White Picket College

Though this is not a merit scholarship per se, it is still a financial opportunity for non-need-based money.  WPC was very happy when we ran across this free money for college opportunity for high school juniors and seniors.

Check out these prize amounts:

Grand prize winner: $10,000

5 second prizes: $2000

10 third prizes: $1000

45 finalists: $100

175 semifinalists: $50

The Fountainhead is a famous classic novel by Ayn Rand.  For this essay contest, high school junior and senior applicants must write on one of three topics pertaining to the book.  For example, here’s the second topic:

“Gail Wynand is a brilliant individual who rose out of the slums by means of his own talent and effort. But despite his reverence for man’s noblest achievements, his newspaper, The Banner, presents the most lurid and loathsome values. Why does Wynand pander in this manner? And why doesn’t Howard Roark?” [source: essaycontest.aynrandnovels.com]

Essays must be between 800 and 1600 words in length.  They are judged on style and content, “clear, articulate and logically organized.”  The Ayn Rand Institute says, “Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of The Fountainhead.”

Students can submit essay through an online system.

WPC suggests that if a student has an aptitude toward writing and loves this novel, then s/he should definitely re-read the book, write the essay and submit.  Also, parents, keep in mind that most high school students read this book anyway, so they are most likely familiar with the subject already.

High school essay contests are the way to go for an upper middle class (UMC) student.  So borrow The Fountainhead from your local library or simply buy it online and start writing!

Essay deadline: April 26

© White Picket College, 2010 – College Funding for the Upper Middle Class