Essay Contest FAQs
What is a mentor, and is a mentor required to enter the Essay Contest? | Show Details ↓
A mentor is the person who most influenced you in your study. Most students name the person who taught them to appreciate literature, helped them develop their writing skills, or introduced them to Jane Austen. You do not need to name a mentor to enter the contest.
Do I need to be a full-time student to participate? | Show Details ↓
During the academic year in which the contest is held, you must be a student to participate but not a full-time student. The requirements for each division are:
- High School: full-time or part-time student or home-schooled at the high school level
- College/University: enrolled in at least six credit hours of course work at a junior college, college, or university
- Graduate School: enrolled in at least three credit hours of graduate course work at a college or university leading to an advanced degree
Is the JASNA Essay Contest open to high school, college, and graduate students outside of the US? | Show Details ↓
Yes, but essays must be written in English.
Do I have to join the Jane Austen Society of North America before I can submit an essay? | Show Details ↓
No, you do not have to be a JASNA member to enter the contest.
When are the Essay Contest winners announced? | Show Details ↓
The names of the winners will be posted on the website in August. Winners will be contacted before their names are posted on the website.
How is the award money sent? | Show Details ↓
Winners will be asked how they prefer to receive their awards. Bank fees for checks or wire deposits are the responsibility of the winner.
Still have questions?
Email Meg Levin at essay-contest@jasna.org and include “JASNA Essay Contest” in the subject line.
