General Information and Awards

The Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest challenges students to tackle the philosophy Objectivism in Ayn Rand's novel Atlas Shrugged. An intellectual mystery story, Atlas Shrugged integrates ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, politics, economics and sex (to read more about the book click here). Participants must read the book and write an essay on one of several possible essay topics which are posted on the website below. Judges will evaluate essays on both style and content, and particularly look for clear, articulate, and well organized writing. Winning essays "demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of Atlas Shrugged." The contest will award forty-nine prizes as follows:

First prize: $10,000
3 second prizes: $2,000
5 third prizes: $1,000
20 finalists: $100
20 semifinalists: $50

Rules

Graduating high-school seniors that will enter college in the fall and undergraduate students enrolled in a college-degree program are eligible to apply. The contest is open to students worldwide! Eligible essays must contain between 1,000 and 1,200 words on typewritten pages in double-spaced format. Contestants may submit their work electronically or via mail. Click here to view essay topics and rules.