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HIR Academic Writing Contest
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How to Enter

From eligibility to submission, step by step.

A clear path through the HIR Academic Writing Contest—who can enter, what to prepare, and how to submit without losing points on avoidable mistakes.

Eligibility

Junior Division

Grades 7–8

Middle-school students worldwide, writing on the Junior prompt.

Senior Division

Grades 9–12

High-school students worldwide, choosing one of three Senior themes.

You enter the division that matches your current grade. The contest is open to students globally; capacity is limited and admission to each cycle is rolling, so registering early is wise.

The process

Five steps to a complete entry

01
Register for a cycle
Choose your division and cycle (Spring, Summer, or Fall–Winter). The official registration route can change each year—message our teachers to get the current steps.
02
Choose your prompt
Junior writers use the set prompt; Senior writers pick one of three themes. Choose the one you can argue.
03
Research & draft
Build a claim supported by evidence and analysis. Write 800–1,200 words and revise against the rubric.
04
Format & declare
Apply AP Style, add citations, and complete the authorship declaration confirming original work.
05
Submit on time
File before your cycle’s deadline. Late or incomplete entries are not scored.

How to enter

Not sure how to actually enter?

Registration windows and the official entry route can change from cycle to cycle. Add our teacher on WeChat for the fastest help—we’ll guide you through the current way to enter and build a coaching plan around your division, prompt, and deadline.

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Before you submit

Submission checklist

Run through this list before you file. Each item maps to a way entries lose points—or get disqualified.

When in doubt about a rule, confirm it on the official contest page for your cycle.

  • Word count is 800–1,200 (excluding charts and the declaration)
  • One clear argument, on one prompt
  • Evidence is cited; citations follow the required style
  • Written in English, in AP Style
  • Entirely your own work—no AI-generated text
  • Authorship declaration completed
  • Submitted before the cycle deadline

2026 deadlines

Know your cycle’s dates

CycleRegistration closesSubmission dueDefense Day
SpringApril 25, 2026May 31, 2026June 29, 2026
SummerJune 25, 2026August 31, 2026October 5, 2026
Fall–WinterRollingJanuary 2, 2027February 5, 2027

Confirm these against the official contest page before registering.

Avoid these

What gets an entry disqualified

AI-generated text

Strictly prohibited and screened for. The essay must be your own writing and analysis.

Plagiarism

Uncredited copying—of text or ideas—fails the originality requirement.

Wrong length or prompt

Essays outside 800–1,200 words, or off the set prompt, are penalized or rejected.

Entry FAQ

Quick answers

Which division do I enter?
The one matching your current grade: Junior for grades 7–8, Senior for grades 9–12.
Do charts and tables count toward the word limit?
No. The 800–1,200 word count excludes charts, data tables, and the authorship declaration.
Can I revise after submitting?
Treat your submission as final. Confirm the organizer’s policy on edits for your cycle before the deadline.
What citation style should I use?
Follow AP Style and the HIR Style Guide; citations are one of the scored Style dimensions.