Early Bird Registration is Open!

The
HARVARD CRIMSON
GLOBAL ESSAY COMPETITION

A fully virtual writing challenge for motivated middle and high school students around the world. Through university-style prompts, global competition and plentiful learning resources, students will sharpen their writing and gain international recognition that builds university applications.

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Why top students Join HCGEC

Win big

Win up to $1,000 in prizes, plus matching Crimson mentorship credit
Earn a place in the Harvard Crimson Summer Journalism Course
Get your winning essay published, with a certificate of achievement
Special awards for English Language Learners and junior writers

See all essay competition prizes
Build writing skills

Tackle university-style prompts in creative, argumentative or journalistic writing
Learn from expert-led live webinars and 13 on-demand writing lectures
Have your essay evaluated by expert judges, and possibly endorsed by HCGEC
Strengthen your university application, resume or portfolio
No barriers to entry

100% online and open to students aged 10 –18 around the globe
Join best-in-class bootcamps, webinars and a global network virtually
Compete and network with highly-motivated students from around the world
Explore your future

Challenge yourself and expand your writing repertoire
Explore a variety of careers that speak to your enjoyment of writing
Whether you’re dreaming of journalism, media, marketing or communications, let this be your starting point

WHICH WRITER are you?

Select from three distinct writing tracks designed to challenge your perspective and amplify your voice.

CREATIVE

Love making things up?

Pick this if you get lost in stories, dream up “what ifs” or love imagining life through someone else’s eyes. You’ll write a story that brings a character, world or moment to life.

Read a winning essay →
argumentative

Always ready to make your case?

Pick this if you love a good debate, have strong opinions about how the world should work, or enjoy proving a point. You’ll take a side on a big question and back it up with evidence.

Read a winning essay →
journalistic

Curious about what’s really going on?

Pick this if you notice things others miss, love asking questions, or want to spotlight people in your community. You’ll investigate a real issue and report what you find.

Read a winning essay →