Critical Writing Program Prizes

The Samuel P. and Ida S. Mandell Undergraduate Essay Contest

The Samuel P. and Ida S. Mandell Undergraduate Essay Contest recognizes outstanding student writing produced or initiated in a Penn Writing Seminar, particularly writing that has achieved some form of public distinction. Public distinction can include print or digital publication of the work in a professionally-produced newspaper, magazine, or blog; use of the work to create a curated exhibit or installation; incorporation of the work into a longer-term research project; or writing that is of use to a community group or nonprofit organization.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Submissions must be selected and edited by a veritable and professional editorial board or process;
  • Submissions published in an undergraduate journal also qualify for entry;
  • Submissions must have been published after January 1, 2024.

    • Prizes

  • Prizes for work produced or initiated in a Critical Writing Seminar are $750 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for honorable mention.
  • Prizes for research manuscripts published in Penn undergraduate journals are $750 for first place and $500 for second place. Publications in Penn undergraduate journals are automatically entered and considered by the review committee each year.

    • Submit entries here by Friday, 2/28/2025!