What's the deal with the Ayn Rand scholarship for college students?

I've heard that there's a scholarship for college students who are interested in Ayn Rand's work. Does anyone know the details about this scholarship, like how to apply and what the eligibility requirements are?

The scholarship program you're referencing is most likely the Ayn Rand Institute's essay contests. They offer several annual essay contests centered on a particular Ayn Rand novel. There are three novel-based contests – The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged, and Anthem, with each aimed at different student levels: high school juniors and seniors for The Fountainhead, 12th graders, college undergraduates, and graduate students for Atlas Shrugged, and 8th, 9th, and 10th graders for Anthem.

Eligible students must select one of three to four specific essay prompts related to the book and write an essay on that topic. The essays typically range between 800 and 1,600 words, depending on the contest. Submissions are evaluated on both style and content; judges look for writing that is clear, articulate and logically organized.

Each contest offers cash prizes for the top essays. First prize is $2,000 for The Fountainhead and up to $10,000 for Atlas Shrugged. There are also additional smaller prizes for second place, third place, and so on.

Applications typically open in early September and close in late April (though Atlas Shrugged's contest closes in late September), and you can submit your essay through their online system.

While it may seem daunting to write a thorough essay on a dense novel, this scholarship can be a great opportunity to share your analytical skills and potentially offset some of your college costs. Be sure to fully engage with the novel and the selected prompt to present a thoughtful, well-constructed argument.