Essay Guidelines

The topic for this year’s Contest is:

This year, The Cardinal Newman Society expanded The Newman Guide to recommend faithful Catholic K-12 schools and graduate programs, as well as colleges. Explain the importance of attending a Newman Guide college as the capstone to a lifelong Catholic formation. How does it build upon a student’s prior years, and what comes next?

Essays will be judged by how well they demonstrate appreciation for faithful Catholic education, as well as the quality of the writing. The Cardinal Newman Society reserves the right to publish submitted essays.

Essay Specifications and Format:

  • Written in the English language
  • 400-600 words saved in a PDF file
  • Article title and author’s name at top of first page
  • Author’s last name and page number on each subsequent page
  • Typed, Times New Roman font, size 12 point
  • Double-spaced paragraphs
  • Word count included at end of essay
  • Works cited page, if necessary (not included in essay word count)

Essays must be uploaded and submitted electronically using online contest application form no later than 11:59 p.m. (E.D.T.) on February 20, 2024. No essays or applications will be accepted by email, postal mail, fax, or any other form of communication.

Only one entry is allowed per applicant. If a person enters multiple times, all of their entries will be disqualified.