High School Essay Contest
2026–2027 International High School Essay Contest, part of Omega Psi Phi's annual Achievement Week. Open to college-bound high school seniors.
This year's topic
How Can Young People Use Leadership, Service, and Innovation to Create Positive Change in Their Communities?
Deadline
October 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
4 days left
Length
700–750 words
Header and footer text don't count.
Top International award
$5,000
Plus chapter and District awards.
How to apply
Online or by email
Mailed paper copies are not accepted.
Apply online to fill in and sign the forms right here and send them, with your essay and photo, straight to the chapter. Or download the forms, complete them, and email everything to EtaOmicronQues@gmail.com.
How to enter
Five steps
- 1
Write your essay
700–750 words, answering this year's topic, in your own words. Save it as a Word file.
- 2
Get your photo
A clear, color head-and-shoulders photo from the last six months.
- 3
Apply online
Fill in the Title Page and release forms on this website and attach your essay and photo.
- 4
Sign on screen
A parent or guardian signs too if you are under 18.
- 5
Submit
It goes straight to the chapter, and you get a copy by email. Due October 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Who can enter
Eligibility
- You are a college-bound high school senior.
- You attend a public, private or qualifying home-school program.
- Eta Omicron is the closest chapter to your high school (or one of the closest, if several serve your area).
- You submit only one application, to only one chapter. More than one disqualifies every application.
Not sure Eta Omicron is the right chapter for your school? Find the closest chapter or email us and we'll help.
Writing your essay
Essay requirements
- 700–750 words (header and footer text don't count)
- Microsoft Word file (.doc or .docx)
- 12-point Times New Roman or Arial
- Double-spaced, with 1-inch margins on all sides
- Your own original work, not published before
AI policy
Using AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude or Grammarly is not allowed. Essays are checked with AI detection software, and essays over the 30% threshold are disqualified.
Judging
How essays are scored
| Development of topic / thesis | 30 |
| Readability | 25 |
| Progression (logical flow) | 20 |
| Grammar | 15 |
| Spelling | 5 |
| Punctuation | 5 |
| Total | 100 |
Before you send it
Submission checklist
Tick each item as you go (this is only for you; nothing is saved or sent).
Missing signatures can disqualify an application, so check both release forms before sending.