Eon Essay Contest: A Complete Guide

In a world facing rising threats like pandemics and climate collapse, few writing contests encourage deep reflection on humanity’s future like the Eon Essay Contest. This annual competition invites students—from middle school to graduate level—to explore urgent global risks and make a meaningful impact through writing.

Curious? This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from who’s eligible to what judges are looking for—so you can plan, write, and submit your strongest essay yet.

• What Is the Eon Essay Contest?
• Eon Essay Contest Awards and Prizes
• How to Qualify for the Eon Essay Contest
• How to Get into the Eon Essay Contest
• How to Win the Eon Essay Contest
• Eon Essay Contest Previous Winners
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is the Eon Essay Contest?

The Eon Essay Contest began in 2021, during the pandemic, and it stands out from typical writing competitions. Based on Toby Ord’s book The Precipice, the contest asks students to explore how we should respond to risks that could threaten the future of humanity. While topics like climate change and artificial intelligence are included, the goal is to think deeply, write clearly, and offer meaningful ideas for protecting our future.

Students between the ages of 13 and 24 are eligible to enter. Entries are divided into the following age brackets:

• 13–18
• 19–21
• 22–24

Depending on your age group, you’ll respond to one of three prompts in an essay of 1,200 to 1,500 words. Topics may include nuclear war, engineered pandemics, or unaligned AI, and you’ll be asked to propose thoughtful ways humanity can reduce these risks.

Unlike many other student writing competitions, the Eon Essay Contest is entirely online, giving you the flexibility to research and write on your own schedule. While the 2025 contest details have not yet been announced (the 2024 round closed in June), now is a good time to read The Precipice and check the contest website for updates.

Eon Essay Contest Awards and Prizes

Winning the Eon Essay Contest is a powerful way to show that you can thoughtfully engage with some of the world’s most pressing challenges. In 2022 alone, the contest received over 1,500 submissions from students across a wide range of age groups, making the competition both diverse and intense.

For those whose essays stand out, these are the prizes:

Each of the top 25 essays will also receive a free copy of The Precipice in recognition of their outstanding work.

Even if you don’t win a prize, submitting an essay is still a meaningful way to join the global conversation on existential risk. After all, every entry reflects thoughtful engagement with issues that matter deeply to our future. So, how can you take part in the contest?

How to Qualify for the Eon Essay Contest

Before you can start crafting your response to The Precipice, you’ll need to make sure you’re eligible to enter the Eon Essay Contest. While the contest is open to most students, your submission still has to meet a few key requirements to count.

Eligibility

To ensure your submission is accepted and reviewed by the deadline, it’s important to understand the key eligibility requirements:

• Age. You must be between 13 and 24 years old at the time of the competition.
• Student status. You must be currently enrolled in late middle school, high school, undergraduate, or graduate studies—or be set to return in the upcoming academic year.
• Reading requirement. You must read and fully understand The Precipice by Toby Ord, as your essay will be based on its core ideas.
• Location. You must currently reside in one of the eligible regions: the United States (excluding Puerto Rico), Canada (excluding Quebec), or the United Kingdom.

While these criteria have remained consistent in past years, it’s always wise to review the official contest rules when the next round opens, as details may change.

Required documents

Unlike many other prestigious writing competitions, the Eon Essay Contest keeps its submission process simple. There’s no need for a cover letter, transcript, or additional materials. Focus on what matters most: understanding The Precipice and crafting a thoughtful, well-argued essay.

That said, your entry must include the following:

• Completed entry form. This is where you’ll provide your name, contact information, age, and student status, and attach your essay to confirm your eligibility.
• Original essay submission. You must submit a PDF of your original essay, written in English, that meets the word count and formatting guidelines for the current contest cycle.

While the materials are minimal, each one is essential. Be sure to check the official contest rules for any updates before submitting your final entry.

Contest fees

As one of the most accessible competitions of its kind, the Eon Essay Contest is completely free to enter—no fee required.

The only potential cost is purchasing a copy of The Precipice, which may run up to $20 in paperback. However, this expense is optional if you can borrow the book from a school or local library. With no required fees and widely available reading options, cost won’t stand in your way.

