ESSAY MUST BE RECEIVED BY MIDNIGHT 
October 31, 2026

Eligibility & Rules

The Contest is open to all college-bound, high school seniors who submit an essay application
through a Chapter of the Fraternity.

The essay must be original and neither previously published nor secured by copyright. The essay
must be between 700 and 750 words in length. The type-written, double-spaced essay
may be submitted via postal service or email in Microsoft Word.

Submission Process

All submissions will be reviewed by your local Chapter (determined by your high school/home
address). Submissions will not be accepted after 11:59 PM, October 31, 2026. Do not change or shorten the Essay Topic.

Rating Criteria

All local Chapters will assemble a review panel to assess submitted essays based on the following
criteria. Essays may earn a maximum rating of 100 points:

1. Development of Topic/Thesis: (30 possible points)
2. Progression: (20 possible points)
3. Readability: (25 possible points)
4. Grammar: (15 possible points)
5. Spelling: (5 possible points)
6. Punctuation: (5 possible points)