The prompt for the 2026 Dedman Essay Competition will be posted in February 2026, with submissions due by April 29, 2026. See the 2025 prompt below as an example.
The essay itself is limited to 4,000 characters, which is about 750-800 words. Judges will review essays and score them based on a number of factors including:
- Adherence to the prompt
- Originality and creativity
- Grammar and mechanics
- Organization and presentation
- Ability to inspire and evoke emotion
Please keep all 5 judging criteria in mind when writing and submitting your essay.
2025 PROMPT
The 2025 competition will close on April 30, 2025. The portal to submit the application is available at this link.
Conviction is often hailed as the courage to stand by one’s beliefs in the face of opposition. But when does conviction become obstinance? Is there a point at which standing firm in one’s principles ceases to be a virtue and instead becomes resistance to growth? History, philosophy, and your own personal experience may show that the distinction between these two qualities is not always clear. In a well-argued and compelling essay, explore the fine line between conviction and obstinance.
WINNING ESSAYS
Winning essays will receive a certificate from the program along with one of the following cash award prizes:
- First place
- Second Place
- Third Place
- Honorable mention #1
- Honorable mention #2
$1,500
$1,000
$500
$250
$250
RULES
- Only sophomores and juniors currently enrolled in a public or private high school in Texas are eligible to apply
- Essays must be the original work of student entrants
- Winning students must submit documentation from their high schools showing their enrollment status
- Each student is allowed only one entry in the competition per year
- Essay forms must be fully completed using the link above for submission to be valid for the competition
- Winners must agree to submit and allow brief biographical information to be posted on the Dedman Distinguished Scholars Essay Competition website and in other materials
- Winners will be required to create a UT EID and submit a payment address with the University.
- Winners do not have to attend UT Austin in order to receive their funds. The cash awards can be used for any school.
Students can also review the Writing Resources page to find information about how to craft an effective essay. The resources listed on that page are commonly provided to students at UT Austin to help them write effectively at the college level. Winning essays are expected to be written at that level as well, so all entrants should review and make use of the information provided when crafting their essays.
For questions about the competition, please contact us at dedmanessay@gmail.com.