The Senior essay contest for MUNUM XXXIX is opening December 1st! applications will close January 5th, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST.

essay submission

our mission

Thank you for your interest in the annual MUNUM Senior Essay Contest! We are excited to offer seniors the opportunity to earn some money towards their college education. We will be giving prizes for first, second, and third place, earning $500, $350, and $150 respectively.

Essay Information

  • Please observe a 1,000 word length limit.

  • Please submit this form with a PDF of your essay by January 5th, 2025 at 11:59 pm (EST). Late submissions will not be accepted.

Prompt 1: "You are on an expedition to found a colony on Mars, when from a nearby crater, a group of Martians suddenly emerges. They seem eager to communicate, but they’re the impatient kind and demand you represent the human race in one song, image, memory, proof, or other idea. What do you share with them to show that humanity is worth their time?"

Prompt 2: "If you had to tackle a international issue that affects high school students, what is the issue and how would you address it?"

Prompt 3: “You are tasked with building a community at the bottom of the ocean. The engineers have already found out how to sustain life, but you are tasked with attracting people to live in this remote location. How would you recruit new residents?”

View this document for an example of our preferred formatting

We will be announcing the first, second, and third-place winners during the closing ceremonies of MUNUM XXXVIII. Please do not use this essay as an opportunity to flaunt awards or honors you have won in MUN, that is not the purpose of this. If you have any questions, please reach out via email to munum.external@gmail.com