Fountainhead High School Essay Contest
Scholarship Sponsored by Ayn Rand Institute
What inspires a person to insist on his vision when faced with opposition? In The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand crafts a dramatic exploration of creativity, conviction, and the costs of independence in a culture that often rewards conformity. This influential novel continues to provoke thought and encourage readers with its unapologetic championing of individuality and original thinking. Prizes and Awards - Total prize pool: $40,000 - 9 winners will be chosen - Seasonal prize categories (each season): - First Place (seasonal): $3,000 - Second Place (seasonal): $2,000 - Third Place (seasonal): $1,000 - Annual Grand Prize: - The first-place essay from each season becomes eligible to compete for the yearly grand prize. - Grand prize opportunity: $22,000 Competition Structure - New essay prompts are released every three months (seasonal entry rounds). - You may enter any or all seasonal rounds. - The top three essays from each season receive cash awards. - Each season’s first-place winner moves on to contend for the annual first-place title and the $22,000 grand prize. Why Enter - Strengthen your college applications with a distinguished award. - Earn recognition from a respected international institution. - Gain exposure for your writing and ideas. How to Enter 1. Register - Click “Get Started” - Confirm your email address - Complete the registration form - After registering, you’ll receive immediate access to the book and the current essay prompts 2. Read The Fountainhead - Study the novel closely, noting characters, themes, and philosophical ideas. Enjoy the reading experience. 3. Write your essays - Answer the prompt(s) shown in your contest dashboard. - Requirements: - Submit in English only - Work must be original and unpublished - Include page citations for any quoted material - Adhere to the contest’s stated word limits 4. Submit your entry - Deadline: January 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT - One submission per student per entry round - Entries must be your own original work - After submission, watch for grading notifications and possible interview invitations Notes - Seasonal winners are selected each quarter; the first-place seasonal winners will advance to the annual competition for the grand prize. - Follow the submission rules closely to ensure your entry is eligible.
Go to Scholarship Application