John Locke Essay Competition Prep

In this John Locke Essay Competition Prep course, students will learn the ins and outs of essay writing, in preparation for entering the competition. We offer prep classes in all categories: philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology, and law. Students will choose one topic, compose an original thesis and argument, and write an essay for submission. Students will engage in a guided analysis of primary and secondary sources, develop critical thinking skills, and discover interesting insights. In addition to the group lecture classes, students will receive guidance on their individual projects from the instructor, in one-on-one sessions.

Designed for

Grade 6-12 international or domestic students studying in the U.S or overseas

Contest Info

John Locke Essay Competition

Class format

One-on-one and small group (Max. 7 students/class)

Class Introduction

The John Locke Essay Competition Prep course has 8 different sections: philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology, law and junior prize tailored to student’s needs. Each session will assist students with writing an essay in response to one question in the list provided by the Institute.

The John Locke Institute encourages young people to cultivate the characteristics of great writers: independent thought, depth of knowledge, clear reasoning, critical analysis, and persuasive style. Students are challenged to explore various questions beyond their school’s curriculum. Previous years, our students were successfully shortlisted, earned High Commendation awards, Third Prizes and Grand Prizes in John Locke Essay Competition.

This course is designed to help high school students hone their writing skills and prepare for the prestigious John Locke Essay Competition. The competition challenges students to think critically and write a compelling essay on a topic related to philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology, and law. Throughout this course, students will learn how to analyze and evaluate complex philosophical and political ideas, develop their research and writing skills, and craft a well-supported and well-written argumentative essay.

Our experienced teachers will guide students through brainstorming, researching, outlining, drafting, and revising their essays. They will provide personalized feedback and suggestions to help students improve their writing and critical thinking skills. By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to produce a high-quality essay that meets the John Locke Essay Competition requirements. They will also be better equipped to engage with complex philosophical and political ideas and articulate their thoughts effectively in writing.

Outcome

Receive personalized feedback and suggestions to improve their writing and critical thinking skills.
Gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to produce a high-quality essay.
Be better prepared for the John Locke Essay Competition and other similar academic pursuits.
Understand and analyze complex ideas effectively.

Class Sessions

Subject Categories	Prep Classes	Teacher Background	Class Schedule
Economics	Class A (group class + one-on-one class)	Previously an economics professor at Trinity College. His students received the Grand Prize, Shortlists, and Commendation Awards.	2 group classes, 2 hours each class. In total, 4 hours of group classes; 8 one-to-one classes, 1 hour each class. In total, 8 hours of one-to-one classes; Total 12 hours of class.
	Class B (group class + one-on-one class)	Previously an economics professor at Trinity College. His students received the Grand Prize, Shortlists, and Commendation Awards.	2 group classes, 2 hours each class. In total, 4 hours of group classes; 8 one-to-one classes, 1 hour each class. In total, 8 hours of one-to-one classes; Total 12 hours of class.
	Class C (group class + one-on-one class)	Economics Professor at Texas A&M University with a Ph.D. in Economics. His students have achieved High Distinction awards in the John Locke Essay Competition.	2 group classes, 2 hours each class. In total, 4 hours of group classes; 8 one-to-one classes, 1 hour each class. In total, 8 hours of one-to-one classes; Total 12 hours of class.
	One-on-one classes	Economics Professor at Texas A&M University with a Ph.D. in Economics. His students have achieved High Distinction awards in the John Locke Essay Competition.	At least 10 hours of class, with the option to add more hours depending on student’s specific situation and needs.
	One-on-one classes	Economics teacher at Harrow School. Previously taught at a Top 30 Boarding High School in the US. Past students were shortlisted in the John Locke Essay Competition multiple times.	At least 10 hours of class, with the option to add more hours depending on student’s specific situation and needs.
	One-on-one classes	Economics professor with over 20 years of teaching experience, adept at guiding students in economic research and academic paper publication. Has numerous publications in international academic journals on economics and finance.	At least 10 hours of class, with the option to add more hours depending on student’s specific situation and needs.
History	Class A (group class + one-on-one)	A former history professor at the University of Virginia and a distinguished scholar in historical research. His students have achieved Third Prizes and High Commendation Awards in the John Locke competition.	2 group classes, 2 hours each class. In total, 4 hours of group classes; 6 one-to-one classes, 1 hour each class. In total, 6 hours of one-to-one classes; Total 10 hours of class.
History	One-on-one classes	A former history professor at the University of Virginia and a distinguished scholar in historical research. His students have achieved Third Prizes and High Commendation Awards in the John Locke competition.	At least 10 hours of class, with the option to add more hours depending on student’s specific situation and needs.
Junior Prize	Class A (group class + one-on-one)	Currently an AP English Literature teacher at a public high school, with several students achieving Commendation, Distinction, and Merit awards in the John Locke Essay competition.	4 group classes, 1.5 hours each class. In total, 6 hours of group classes; 4 one-to-one classes, 1 hour each class. In total, 4 hours of one-to-one classes; Total 10 hours of class.
	Group B class (group class + one-on-one)	Currently an AP English Literature teacher at a public high school, with several students achieving Commendation, Distinction, and Merit awards in the John Locke Essay competition.	4 group classes, 1.5 hours each class. In total, 6 hours of group classes; 4 one-to-one classes, 1 hour each class. In total, 4 hours of one-to-one classes; Total 10 hours of class.
	One-on-one classes	Top 30 Boarding High School Teacher. Award-winning Coach where students have won multiple Highly Commended Awards and other outstanding awards in the John Locke Essay competition.	At least 10 hours of class, with the option to add more hours depending on student’s specific situation and needs.
	One-on-one classes	Award-winning writing competition instructor. Prior Head of English Department at a top 5 private K-12 school in Massachusetts. She has coached many students to achieve high commendations and other outstanding awards in the John Locke Essay competition.	At least 10 hours of class, with the option to add more hours depending on student’s specific situation and needs.
Politics	One-on-one classes	Political Research Scholar and former professor at the University of Virginia. His students have achieved Third Prizes and High Commendation Awards in the John Locke Essay competition.	At least 10 hours of class, with the option to add more hours depending on student’s specific situation and needs.
Law	One-on-one classes	Scholastic National Silver Medal Instructor. Multiple Competition Award-Winning Coach. University Writing Instructor. Her students were in the Short List for Law category and received High Commendation Awards.	At least 10 hours of class, with the option to add more hours depending on the student’s specific situation and needs.
Psychology	One-on-one classes	Current Psychology Lecturer at Texas Tech University. Many of her students have won Shortlist and Distinction awards in the John Locke Essay competition.	At least 10 hours of class, with the option to add more hours depending on the student’s specific situation and needs.
Psychology	One-on-one classes	Public high school psychology teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience and extensive research experience in psychology. She is an honored member of the American Psychological Association (APA).	At least 10 hours of class, with the option to add more hours depending on the student’s specific situation and needs.
Theology	One-on-one classes	Current lecturer at North Dakota State University with 10+ years of philosophy teaching experience. He has worked on several academic projects and working groups. Many of his academic papers have been published in international academic journals, such as Philosophical Studies and Religious Studies.	At least 10 hours of class, with the option to add more hours depending on the student’s specific situation and needs.
Theology	One-on-one classes	Top 30 Boarding High School Teacher. Award-winning Coach where students have won multiple Highly Commended Awards and other outstanding awards in the John Locke Essay competition.	At least 10 hours of class, with the option to add more hours depending on the student’s specific situation and needs.

Feedback

Students and their parents will receive brief feedback after each class regarding the student’s general participation in class. Students will also receive feedback on graded assignments via email.