This article explains why the 2024 John Locke Essay Competition introduced a new English Language Test for shortlisted students and what that change reveals about the growing role of AI verification in academic competitions and college admissions. It also highlights why authentic student writing and genuine English proficiency matter more than ever.
This post examines the John Locke Institute Essay Competition’s role in U.S. college admissions and its 2024 shift to an English test to verify authenticity in the age of AI. Covering its seven categories and sample prompts, it also highlights broader admissions trends where authenticity, originality, and genuine student voice are valued over AI-polished writing.
This post explains how students can rethink and redirect their summer activities when things don’t go as planned. By focusing on 10 key competencies that top colleges value — such as leadership, creativity, and resilience — students can find strong Plan B opportunities that are just as impactful as more competitive programs. It’s not about the name of the activity — it’s about the purpose behind it.
Most students have never heard of IYPT—the International Young Physicists’ Tournament—but it offers one of the best opportunities for building a Tier 1 STEM extracurricular profile for college admissions. Here’s why.
