WHAT IS HCGEC?

The Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition (HCGEC) brings together ambitious high school students (aged 13 - 18) from around the world with a passion for, or interest in writing. This competition is an annual opportunity for students to showcase their talents on a global stage, compete to win exclusive educational opportunities and prizes, and explore different possibilities of a future in writing.

Who are the partners?

The two Principal Partners of HCGEC are The Harvard Crimson and Crimson Education. Find out more about our partners here.

are there prizes?

The 2025 Global Prizes are exceptional and include exclusive Free spot on the The Harvard Crimson Summer Journalism Course, the opportunity to have work published and endorsed by two global educational organizations, and much more!

Where Does it take place?

The competition is hosted completely online, breaking down geographical barriers and providing students from all over the world access to explore and develop their writing interests.

What Style Should the essays be written in?

HCGEC believes that it’s important to cater to students with different interests, and therefore provides prompts from three different tracks: creative, argumentative (or persuasive), and journalistic. Each participant selects a prompt at the beginning of the competition and will submit a 500-word (max) essay.

What Is The Selection Process?

The top five essays from each track (creative, argumentative, journalistic) per region will be invited to the global final round of the competition where three global winners for each track will be selected.

Why should you join?

Global competitions are the perfect stepping stone to develop real-world experience, in theory, learned in the classroom, and to network with peers.

The top nine global winners will have their work endorsed by The Harvard Crimson, featured on the Official HCGEC Website, and have internships with “The Crimson” Team. These are all highlights that will no doubt, make a university application stand out!

What is aN ESSAY compETITION?

Participants in an essay competition select a prompt from the options provided to showcase their critical thoughts, creative ideas, and written communication skills.

Each competitor will be permitted to submit one essay before the submission closing date.

Each essay will be marked in accordance with the marking rubric and against other competitors in each region and round.

The most impressive submissions qualify in the regional round and go head to head in the global final.

Winning strategies require creativity, a clear organization of thoughts, and a ‘good hook’. While competition formats may differ, the key is for students to develop, explore, and demonstrate writing skills in an exciting way! Check out some great resources here.