# Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest The **Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest** is a prestigious and highly selective global affairs writing competition organized by the **Harvard International Review (HIR)**, a leading undergraduate journal on international relations. This program offers high school students in grades 9–12 the unique opportunity to submit thoughtful, analytical essays on pressing global issues, with the potential to have their work recognized and published by a world-renowned journal. Open to students across the globe, this contest encourages intellectual engagement with topics in global affairs, policy analysis, and international relations. ## Program Structure The contest is conducted entirely **virtually**, allowing students from any location to participate. The program typically involves the submission of an original academic essay on a topic related to global affairs, as specified by the Harvard International Review. Participants will be challenged to craft well-researched, concise, and persuasive pieces that demonstrate critical thinking and depth of understanding. Submissions are reviewed by a panel of experts, and the most outstanding essays are selected for recognition, with some potentially earning publication in the Harvard International Review. The timeline for the competition, including deadlines for essay submissions and announcement of results, varies by year. Students are encouraged to check the program’s official website for specific dates and additional guidelines. ## What Students Experience Participants in the Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest will engage in a rigorous academic exercise that hones their research, writing, and analytical skills. By tackling complex topics in international relations and policy analysis, students deepen their understanding of global issues and develop the ability to articulate nuanced arguments in a scholarly format. This competition also offers a unique platform for students to showcase their academic potential. For those whose work is selected for publication, the chance to feature in a distinguished journal read by global leaders, academics, and policymakers is an invaluable honor. While there is no formal mentorship component, students benefit from the challenge of producing work that meets the high standards of the Harvard International Review. ## Why It Matters for College Applications Participation in the Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest can significantly bolster a student’s college application. As a selective and globally recognized competition, it demonstrates a commitment to intellectual rigor, an interest in global affairs, and the ability to engage with complex ideas. For students who achieve recognition or publication, this program provides a standout achievement that highlights their writing skills, global awareness, and academic excellence to college admissions committees. ## Eligibility The contest is open to high school students in grades **9–12** from around the world. There are no geographic restrictions, and students from any country are welcome to participate. The competition is **free of cost**, making it accessible to all eligible students with an interest in global affairs and writing. ## How to Participate To participate in the Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest, students must submit an original essay that adheres to the competition’s guidelines and topic requirements. Detailed instructions regarding essay topics, word limits, formatting, and submission deadlines are available on the official Harvard International Review website. Students should carefully review all submission requirements and ensure their work is polished and aligns with the contest’s focus on global affairs, policy analysis, and international relations. Essays are typically submitted through an online portal, and students are encouraged to submit their work well before the deadline to avoid any technical issues. For more information and to access the application portal, visit the [Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest website](https://hir.harvard.edu).