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The Harvard Crimson

The Harvard Crimson

Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition

ClosedWritingHumanitiesEssay Contest

About the Program

Overview

The Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition is an online writing contest with creative, argumentative, and journalistic tracks. Official competition pages describe a global field of students ages 10–18. Regional essays are up to 500 words; finalists expand their essay to 1,000–1,500 words.

2027 cycle status

The timeline page is headed “2027 Timeline & Guidelines,” but its general description refers to February–March 2026. Its timeline graphic, whose filename identifies HCGEC 2026, lists regional submissions on February 23, global submissions on March 19, and USD 15 early-bird or USD 20 regular registration. Because these year references conflict, the displayed dates and prices need confirmation for the 2027 cycle. Check current terms before registering; the contest should not be assumed free.

Fee evidence from the previous cycle

The official HCGEC 2026 terms and conditions name Crimson Consulting Limited as promoter and state that the 2026 individual registration fee was USD 15 early bird or USD 20 regular, paid by credit card. Those prices apply to the 2026 cycle only; the 2027 fee remains unconfirmed in the sources checked.

Official sources

Eligibility

Official competition materials describe the contest as open worldwide to students ages 10–18, in English, with one original entry. Check the cycle-specific terms for current eligibility, fees, dates, and AI rules before entering. Ages 10–18; confirm the age reference date in current cycle terms. Students ages 10–18 worldwide; current 2027 details should be checked in the cycle-specific terms.

Eligible Countries

Worldwide; ages 10–18: All countries Official materials say students worldwide may enter; check cycle-specific terms for any local restrictions.

How to Apply

Choose one prompt in one of three tracks (creative, argumentative, or journalistic) and submit an English regional essay of up to 500 words. The top 30 essays per region (10 per track) advance to a global final and expand their essay to 1,000–1,500 words. The timeline graphic lists February 23 for regional submissions and March 19 for global submissions, with USD 15 early-bird or USD 20 regular registration. Its 2026 filename and the page's 2026 references conflict with the 2027 heading; confirm the year, deadlines, and fees in current cycle terms before registering.