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The Harvard Political Review is a student-run journal of politics, policy, and culture. The HPR is written and published entirely by Harvard undergraduates and is housed at the Institute of Politics.
The HPR was founded in 1969 by a group of Harvard College undergraduates. The founders envisioned a publication that allowed students to research, write, and edit incisive reportage and commentary in a thoughtful, non-partisan forum. To this day, the HPR does not take publication-wide editorial positions. While individual articles have distinct viewpoints, the publication as a whole does not represent any ideology or party.
Over the past generation, the HPR has incubated some of the best political minds in America. Among the magazine’s alumni are Al Gore, Jr. (former United States Vice President and Nobel Laureate), E.J. Dionne, Jr. (Washington Post columnist), Jonathan Alter (former Newsweek Senior Editor and columnist), and Jeffrey Sachs (Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University).
The Harvard Political Review Essay Competition challenges you to engage with critical social and political issues that define our world today.
This isn’t just an essay competition—it’s an opportunity to explore global political dynamics, the influence of international institutions, local community challenges, the power of youth activism, and the role of technology in shaping politics. Dive into these thought-provoking topics, sharpen your analytical skills, and contribute your insights to the ongoing conversation about our shared future.
Whether you’re passionate about global change, local impact, or the intersection of technology and politics, this is your chance to make your voice heard and inspire meaningful dialogue. Don’t miss this opportunity to amplify your ideas and leave your mark as a young thought leader!
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Distinguish yourself from your peers by participating in a renowned competition that showcases your analytical and writing skills—boosting your profile for university applications and future endeavors
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Delve into timely, complex issues that matter, sharpening your ability to think critically and express your perspective on topics shaping the world today
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Join like-minded peers passionate about politics, society, and change, and position yourself as an emerging voice in important global conversations.
Each participant will submit an essay in response to 1 of the prompts.
Middle School Category
Grade: 6-8 (Year 7-9)
High School Category
Grade: 9-12 (Year 10-13)
Each team member select a distinct prompt. The number of prompts a team will tackle corresponds to its size.
For example, a team with 2 members will choose 2 different prompts, a team with 3 members will choose 3 different prompts, and so on, up to teams with 5 members selecting 5 distinct prompts.
Middle School Category
Grade: 6-8 (Year 7-9)
High School Category
Grade: 9-12 (Year 10-13)
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Fee waiver is available for individual low-income students. Please ask your school counselor or principal to send an email titled 'Fee Waiver Request' to support@algoed.co from their official school email with your email address and confirm you need a waiver.
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Exclusive opportunity to enhance your writing skills and build connections with the Harvard Political Review through Zoom
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In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s win in the United States presidential election this November, the far-reaching consequences of U.S. politics on the global stage are top of mind for many. From shifts in global economic partnerships to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the world is watching closely for how the change in administration will shape the coming years. Choose an international issue that you believe will be influenced by this election outcome. Write an opinionated article discussing why you anticipate change and the potential challenges or opportunities this change might afford.
Today, the world is more globalized than ever, with a variety of institutions to support such integration. Write on the international institution of your choice, analyzing how it affects one or more salient international issues today.
Former House Speaker Tip O’Neill is famous for bringing the phrase “all politics is local” into the public consciousness. Write an article analyzing an issue important to your home community and evaluating potential solutions.
Whether in voting booths, classrooms, protests, or on social media, youth engagement in politics has taken new forms and importance in recent years. Investigate how the youth are influencing political decisions, either in the U.S. or globally. Highlight specific movements or individuals driving change and explore the potential impact of their efforts on future policies.
Technological advances can quickly shape world events, whether it’s Starlink satellites supporting troops in Ukraine or AI bots spreading election misinformation on X. Write about an emerging technology and its implications for the future of politics.
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This competition is more than just a challenge—it’s your pathway to making an impact on the social and political issues that matter most to you.
Register now to embark on a journey of critical thinking, persuasive writing, and meaningful exploration. Delve into the topics you’re passionate about, refine your research and analytical skills, and present your insights to address real-world challenges. This is your chance to contribute your voice and ideas like a true thought leader.
AlgoEd is a platform that hosts curated, prestigious competitions for middle and high school students.
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