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    Competition Prep Guide

    John Locke Institute Essay Competition

    Oxford-graded international essay competition across 7 humanities subjects.

    Eligibility

    • Under 19 as of June 30 of the competition year
    • Open to students worldwide
    • Solo submissions only — one essay per subject category
    • 2,000-word maximum (excluding diagrams, footnotes, bibliography)

    Annual Timeline

    1. Late Spring

      Annual prompts released across 7 subjects + Junior Prize

    2. Jun 30

      Submission deadline (online portal)

    3. August

      Shortlist announced; finalists invited to interview

    4. September

      Awards ceremony in Oxford (in-person or virtual)

    Preparation Strategy

    1

    Pick the question, not the subject

    Each subject offers 3 prompts. Choose the prompt where you have a genuine, defensible thesis — not the subject you're 'supposed' to enter.

    2

    Read the past winning essays

    John Locke publishes winners and shortlisted essays. Studying 5–10 winners reveals the expected level of argumentation.

    3

    Argue one thesis precisely

    2,000 words forces precision. The strongest essays defend a single, narrow claim with rigorous engagement with counterarguments.

    4

    Engage real philosophical literature

    Citing Mill, Rawls, Nozick, Smith, etc. is expected — but only when you genuinely engage with their arguments rather than name-dropping.

    Common Pitfalls

    • Trying to cover too much — 2,000 words rewards depth over breadth.
    • Using academic jargon to mask weak reasoning.
    • Ignoring the strongest counterargument to your thesis.

    Official Resources

    Book Strategy Session

    Get a personalized prep plan for John Locke Institute Essay Competition from a senior counselor.

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