Stony Brook University hosts several essay writing contests throughout the academic year that are open to both undergraduate and graduate students. These contests are a great opportunity for students to show off their writing skills and possibly earn some cash prizes while doing so. Let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the top essay contests held at Stony Brook.
The Most prestigious and largest essay contest at Stony Brook is the University-Wide Essay Competition. This contest is open to all currently enrolled SBU students regardless of major, year, or campus affiliation. Topics are announced at the beginning of each fall semester and typically cover broad intellectual issues or ideas. Past topics have included discussions of justice, innovation, sustainability, and the purpose of higher education.
The University-Wide Essay Competition is divided into two divisions – undergraduate and graduate. This allows students at different academic levels to compete against their peers. The submission deadline is usually in late October or early November to give students plenty of time to thoughtfully craft their entries over the course of the semester. First place in each division receives $1,000 while second place earns $500. Third through fifth place winners are also recognized.
In addition to recognizing top submissions, the University-Wide Essay Competition aims to cultivate a culture of scholarly writing across campus. Entrants have the opportunity to work with writing tutors and faculty advisors to develop and refine their essays throughout the drafting process. Winning submissions from previous years are also made publicly available through the university’s institutional repository to showcase exemplary student work. Overall, it’s the premier venue for students to participate in the intellectual life of Stony Brook.
While the University-Wide Essay Competition tends to attract the most attention, the individual colleges and schools at Stony Brook each sponsor their own writing prizes as well. For example, the College of Arts and Sciences holds an annual Undergraduate Essay Prize open only to CAS majors. Topics here relate more specifically to subject areas within the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Like the university competition, it’s broken into two divisions for lower-level and upper-level undergraduates. Cash awards range from $250 to $500.
Another college-sponsored writing contest is the Ronald Rothman Prize in the Social and Behavioral Sciences sponsored by the Department of Sociology. This contest challenges students to compose an original empirical research paper in any of the social science disciplines like sociology, political science, or economics. The winning entry receives $400 while an additional $200 is given to the student’s faculty advisor in recognition of their mentorship. Along with promoting exceptional undergraduate work, the Rothman Prize also functions as a potential pathway to publications in peer-reviewed academic journals.
At the graduate level, several Stony Brook schools host their own thesis award competitions. For instance, the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) annually presents the Dean’s Prize for the best master’s thesis in the physical, chemical, biological, or social sciences of the ocean and atmosphere. The $500 cash prize goes to the student whose interdisciplinary research and writing most advances understanding of the marine environment. Similarly, the School of Nursing offers a Thesis Award Program to honor excellence in graduate nursing scholarship. Winners are selected based on the original theoretical or clinical contributions of their completed thesis.
Of course, writing contests are just one element of the robust research culture at Stony Brook University. But they provide an extra incentive for students to tackle sophisticated ideas, think critically, and learn to communicate their analyses effectively. Whether drawing from personal interests and passions or channeling curiosity about the world, essay competitions open up opportunities to showcase talents, expand intellectual horizons, and possibly earn some financial support along the way. For those motivated to take their writing to the next level, SBU offers numerous avenues to get involved throughout the academic year.
Stony Brook University is committed to advancing scholarship and creative work across its diverse academic disciplines. Regularly held essay writing contests, both at the university-wide and individual college/school levels, play a key part in cultivating a community where rigorous intellectual engagement thrives. They challenge students to explore complex issues, think independently and solve open-ended problems. Plus, with cash awards available, the contests offer appealing motivation to dedicate time and energy refining research and articulating new ideas. Whether aiming to polish skills, network with faculty, or simply enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done, Stony Brook’s many writing prizes make for an enriching experience.