Best Critical Essay Writing Scholarships in 2024

This annual essay competition honors George Watt, a writer and lifelong activist central to the creation of ALBA. Students from anywhere in the world are invited to submit an essay or thesis chapter about any aspect of the Spanish Civil War, fascism in 1920s and 1930s, or the international volunteers who fought in support of the Spanish Republic from 1936 to 1938. The George Watt Prize is awarded in three categories: graduate, undergraduate, and pre-collegiate.

Phi Alpha Theta awards six prizes annually for outstanding papers written by members of the honor society. The essays should combine original historical research on significant subjects, based on source material and manuscripts if possible, with good English composition and superior style. Papers should not exceed 25 double-spaced pages in length and must be submitted by mail.

Keyser Law, P.A. created the Christopher W. Keyser Scholarship to provide financial support to students working towards a career in the legal field. Applicants must write an essay between 2,000 and 3,000 words on one of three legal topics. Completed applications must be submitted between May 1 and July 31 each year.

The scholarship essay contest is designed for students who are full-time, undergraduate students in an American college or university. Applicants will write and submit a 1,500-5,000 word essay on a topic related to Abraham Lincoln (a new prompt is given each year). The deadline is July 31st and judging will take place during the fall.

In the context of this year's presidential and congressional elections, make the case for keeping "God" and religion out of the political debates, and the dangers posed when public officials pander and mix religion with government (550-750 words). The Brian Bolton Essay Competition is open to any graduate students through the age 30, or to undergraduate students ages 25-30 who attend a North American college or university

The Marine Corps Essay Contest advances new thinking about how the U.S. Marine Corps will tackle the diverse and difficult security challenges of the 21st century. Dare to write about the toughest and most difficult issues; the topics that everyone knows need addressing, but some are hesitant to acknowledge. Essays should be 2,500 words maximum and this contest is open to all contributors.

Have you read Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged? Enter this Ayn Rand Institute essay contest for your chance to win the top prize of $25,000! To apply, submit a 800-1,600 word essay on one of three designated topics related to Atlas Shrugged. Entrants must be in 12th grade or college at the time of the contest deadline and are limited to one entry per student per contest.

Our merit-based scholarships are awarded twice per year to support and encourage women studying International Trade and Global Development. Applicants must identify as female and be enrolled at an accredited U.S. college as a junior, senior, or graduate student. Awards will be based on the quality of the assigned essay and the applicant's demonstrated interested in international trade.

The Leadership Essay Contest focuses on the roles of leadership and character in America's Sea Services. Junior officers (LCDR/Major and below) from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard are eligible to take part in this contest, and may write on the related topic of their choice. Essays should be 2,500 words maximum.

This award seeks to stimulate interest in the Westminster Shorter Catechism by challenging Presbyterian Church members, who are juniors or seniors at a Presbyterian college or university, to memorize and recite the catechism. To further demonstrate understanding of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, each applicant will write a 2,000-word essay on an assigned topic related to the catechism. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be read by a panel of chaplains.

The National New York Life Award, sponsored by the New York Life Foundation, provides six students whose works explore personal grief, loss, and bereavement with $1,000 scholarships. Additional state scholarships of $500 are available to two students from select states. Note that deadlines for all Scholastic Art & Writing Awards vary depending on your state.

The Civic Expression Award, sponsored by the Maurice R. Robinson Fund, provides six students whose works best promote responsible participation in civic life with $1,000 scholarships. This award is part of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Note that deadlines for all Scholastic Art & Writing Awards vary depending on your state.

We award small artist support grants ($500 – $1,500) to individual feminist women in the arts who are citizens in the U.S and Canada. We welcome applications from women artists and writers who exhibit high quality and originality, use feminism as their central interpretive lens, and validate and express intersectional views.

The purpose of the Norma Ross Walter Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to female graduates of Nebraska high schools who plan to enroll as English majors in accredited colleges or universities. Applicants must be female high school seniors who are prospective first year college students and plan to continue their education as English majors.

Receive up to $15,000 in funding and join a community of more than five hundred alumni now teaching in higher education. Applicants must submit all required materials including personal statements, academic writing samples, and an essay responding to the question: "What is the relationship between liberal education and a free society?”