What is a GLOBAL ESSAY COMPETITION?

Hosted by The Harvard Crimson, a student organisation at Harvard College, the Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition provides a platform for young, ambitious high school students to exercise their writing skills and compete with peers from around the world!

This competition encourages students to challenge themselves and explore different writing styles to ultimately strengthen their writing skills.

DEVELOP

writing SKILLS

Hone written communication skills and challenge yourself with university-style guidelines, while in high school.

Add a high-impact achievement to your CV/resume and/or university application.

Have your essays evaluated, and possibly endorsed, by The Harvard Crimson.

Prepare for university-style writing and expand your repertoire.

NO BARRIERS

TO

ENTRY

The entire competition is held online, removing geographical barriers to entry.

Workshops and webinars will guide participants through the competition.

Represent your country and region on the global stage.

Compete and network with highly-motivated and talented students invited from every country around the world.

EXCLUSIVE PRIZES

UP FOR GRABS

Published work on the official HCGEC website.

Exclusive internships with The Harvard Crimson.

Crimson credit with Crimson Education to help reach individual goals.

Generous cash prizes.

HCGEC 2025 Timeline

What makes The Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition different from other competitions?

HCGEC is brought to you by The Harvard Crimson and Crimson Education. These two powerhouses provide an experience like no other.

Each participant is invited to attend best-in-class bootcamps, explore careers in writing, and compete for exclusive opportunities and global recognition! Check out the HCGEC 2025 Prizes for more details!

Have you dreamt of careers such as: editor, columnist, reporter, communications specialist, social media manager, or marketing professional? There are so many awesome careers to explore if you enjoy writing.

participant-exclusive bootcamps

HCGEC 2025 provides exclusive and on-demand bootcamps to help participants develop university-level writing competencies and learn about career paths. Learn more here!

HCGEC 2024 PROMPTS

Featured
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HOW DOES YOUR PERSONAL HISTORY SHAPE WHO YOU ARE?
HOW DOES YOUR PERSONAL HISTORY SHAPE WHO YOU ARE?
WRITE A STORY ABOUT A CHARACTER GAINING THE ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE WITH ANIMALS. EXPLORE THE CHALLENGES, JOYS, AND UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCES OF THIS CONNECTION WITH THE NATURAL WORLD.
WRITE A STORY ABOUT A CHARACTER GAINING THE ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE WITH ANIMALS. EXPLORE THE CHALLENGES, JOYS, AND UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCES OF THIS CONNECTION WITH THE NATURAL WORLD.
CRAFT A NARRATIVE FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF A CHARACTER PERCEIVING THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY. EXPLORE HOW THE UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE INFLUENCES RELATIONSHIPS, DECISIONS, AND THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF REALITY.
CRAFT A NARRATIVE FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF A CHARACTER PERCEIVING THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY. EXPLORE HOW THE UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE INFLUENCES RELATIONSHIPS, DECISIONS, AND THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF REALITY.
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TAKE A POSITION ON GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE.
TAKE A POSITION ON GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE.
DISCUSS THE BENEFITS OF CROSS-CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING, COOPERATION, AND EDUCATION’S ROLE IN FOSTERING GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP.
DISCUSS THE BENEFITS OF CROSS-CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING, COOPERATION, AND EDUCATION’S ROLE IN FOSTERING GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP.
EVALUATE THE PROS AND CONS OF PRIVATE SPACE EXPLORATION VERSUS INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS. ARGUE FOR THE MOST EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO ADVANCING HUMAN EXPLORATION AND UNDERSTANDING OF OUTER SPACE.
EVALUATE THE PROS AND CONS OF PRIVATE SPACE EXPLORATION VERSUS INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS. ARGUE FOR THE MOST EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO ADVANCING HUMAN EXPLORATION AND UNDERSTANDING OF OUTER SPACE.
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WHO IS A FIGURE IN YOUR COMMUNITY WHO TOOK INITIATIVE TO SPARK MEANINGFUL CHANGE?
WHO IS A FIGURE IN YOUR COMMUNITY WHO TOOK INITIATIVE TO SPARK MEANINGFUL CHANGE?
WHAT SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVEMENT GAINED ATTENTION THROUGH WIDESPREAD SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE?
WHAT SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVEMENT GAINED ATTENTION THROUGH WIDESPREAD SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE?
SHINE A LIGHT ON THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN IN INFORMAL ECONOMIES GLOBALLY. INVESTIGATE THE CHALLENGES THEY FACE, THE IMPORTANCE OF RECOGNISING THEIR WORK AND POTENTIAL POLICY MEASURES TO IMPROVE THIS
SHINE A LIGHT ON THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN IN INFORMAL ECONOMIES GLOBALLY. INVESTIGATE THE CHALLENGES THEY FACE, THE IMPORTANCE OF RECOGNISING THEIR WORK AND POTENTIAL POLICY MEASURES TO IMPROVE THIS

About the competition

Find out more about the competition format, key dates, and upcoming webinars!

Resources

Find more about writing tips, past winners and their winning essays!

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The Harvard Crimson is a recognised student organisation at Harvard College.