Deadline: 31-Oct-2025
Applicants are now invited to submit applications for the Fountainhead Essay Contest to offer students an extraordinary opportunity to engage with Ayn Rand’s novel and win substantial scholarship prizes.
The Fountainhead Essay Contest invites students to explore the philosophical themes and characters in Ayn Rand’s classic novel. By participating, students have the chance to win cash prizes ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 during seasonal rounds, with an opportunity to compete for the annual grand prize of $22,000. With a $40,000 total prize pool and the chance to win up to $25,000, this contest presents both financial rewards and academic distinction.
Every three months, the contest introduces new seasonal prompts that students can respond to. The top three essays from each season are awarded prizes, and first-place winners advance to compete for the grand prize. Judges evaluate entries based on clarity, organization, understanding of the novel’s philosophical meaning, and relevance to the prompt, not on whether the writer’s opinions align with the Institute.
To participate, students must register for the contest to gain access to the book and essay prompts, carefully read The Fountainhead, and submit an original essay written in English, adhering to the word limits and including proper citations. The process allows one submission per student per round, and students are encouraged to stay updated on grading and interview announcements.
Essays are due by October 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
For more information, visit The Ayn Rand Institute.