Distinguished Humanities & Social Sciences Research Program
Research deeply. Write with authority.
5x more likely to be shortlisted.
Real research first. A stronger essay follows.
A customized one-on-one program for students in grades 6 to 12 who want to go further than a single competition essay.
Students build real expertise through an original research project, guided by a Faculty Advisor from a top university. They then choose one of two contests, the John Locke Institute Essay Competition or the Harvard International Review (HIR) Academic Writing Contest, and adapt their research into a competition essay with expert guidance from first idea to final submission.
Students finish with a research paper, a competition entry built on months of real scholarship, a clear intellectual profile for college applications, and a lasting relationship with an expert Faculty Advisor.
Past students have earned 1st Prize, Very High Commendation, and High Commendation, plus recognition in the HIR Academic Writing Contest.
Around a 90% shortlist rate in previous years, compared with the 18.65% global average (2025).
Including The Curieux Academic Journal and The International Journal of Humanities and Social Science.
Two phases, one connected journey
Research Foundation
Up to 8 Faculty Advisor meetings
Individual 60 minute sessions covering topic selection, literature review, research design, argument development, and more.
Up to 6 Teaching Assistant meetings
Individual 45 minute sessions for reading support, source analysis, citation, writing feedback, and publication support.
Competition Track
Choose one
Track A: John Locke Institute Essay Competition
- 20 hours of one-on-one sessions with a John Locke writing tutor
- Full support from topic selection and brainstorming to structure, revision, and submission
- Tailored feedback on content, argumentation, and writing style
Track B: HIR Academic Writing Contest
- 10 hours of one-on-one sessions with an HIR writing tutor
- Full support from research and analysis to persuasive argument and submission
- Oral defense preparation if shortlisted
Ongoing Support
- Regular education team check-ins to keep every deadline on track
- Research and essay plans coordinated so each phase builds on the last
What students gain
Stronger Applications
A cohesive academic portfolio that strengthens college applications.
Expert Mentorship
Direct guidance from professors and experienced tutors at leading universities.
Academic Excellence
Real expertise in a subject you care about.
Solid Foundation
A competition essay built on genuine research, sharper arguments, and better evidence.
Lasting Skills
Critical thinking, research, and persuasive writing skills that stay with you well beyond the competition.
Program Deliverables
- An original research paper ready for submission to academic journals
- A competition-ready essay for John Locke or HIR
- HIR oral defense preparation materials (Track B, if shortlisted)
- A potential letter of recommendation from your Faculty Advisor
- Support for potential publication in academic journals
Learn from scholars who know the work
Example Faculty Advisors
Professor E
An intellectual historian and philosopher specializing in 20th and 21st century Anglophone and Francophone literatures and West African cinema, with a focus on law, race, and LGBTQ+ issues. Author of multiple books and recipient of the Nicolás Guillén Prize for Philosophical Literature and the Benezet Award.
Professor M
A versatile interdisciplinary scholar who mentors across philosophy, the history of religion, the history and philosophy of fashion, the anthropology of food, and Science, Technology, and Society. BA, MA, and PhD from the University of Chicago.
Professor F
Teaches in USC's MAT-TESOL and Master of Arts in Teaching programs, working with international students from Korea, China, Spain, Mexico, and the US. Expertise in language education, literacy, and critical literacy.
Professor Y
Teaches classical and contemporary theory, critical theory, and urban, economic, political, historical, and cultural sociology.
Example Competition Tutors
Dr. Justin W
Over 15 years of teaching, with professorial positions at Oxford, Cambridge, and Sheffield. Has guided many students to John Locke shortlist placements and commendations, and supported students in the HIR contest.
Sahil M
Specializes in politics, economics, and policy writing. His students have earned John Locke shortlist placements, High Commendation, and Very High Commendation.
Chen X
Focuses on critical thinking, argument development, and research-based writing, teaching in both English and Chinese. Her students have earned John Locke shortlist placements and HIR recognition.
Dr. Kyle T
Assistant Professor at Queens University of Charlotte, with expertise in international affairs, cultural studies, and European studies. Has taught research and composition at Berkeley.
Alexandre H
Guides students in analytical writing and evidence-based argument, with students earning John Locke shortlist placements in philosophy and psychology.
Where the research led
Student S: Law, History, Philosophy
Her research on law and ethics with a law faculty member gave her the grounding for her John Locke essay. With her mentor's guidance through every draft, she earned a commendation and went on to receive offers from Cambridge, Columbia, and several other top universities in the UK and US.
John Locke Commendation in HistoryStudent K: Law, Policy, Gender Studies
Working with a University of Michigan professor, K researched women's healthcare and learned to form her own position and back it with evidence. Her competition mentor helped her bring that same thinking to her John Locke essay.
John Locke High Commendation (Top 5%)Common questions
Why not just sign up for competition prep?
Competition prep helps you write one strong essay. The Distinguished Program gives you the research depth that makes an essay stand out, along with a research paper and a potential faculty recommendation. For students aiming for selective universities, that combined portfolio carries much more weight than a single entry.
Should I choose John Locke or HIR?
It depends on your interests and timeline. John Locke covers a wide range of subjects, including philosophy, economics, law, history, and international relations, and asks for a longer, more open-ended essay. HIR focuses on global affairs and asks for a tighter 1,200 word essay, with an oral defense for shortlisted students. Our education team will help you decide during your interview.
Can I compete in both contests?
Yes. You can add the second competition track for an additional fee.
Which subjects are a good fit?
Philosophy, politics, economics, history, law, psychology, international relations, public policy, and science and technology policy all work well.
Do I need a research topic already?
No. Your Faculty Advisor will guide you through topic selection and research design. Students who already have an idea are welcome to bring it.
What if the competition prompts come out after I start my research?
We plan for this. Your research area is chosen to be broad enough to adapt to new prompts, and your competition tutor will help you connect your research to the question you choose.
Can you guarantee a prize?
No program can guarantee results in a competitive contest. We do guarantee thorough, expert guidance at every stage to help you reach your best possible outcome, in the competition and beyond.
How do the research and the award help with college applications?
The two strengthen each other. The John Locke or HIR award goes in the Honors section, and the research project can appear in the Activities section, additional information, and more. Your research can also become the story behind a "why this major" or intellectual curiosity essay, with the award giving that story outside validation. When admissions officers see an award that grew out of months of research in the same field, they see a student with real academic direction, whose interest has been tested by both a faculty mentor and an international judging panel.
Four simple steps
Submit the intake form
Tell us your timeline, subject interests, and which competition you're considering.
Online interview
Meet one-on-one with our Education Team to discuss your goals and choose a competition track.
Get your mentor match
We'll recommend a Faculty Advisor and competition tutor, along with a suggested research direction.
Confirm and secure your spot
Finalize your research plan and schedule, then reserve your place in the program.
Spots are limited. Contact us to apply.
1.203.684.2567 team@scholarlaunch.org
Start your application