Registration deadline

The Eon Essay Contest has traditionally followed a consistent timeline, with registration and submissions due by midnight (PST) on June 15 each year. Typically launched in late winter, the contest offers students several months to research, write, and refine their essays.

However, since the 2025 contest season has not yet been announced, the schedule may change. To stay prepared, it’s wise to begin early and regularly check the official contest page for updates.

How to Get into the Eon Essay Contest

Strong writing skills are important for the Eon Essay Contest, but to truly stand out, you’ll also need to start early, think critically, and develop a deep understanding of The Precipice. With over a thousand participants and challenging prompts focused on real-world risks, this is one of the most competitive essay contests for high school, college, and graduate students alike.

To help you feel more confident and prepared, here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:

1. Visit the official contest website and confirm your eligibility.

Before you begin writing, your first step is to make sure the contest is open and that you meet the eligibility requirements. Since contest details can change from year to year, it’s important to check the official Eon Essay Contest website for the latest information on deadlines, prompts, and submission guidelines.

If entries are open, confirm that you’re eligible—especially if you live outside the U.S. What age bracket do you fall into? Do you reside in a qualifying country?

Once you’ve confirmed you’re eligible, begin exploring The Precipice, learning about its author, Toby Ord, and understanding the contest’s broader mission. You’ll also need to locate a copy of the book, either by purchasing it or borrowing it from your school, a local library, or an online resource.

2. Read The Precipice by Toby Ord.

Once you’ve secured a copy of The Precipice, it’s important to start reading thoughtfully. The book spans over 400 pages and explores complex topics like global catastrophic risks and the future of humanity, so setting aside dedicated time early on will help you process the material more effectively.

As you read, pay close attention to the core themes: the scale and likelihood of existential risks, the path humanity is currently on, and how longtermism shapes our responsibility to future generations.

What evidence, reasoning, and philosophical insights does Toby Ord use to support his arguments? Be sure to take detailed notes, highlighting key ideas and passages that you can later draw on when responding to your assigned contest prompt.

3. Review your assigned essay prompt.

Before outlining or drafting your essay, it’s essential to fully understand the prompt assigned to your age group. Each of the three groups receives a different question, all grounded in the central ideas of The Precipice.

Based on the most recent cycle, here’s a general idea of what each age group’s prompt typically involves:

• Ages 13–18. Choose one future technology and a specific role related to it (e.g., scientist, policymaker). Explain how you would manage its associated existential risks and what challenges you might face.
• Ages 19–21. Select a group (such as a research lab, government agency, or nonprofit) and the existential risk(s) it influences. Discuss what the group should do differently and what incentives might encourage that change.
• Ages 22–24. Identify a gap in The Precipice’s argument. Explain which of the book’s conclusions it affects and how addressing that gap might change the overall message.

Keep in mind that prompts may change from year to year, so it’s vital to read the current cycle’s question carefully. Make sure your essay directly addresses the prompt—and stays focused on what’s being asked throughout.

4. Brainstorm topic ideas and create an outline.

After reviewing your prompt and revisiting key sections of The Precipice, take time to brainstorm how you want to approach your essay. Which arguments, examples, or gaps in the book best align with your assigned question? This is the moment to map out your ideas.

Getting your thoughts down early will help you spot patterns, identify strong angles, and narrow your focus to a clear central topic—whether it’s a specific technology, organization, or philosophical gap.

Since the contest welcomes a range of essay styles, this is also when you decide how to present your case: will your approach be argumentative, analytical, or more personal and reflective?

Once you’ve chosen your direction, draft a rough outline. Even a simple structure—covering your introduction, main points, and conclusion—can make the writing process much more manageable.

5. Draft and revise your essay according to guidelines.

Once your outline is ready, it’s time to begin your first draft.

The Eon Essay Contest requires all submissions to be written in English, double-spaced, and within the specified word count—no fewer than 500 words. Titles and citations do not count toward the word limit, so you’re free to reference sources as needed without worrying about space.

