85% of Aralia Students Place in Top Writing Competitions
John Locke Essay Contest and National History Day are well-known, have immense credibility, and attract participants from all over the world. However, their popularity also means they are fiercely competitive, making it challenging for students to stand out.
But here’s a hidden gem you might not have heard of: the David McCullough Essay Prizes, a history competition with unmatched academic value, a highly respected host institution, and a more focused participant base.
What Makes the David McCullough Essay Prizes Special?
The David McCullough Essay Prizes is organized by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, a non-profit organization widely regarded for its contributions to K-12 history education. With access to one of the most extensive collections of American historical documents, the Institute sets a high standard for historical research and scholarship.
Named in honor of David McCullough, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and lifelong trustee of the Institute, the competition emphasizes deep analysis and critical thinking. Participants must engage directly with historical documents, honing their research and analytical skills in the process.
The David McCullough Essay Prizes are organized by the highly reputable Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, a prominent name in the academic field of U.S. history. As a public charitable institution, the institute has received numerous awards and recognition from prominent organizations, including the White House, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Organization of American Historians.
Competition Date
Submissions will close at 8:00 PM ET on June 27, 2025.
Competition Categories
Interpretive Essay
- Word Count: 750–1,000 words (~3 pages)
- Analysis of one primary source from American history, 1491 to 2001, in the Gilder Lehrman Collection of more than 87,000 historical documents. The essay should fall within a word count range of 750-1,000 words (approximately 3 pages)
Research Essay
- Word Count: 1,500–2,500 words (~6 pages)
- Analysis of one primary source from American history, 1491 to 2001, in the Gilder Lehrman Collection of more than 87,000 historical documents. The essay should fall within a word count range of 750-1,000 words (approximately 3 pages).
Unlock Your Writing Potential: Students in Our Writing Competition Preparation Class Are More Likely to Secure Awards
Competition Prizes
- 1st Prize: $5,000 (plus $500 awarded to the school)
- 2nd Prize: $1,500 (plus $500 awarded to the school)
- 3rd Prize (5 winners): $500 each
Eligibility
This competition is open to high school students worldwide, but participants’ schools must be part of the Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School Program, which includes 35,926 schools globally.
For example, schools in Massachusetts, USA include:
- Lexington High School
- Groton School
- Boston Latin School
If your school isn’t currently an affiliate, you can request your teacher to apply on the competition’s official website.
Why Participate in the David McCullough Essay Prizes?
- Feedback from Esteemed Historians: Essays submitted to this competition are evaluated by a panel of experts in history and education. The feedback offers invaluable insights for students looking to refine their analytical and writing skills, making it a unique learning experience even for those who don’t win.
- Networking and Academic Opportunities: Students may access other academic programs, scholarships, and workshops designed to nurture their love for history. Participation in this competition can open doors to further educational opportunities and connect students with like-minded peers and mentors.
- Skill Development for Future Scholars: From research methodology to critical analysis and academic writing, the competition equips participants with essential skills for higher education. Engaging with primary sources fosters independent thinking, a trait highly valued in college applications.
Preparation for the Competition with Aralia
This course will guide students in writing exceptional essays in American history and help them hone their research and analytical skills for the David McCullough Essay Competition.
Instructor: A history professor at a renowned U.S. public university with nearly 25 years of teaching experience. He has successfully guided students to win awards in prestigious competitions such as the Harvard International Review (HIR) Competition. He has also published multiple history papers and has been invited to speak at major academic conferences, including those hosted by the American Historical Association.
