<p>The Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest is a multi-cycle writing competition run by the Harvard International Review for middle and high school students worldwide. Contestants submit a short-form article of 800-1200 words on a topic in international affairs, with each entry scored by HIR editors against a published rubric.</p><ul><li>Open to students in grades 7-12 in the US and internationally; articles must be written in English.</li><li>Junior division (grades 7-8) writes on the theme "Inventions that Changed How We Live"; senior division (grades 9-12) chooses from three themes on global culture, security, and technology.</li><li>Three submission cycles for the 2026 contest: Spring (deadline 31 May 2026), Summer (31 August 2026), and Fall/Winter (2 January 2027).</li><li>Finalists are invited to a virtual HIR Defense Day to deliver a 15-minute presentation and oral defense to judges.</li><li>Awards include Gold Medal (top 3%), Silver Medal (top 10%), Bronze Medal (top 20%), plus Commendation and Outstanding Writing prizes. All participants who submit receive a certificate of completion.</li><li>Use of ChatGPT and other AI tools is strictly prohibited; submissions are screened by multiple AI checkers.</li></ul><p>Contestants must register and pay the entry fee before submission; admissions are on a rolling basis with limited capacity.</p>