Students who wish to enter the contest must submit the Jacaranda Essay Contest Form and essay to the English Department. A hard copy submission can also be mailed to the English Department.

Essay Format

1. The entrants’ names should not appear on the essays. Please include the essay’s title and page number in the upper-right-hand corner of each page. Do not staple; fasten with a paper clip. 
2. Essays are not to bear instructor’s remarks. 
3. When needed, entrants must document all sources using MLA style and must include a page where all works are cited.
4. Entrants must submit a paper copy of each submission with an entry form and a digital copy of the essay to the following address:

Submit a digital copy of your essay by email as an attachment (.docx, or .rtf files only) to Alison Murray with the subject line “Jacaranda Submission.”

Prizes & Recognition

Winning essays will be selected for the following qualities: Originality and Insight, Strength of Purpose, Convincing Development, Clarity and Precision of Language, Effective Arrangement of Parts.

1. It is expected that essays will be generally correct in grammar, mechanics, and documentation.  
2. Cash prizes will be awarded in each category. An entrant may not win more than one prize per category. 
3. Honorable mention awards may be given to additional essays of merit. 
4. Winning essays will be made available to faculty and students through the English Department. 
5. Winning entrants will be notified by the English Department.