Be sure to save your work regularly to avoid losing progress. When your draft is complete, take a step back and review it carefully:

• Does your essay directly and clearly respond to your assigned prompt?
• Does it engage meaningfully with The Precipice and support its points with well-reasoned arguments?
• If you’ve used outside sources, are they properly cited in the format of your choice?

Paying close attention to these details will help ensure your essay meets all contest requirements and passes the initial review stage. If you’re unsure about any details, consult the official guidelines, or ask a teacher or mentor for feedback before submitting.

6. Complete the entry form and submit your essay.

The final step in entering the Eon Essay Contest on The Precipice is submitting your work correctly—by carefully following a few key rules.

To avoid disqualification, be sure to save your essay as a PDF and include your name only once in the file name—not within the document itself—before uploading it with your entry form.

The entry form is just as important as the essay. Take time to fill it out accurately, including all required details and giving permission for your work to be shared if selected.

Since the contest allows resubmissions, submitting early is a smart move—it gives you the flexibility to make final edits and ensures you won’t miss the deadline.

How to Win the Eon Essay Contest

Winning the Eon Essay Contest is no small achievement. Essays are scored out of 40 points, and in each cycle, fewer than 100 submissions earn a score above 30—making the competition both rigorous and selective across all age groups.

Still, with strong strategy, clear writing, and meaningful insight, you can stand out. Here’s how:

1. Understand the core themes of The Precipice.

At the core of every strong Eon Essay is a deep understanding of Toby Ord’s The Precipice. Skimming won’t be enough—you need to read with intention and engage seriously with the book’s biggest questions about humanity’s future. One of the best ways to do that is by using focused questions to guide your reading:

• How does Ord define existential risk, and what makes it unique?
• In what ways do the risks he outlines threaten the future of humanity? Which seem most urgent or likely?
• How does the book frame the responsibility of current generations toward those in the future?
• What actions can humanity take now to follow the path forward that Ord proposes?
• Which of his arguments or solutions do you find most convincing? Are there any you would challenge or add to?

Because The Precipice explores complex and often abstract ideas, these guiding questions can help you actively process its core themes—especially around risk, longtermism, and moral responsibility—and apply them effectively in your essay.

2. Build your argument on key existential concepts.

To write a compelling essay, it’s essential to ground your argument in the core ideas of The Precipice. This means being familiar enough with key concepts—such as existential risk, the long-term future, artificial general intelligence (AGI), and the long reflection—to use them thoughtfully in your writing.

Rather than simply name-dropping these terms, take the time to explain them in your own words and show how they support your argument and relate directly to your prompt. When used clearly and effectively, these concepts not only strengthen your reasoning but also demonstrate a strong understanding of the book’s central message.

3. Showcase original thinking and fresh perspectives.

A strong Eon Essay adds something new to the conversation. Instead of simply repeating Toby Ord’s arguments, use them as a foundation for your own insights and original thinking.

For example, if you’re writing about the risks of AGI, consider how you—as a policymaker—might respond to threats from advanced systems, using fictional cases like Iron Man’s E.D.I.T.H. to ground your argument.

Judges are looking for thoughtful, creative, and well-reasoned perspectives. Don’t be afraid to take a clear stance, challenge assumptions, or explore new angles. The goal is to show not just that you’ve understood the book but that you can think critically and contribute your own voice to the discussion.

4. Support your claims with credible sources.

No Eon Essay Contest entry is complete without strong, credible support. Whether you’re drawing evidence from The Precipice or referencing reputable sources like academic articles, expert reports, or news analyses, citing your sources generously is encouraged.

Even unconventional materials can be effective—such as interviews, documentaries, or case studies—so long as they’re relevant, reliable, and properly cited. Just make sure all references are clearly formatted and smoothly woven into your writing to strengthen your argument and show the depth of your research.

5. Structure your essay for clarity and flow.

Even the strongest ideas can lose impact without a clear structure. A well-organized essay—with a focused introduction, logically developed body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion—helps your argument come through clearly.

Rather than jumping between multiple angles or ideas, concentrate on developing one central topic with depth and coherence. Judges value essays that are easy to follow, well-reasoned, and thoughtfully constructed. A strong structure makes your insights more persuasive.

