The Harvard International Review (HIR) Academic Writing Contest invites high school students to explore underreported global issues through well-researched, critically informed articles. Encouraging original thought over traditional reporting, HIR challenges students to analyze international topics in depth and contribute meaningfully to global discourse. There are 3 cycles for the HIR contest: Spring: Deadline, May Summer: Deadline in AugustFall / Winter: Deadline in January Here are the steps to help you navigate the HIR submission process. Step 1: Visit the HIR Academic Writing Contest Website Link: https://hir.harvard.edu/contest/ Step 2: Review the Submission Guidelines Scroll down to find the link to the “Submission Guidelines.” Carefully review the evaluation rubric and all essay submission requirements to ensure your work meets the expectations. Step 3: Register for the Contest Find the “Register Here” button at the bottom of the contest webpage. Complete the registration form and submit the required payment. Registration must be completed before submitting your article. Please note that the deadline for registration is separate from the submission deadline. If registration has not yet opened for the cycle you are aiming for, complete the interest form on the registration page. HIR will notify you as soon as registration becomes available. Step 5: Register for the Contest Once registration is open, complete the registration form available on the HIR website. Step 6: Submit Your Paper Fill out all the details on the submission form and upload your essay. Ensure that your submission includes the chosen theme at the top of your document. Step 7: Verify Submission Confirmation After uploading and submitting your essay, you will receive a confirmation message. Be sure to verify that your submission has been successfully confirmed. These are the steps to successfully submit your essay to the HIR Academic Writing Contest! After submission, a select number of contestants will be chosen as finalists and invited to participate in a virtual Defense Day. During Defense Day, students will have the opportunity to present a 15-minute presentation on their essay and participate in an oral defense before a panel of judges from the Harvard International Review. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your research, analytical thinking, and presentation skills.
