AEI Econ Writing vs John Locke Essay: Which Program Is Right for You?
AEI's competition asks for policy-flavored economics writing judged by a Washington think tank; John Locke is the bigger global brand with seven subject categories and a heavily publicized award ceremony. AEI is the more contained commitment (one prompt, one essay); John Locke rewards a term of genuine reading. Neither charges an entry fee for the essay itself.
Below is a live side-by-side comparison of American Enterprise Institute High School Economics Writing Competition and John Locke Institute Essay Competition, built from ExtracurricularHub's verified catalog.
| AEI Econ Writing | John Locke Essay | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Application deadline | March 1, 2027 | May 31, 2027 |
| Grade eligibility | Grades 10–12 | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | Virtual / online | Virtual / online |
| Time commitment | Varies | ~5 hrs/week |
| Organizer | American Enterprise Institute | John Locke Institute |
American Enterprise Institute High School Economics Writing Competition
Economics essay competition from AEI. Analyze economic policy issues for prizes.
John Locke Institute Essay Competition
International essay competition in philosophy, politics, economics, history, and psychology for high school students, offering Oxford prizes and recognition for outstanding written arguments.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, AEI Econ Writing or John Locke Essay?
Both are free: neither AEI Econ Writing nor John Locke Essay charges a participation fee. Budget only for travel or materials if the program is in person.
Can I apply to both AEI Econ Writing and John Locke Essay?
Yes — applying to both is common and there's no penalty. Selective programs reject strong applicants routinely, so treating AEI Econ Writing and John Locke Essay as one combined chance is the smart strategy. Track both deadlines and reuse essay material where the prompts overlap.
Which is better for college applications, AEI Econ Writing or John Locke Essay?
Neither is automatically "better" — admissions readers care about what you did there, not the logo. AEI's competition asks for policy-flavored economics writing judged by a Washington think tank; John Locke is the bigger global brand with seven subject categories and a heavily publicized award ceremony. AEI is the more contained commitment (one prompt, one essay); John Locke rewards a term of genuine reading. Neither charges an entry fee for the essay itself. Pick the one whose work you'd actually finish, and go deep.
What grades can apply to AEI Econ Writing and John Locke Essay?
AEI Econ Writing: grades 10–12. John Locke Essay: grades 9–12. Eligibility can shift between cycles — confirm on each program's official page before planning your year around it.