The Signet Classics Student Scholarship Essay Contest

Name: Signet Classics Student Scholarship Essay Contest

Award Amount: $1,000 per recipient (five winners)

Information and Eligibility:
The Signet Classics Student Scholarship Essay Contest invites high-school juniors and seniors (or home-schooled students aged 16-18) to write an essay on one of five topics relating to a selected classic literary work (announced each year). Each winner receives a $1,000 scholarship and the winner’s school or public library receives a Signet Classics Library.
Eligibility criteria include:

• Academic Level: High school junior or senior (or home-schooled equivalent) attending a high school in the U.S. or D.C. or a U.S. home-schooled student aged 16-18.
• Residency/Enrollment: Applicant must reside in the United States (including D.C.) and be enrolled full-time in a qualifying high school or home-school program.
• Entry Procedure: An essay must be submitted by the student’s English teacher (on behalf of the student) or by a parent/guardian for home-schooled students. Each teacher may typically submit up to two entries (one junior and one senior) or per guidelines.

Application Requirements:

• Essay on one of the five listed topics for this year’s selected book (length often 2-3 double-spaced pages).
• Cover letter appended to the essay copies that includes: student’s full name, grade, address, email, phone; school name; teacher’s name and contact info (or parent/guardian info for home-schooled).
• For home-schooled students: separate certification that the student is eligible, with parent/guardian contact details and indication of home-school status.
• Multiple copies of submission (for example four copies) mailed to the designated contest address by the deadline.

Selection Criteria:

• Quality and originality of written essay—depth of literary analysis, clarity of argument, voice and style.
• Adherence to topic and guidelines, correct formatting, and submission completeness.
• Academic level and readiness—winners are juniors or seniors prepared to pursue higher education and demonstrate strong critical thinking.

Additional Details:

• There are five (5) winners each year, each receiving a $1,000 scholarship check plus a Signet Classics Library for the winner’s school or public library.
• The selected book changes annually (e.g., recent selections included Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain).

Deadline:

• April

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