6. Get a second opinion before you submit.

After spending hours on your draft, it’s easy to overlook gaps or unclear sections. That’s why getting a second opinion—from a teacher, mentor, or trusted peer—can be incredibly valuable. A fresh perspective can reveal areas that need clarification or improvement.

When receiving feedback, try to approach it with an open mind. You don’t have to accept every suggestion, but thoughtful revisions based on constructive input can significantly strengthen the impact of your essay.

Eon Essay Contest Previous Winners

Reviewing past winning entries is one of the most effective ways to understand what sets a standout Eon Essay apart. These essays showcase unique approaches, clear reasoning, and strong engagement with the themes of The Precipice.

Here’s what previous winners did well and how you can apply those strategies to your own writing:

Benjamin Connor – 2024 first-place winner

In 2024, Benjamin Connor from New York took first place by doing something bold: he focused on what The Precipice doesn’t say.

His essay explored how institutional incentives shape our ability to respond to existential risks, a topic the book touches on only briefly. By connecting human motivation with the structures that influence real-world action, he added a fresh, thoughtful critique to the conversation.

His approach shows that identifying and expanding on the book’s gaps—when done with care—can really make your essay stand out.

You can read his essay here.

Andy Yao – 2023 first-place winner

In 2023, Andy Yao from Michigan took first place with a sharp, forward-thinking essay on the existential risks of advanced 3D printing. Writing from the perspective of a policymaker, he explored how this rapidly evolving technology could pose serious threats to humanity and offered clear, practical safeguards to manage those risks.

With a focused topic, a strong understanding of The Precipice, and well-supported, actionable ideas, Andy’s essay shows just how far a thoughtful and well-framed argument can go in the Eon Essay Contest.

Read the full essay here.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Eon Essay Contest about?

The Eon Essay Contest centers on the thought-provoking book The Precipice by Toby Ord, which explores humanity’s responsibility to protect the future. As the main reading requirement of the contest, the book forms the basis of your response to the prompts.

2. Who can join the Eon Essay Contest?

Open to students ages 13 to 24, the Eon Essay Contest is one of the most accessible writing competitions available. Whether you’re finishing middle school or already in graduate school, you can submit a response tailored to your age group’s specific prompt. No particular academic background is required; just be a current or returning student living in an eligible location.

3. Are my chances of winning the Eon Essay Contest high?

In 2022, fewer than 100 out of approximately 1,000 on-topic essays scored 30 or higher, making the odds of winning slim, but far from impossible. The numbers show just how competitive the contest is, but they also highlight a key point: a clear, original, and well-supported essay can set you apart and significantly improve your chances.

4. Do you need to buy The Precipice to join the Eon Essay Contest?

No, you don’t need to purchase The Precipice to enter the Eon Essay Contest. While buying a copy is an option, you can also borrow one from a friend, school, or local library. Although summaries are available online, the contest strongly recommends reading the full book to fully understand its message, context, and key arguments.

5. How do writing contests like the Eon Essay Contest help with college applications?

With its timely and unique focus on global risks, the Eon Essay Contest can make a strong addition to your college application. A well-crafted entry showcases your critical thinking, analytical skills, and intellectual curiosity. It also demonstrates initiative and a readiness to engage with complex, real-world issues—qualities that top universities value highly.

Takeaways

Here’s what to know about the Eon Essay Contest before writing your entry:

• Open to students ages 13–24, the contest invites participants to respond to one of three age-specific prompts based on The Precipice by Toby Ord.
• To qualify, you must be a current or returning student living in an eligible region. No specific academic background is required—just an original essay that directly addresses your assigned prompt.
• Success begins with reading The Precipice, understanding your prompt, and crafting a response that is clear, creative, and well-supported.
• Standout essays often bring bold ideas or thoughtful critiques to the table—whether that means proposing new solutions or exploring overlooked gaps in the book.
• If you’re unsure whether the Eon Essay Contest fits into your extracurricular goals, speaking with a college admissions advisor can help you decide and find the best way to highlight it on your application.