In collaboration with Yale International Relations Association

Starts on

11 Jan

2025

The Yale International Relations Essay Competition

A prestigious competition for students to showcase their analytical and writing skills on global issues, guided by Yale University undergraduate mentors.

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Eligibility

Grades 8th -12th

Duration

12 Weeks

Early Application Date

12th November 2024

[Regular Date: 30 Dec, 2024]

Program Fee for Early Applicants

USD 25

[Regular Fee: USD 50]

Application deadline

30th December, 2024

Program Delivery

Zoom Led

The Yale International Relations Association Global Essay Competition offers high school students a prestigious platform to showcase their analytical and writing skills on global issues, over 12 weeks.

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Participants have the opportunity to delve into complex international relations topics, guided by the expertise of meritorious Yale students, over Zoom. This competition not only enhances critical thinking and research abilities but also connects young scholars with a global network of peers and mentors dedicated to understanding and solving the world's pressing challenges.

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Why Join?

Build your financial understanding and learn to make informed investments.

Global Recognition

Certificate from Yale International Relations and Learn with Leaders to boost your profile.

Skill Development

Sharpen writing skills with feedback from Yale students on complex global issues.

Networking

Connect with peers and mentors globally, building valuable academic and professional ties.

Exclusive Webinars

Join YIRA sessions on essay writing and global challenges for added insights.

Critical Thinking

Enhance problem-solving by exploring multifaceted global issues in-depth.

Grand Prizes for Top Winners

- 1st Position: USD 500
- 2nd Position: USD 400
- 3rd Position: USD 300

Learning Opportunities

Learn to invest in stocks through simulation

Feedback

Valuable feedback from Yale Undergraduate Mentors to enhance your writing proficiency.

Challenge

Opportunity to challenge and refine your academic capabilities.

Global Recognition

Certificates from Yale International Relations Association and Learn with Leaders for all participants and awards for the top 3 essays.

Finalists

Designation as "Finalists" for the top 25% of participants, acknowledging their exceptional contributions.

Investment In What You Consume

Spend Vs Invest - Learn & Cultivate investing habits

October 2022

1.425 Shares of Apple Stock

$399

1st generation Ipod

$399
After 20 years
August 2021

20 year old vintage Ipod

$399

1.425 Shares of Apple Stock

$208,050

Rules of the Competition

1. Students must submit a 400-word essay on a topic that will be announced in January 2025,

2. Students can approach this essay in any way they choose to.

3. Top essays will explain their choice and provide brief ideas for solutions.

4. The top 25% of submissions will be designated as "Finalists" and advance to the final judging round.

5. Finalists will undergo evaluation by Yale students, who will select the top inspirational 3 essays.

6. The top 3 will be inspirational essays that push our judges to reflect on the world around them and inspire action.

Judging Criteria

Essays should:

1. Exhibit good grammar and a coherent, strong structure.

2. Clearly answer the question by explaining the significance of the issue.

3. Begin to explore potential solutions to the issue.

4. Demonstrate an awareness of the world around them.

5. Be bold and exciting to read.

6. Be thought-provoking, leaving the reader with questions to ponder.

Schedule

Time zone are in EST time zone, Convert as per your your country time zone.

Date

December 31st,
2024 - Saturday

Registrations close

Time

9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST



January 2025
Theme for the Essay Announced
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Date

January 11, 2025 - Saturday

Time

9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST

4 webinars on essay writing

11th Jan:What global issues are important to you? Understanding how you see the world.

18th Jan:What makes a competitive essay?

25th Jan:How should we tackle global issues?

1st Feb:Top Tips for editing your essays.

3rd Feb- 9th Feb:Submit your essay
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Date

March 09, 2025 - Saturday

Time

9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST



The Top 50 Finalists will be announced, with 10 students selected from each grade (8-12).

10th March: Final topics will be sent

15th March:Webinar on Global Essay Writing

16th March:Office Hour with the Finalists
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Date

March 31, 2025 - Saturday

Time

9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST



Final submissions will be done:21st-23rd March

Top 3 Winners will be announced:31st March
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Date

December 28, 2024 - Saturday

Time

9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST

Diving into Derivatives

1. Risks and rewards of derivatives
2. Options trading
3. Short selling
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Date

January 4, 2025 - Saturday

Time

9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST

Presenting Professionally

1. Analyzing and presenting your portfolio
2. Tips for the portfolio presentation
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Date

January 11, 2025 - Saturday

Time

9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST

Mentorship Session

1. Interactive mentoring session with HSA Mentors (Office Hours)
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Date

January 18, 2025 - Saturday

Time

9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST

Mentorship Session

1. Interactive mentoring session with HSA Mentors (Office Hours)
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Date

January 25, 2025 - Saturday

Time

9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST

Personal Finance

1. Advice for personal wealth management
2. Budgeting
3. Concluding thoughts on program before judging begins
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Date

February 1, 2025 - Saturday

Time

9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST

Mentorship Session

1. Interactive mentoring & feedback session with HSA Mentors.
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Date

February 8, 2025 - Saturday

Time

9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST

Semi - Final
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Date

February 15, 2025 - Saturday

Time

9:00 am - 10:00 am-EST

Challenge concluded

1. Top 10 participants present their portfolio to judges for the final round
2. Winners announced
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