AI use
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