Preparing for the HIR Academic Writing Contest

 

Three times a year, the Harvard International Review holds the HIR Academic Writing Contest (HIR AWC): an online, international writing competition where high school students are challenged to talk about global affairs. In the HIR AWC, students are given the opportunity to demonstrate their writing skills and bring light to lesser-known social issues worldwide. In doing so, they get the chance to receive an HIR Certificate and recognition on the HIR’s website, as well as an impressive accomplishment to include in their university applications. 

But how does one join and excel in the HIR AWC? If you’re looking for key info regarding the contest or exploring some tips for acing your essay, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll be running down all the things you need to know for the Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest.

Contest Dates

As mentioned before, there are three unique cycles for the Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest. There’s the Spring Cycle, Summer Cycle, and Fall/Winter Cycle. 

Remember that you’ll need to register and pay a fee of $40 first before you can be eligible to submit an article before the deadline. Take note as well that admissions are done on a rolling basis, and capacity for the contest is limited, so do your best to join as soon as registration opens.

For 2024, here are the key dates you must remember. So, if you’ve missed the window of entry for one cycle, don’t worry: you still have a chance to participate in the next season!

Spring 2024

Registration: On a rolling basis

Article Submission Deadline: May 31, 2024

HIR Defense Day: June 29, 2024

Summer 2024

Registration: Opened May 2024

Article Submission Deadline: August 31, 2024

HIR Defense Day: October 5, 2024

Fall 2024 / Winter 2024

Registration: TBA

Article Submission Deadline: January 2, 2025

HIR Defense Day: February 5, 2025

Submission Guidelines

In this contest, your main goal is to submit a short-form essay on a topic related to international affairs. The article must be strictly around 800 to 1,200 words. The essayists with the best articles will then be selected to participate in a virtual HIR Defense Day. If you’re selected as a finalist, you’ll be asked to give a 15-minute presentation and oral defense to Harvard International Review judges. So, you’re not just demonstrating your writing skills in the HIR AWC: you’re also showcasing your critical thinking abilities, presentation skills, and articulation of thought.

For the 2024 Summer Cycle, you must choose from two themes:

• Inequalities in a VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) World

• Global Challenges and Collective Actions

And, you can focus on international affairs from either of these categories: 

• Agriculture

• Cybersecurity

• Defense

• Education

• Employment & Immigration

• Energy & Environment

• Business, Finance & Economics

• Public Health

• Science & Technology

• Space

• Trade

• Transportation

• Law & Diplomacy

This is not a strict list, however – you may also explore other fields related to global issues if applicable.

For more information, visit the Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest’s submission guidelines here!

Tips for Acing the Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest

Now that you’re caught up in the key details of the Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest, let’s discuss some tips and notes on how you can bring your best to the competition! Here are a few things you should remember while preparing your draft for the HIR AWC.

1. Do your research

Do your research – and do it diligently, thoroughly, and extensively. Allot as much time as you need: some award-winning students spend weeks researching and writing for their essays in the Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest. And try exploring different sources! Read economic magazines, study news sites from around the world, check out international research journals, watch (credible) video documentaries, and so on. Widening your understanding of your topic can deliver some huge returns when you start writing your essay.

2. Expand your horizons

As the Harvard International Review puts it, they’re looking for an “analytically-backed perspective for an under-appreciated global topic.” When choosing your topic for the HIR AWC, then, it’s good to think out of the box and delve into a lesser-known, underreported issue at an international level. As much as possible, don’t limit yourself to issues around a singular country as well, like the US, UK, or China. Go and visit the news sites of other countries and read up on their current affairs! Visit school libraries and sign up for online newsletters! You can even consult online with tutors of international politics to see what they think would be a worthwhile essay idea.

3. Understand the evaluation rubric

In the Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest, your essay will be graded from a score of 0 to 55. This score is the cumulative total of 11 sections, with a maximum of 5 points for each section.

It’s best to keep in mind the evaluation rubrics of the HIR so that you’ll know how to properly draft your essay to meet their standards. Here’s the official guide from the Harvard International Review. But, if you want the gist of it, this is what they say for you to have a grade of 5/5 in each section:

• Topic - The topic is underappreciated in mainstream media, highly relevant to international affairs, and clearly connects back to the theme.

• Introduction - The introduction pulls the reader in with a “hook” and effectively sets up the author’s argument.

• Structure/Transition - The submission employs topic sentences that are concise and appropriate; transitions between paragraphs are smooth and natural. The article has a clear logical flow of ideas that guides the reader through the premise.

• Evidence - The author consistently provides evidence that is highly relevant and compelling.

• Overall Coherence of Argument - The argument mirrors that of a sophisticated analyst or academic.

• Tone - The tone is consistent with previously published HIR articles.

• Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar - There are 0-2 mistakes related to spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

• Adherence to the HIR Style Guide - There is perfect or near-perfect adherence to the HIR style guide.

• Citations - All factual claims are backed by a citation from a reliable source; all ideas that are not the author’s are properly attributed. Citations are made via hyperlinks.

• Overall Ease of Reading - The submission is easy to read and is near the writing level of an HIR article.

As you can see, the Harvard International Review judges meticulously consider a wide range of metrics when evaluating your article: from its topic and tone to even your grammar use and writing style, every part of your essay plays a part in your overall score.

4. Avoid using AI

Take note! The Harvard International Review strictly prohibits the use of AI. The organization highly emphasizes originality of thought and self-directed research in your essay. We also encourage you to do this with your own words and research! But, if you’re feeling worried about your work, looking for someone to bounce off ideas with, or just searching for a guide to proofread your essay structure and grammar, you can try working with agencies and/or tutors online. Education platforms also offer personalized tutoring sessions where you can consult with experts to further elevate your work.

Summary

If you’re looking for a contest that challenges your writing abilities and allows you to explore your interest in international politics, then the Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest will be a great fit for you! Try your hand at researching a topic for them and registering during one of their cycles. Who knows – you may even be selected as a finalist!

If you’re an HIR AWC contestant reading this, then we hope our tips have been able to help you prepare and come up with a topic. Still, looking for more rigorous guidance and personalized advice in editing your essay? We recommend studying with online tutors and education agencies. We hope our article has helped you!