Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Questions about the Essay Content

• Why is the contest limited to Princeton undergraduates?

We believe that admission to Princeton indicates that you have leadership capability for the future. We ourselves graduated from Princeton as undergraduates and benefitted from Princeton’s traditional emphasis on the importance of undergraduate education.

• What would be a worthy dream? Does service to humanity have to involve personal sacrifice?

The contest requires you to write about your personal ambition. It decidedly does not have to be self-sacrificing. History is full of examples of people who enriched themselves by creating opportunities to improve the lives of many. Focus on what you are thinking of for your life after Princeton.

World changing service involves: 1) a vision of how humanity might be better served; 2) an assessment of what it would take to achieve that dream; and 3) why you are particularly suited to be person who achieves the change.

One way to deepen your understanding is to read books about world changers who thought contrary to instructions or conventional wisdom. An interesting example is Seth Jacobs’s book, Rogue Diplomats, published in 2020. Jacobs describes how thinking outside the mainstream and a willingness to ignore authority allowed diplomats to achieve good outcomes. There are many similar stories of dreamers who defied authority and convention to achieve positive outcomes. Researching those stories can be your best guide to what you might accomplish and how to do so.

• How do I know if an essay idea is an original choice?

Chances are that it’s original if it's your own personal recognition of a human problem for which you have a solution. But, if you’re concerned, talk with your friends and others to get feedback on whether they think your insight is worth pursuing.

• Can I write about multiple ideas?

That’s unlikely to be successful given the short length of the essay. You may want to consider whether what seems like multiple ideas are in fact a single idea with many facets.

Questions about Essay Structure

• How long should my essay be? What is the minimum and maximum number of words required?

Your essay must be at least 700 words, but no more than 1,000 words. This does not include parenthetical citations.

• Does the format of the essay impact the scoring?

The only formatting requirements are related to the citations and bibliography. The rest of the formatting is up to the undergraduate submitting the essay. We highly recommend reviewing the Prepare Your Essay webpage for more information.

• Are citations and the bibliography included in the word count?

No. The 1,000-word maximum refers only to the text of your essay. The words in your citations and bibliography are not counted.

• Do I need to cite my sources and include a bibliography?

You are required to cite your sources throughout your essay and to include a full bibliography. If you paraphrase the thoughts and words of someone else or if you quote them directly you must reference the source in your essay and include a full citation of the source in your bibliography. A failure to cite your sources and to include a bibliography at the end of your essay will automatically disqualify you.

• How many different sources should I use to research my essay?

Since this contest is about helping you to imagine your future and set your course, there is no need to use sources unless they are directly germane to what you are thinking and dreaming.

General Questions about the Contest

• Will my essay be judged differently if I participate individually versus as part of group?

In terms of how your essay is judged, there is no difference between choosing to participate individually or as part of a group. If you are part of a group who are imagining partnering together in a world changing project, there will still be only one prize awarded if the group’s essay is the winner.

• When will I be notified of the status of my essay and whether or not I’m the winner?

The winner will be contacted by the end of the year, December 31, 2026, and all entrants will be notified of the result shortly thereafter.

• What are the limitations on using the cash prizes?

The prizes for this contest are cash awards and do not have any limitations on their use. Winners will be required to provide tax forms to receive their cash prizes.

Questions about Participation and Eligibility

• What is the age range for this program?

There is no age range provided that you are currently an undergraduate at Princeton University.

• Can someone participate if they just arrived on campus as a freshman?

Yes, this program is for all undergraduates.

• Can someone participate if they are on a gap year?

Yes, as long as they are in good standing with the university and intend to return to campus studies.

• Can undocumented students participate?

As long as the student is an undergraduate at Princeton University, they are eligible and welcome to submit an essay. Please note that if an undocumented student does win the prize that there may be additional documentation need to receive it.