Open To High School Students Worldwide

SINGULARITY

AI Essay Contest

Where the next generation defines the future of artificial intelligence.

Submit Your Essay View Prompts
Submissions Close - April 26, 2026
3,200+
Students
160+
Countries
200+
Mentors
$290K+
In Aid
About the Contest

What Is Singularity?

Veritas AI works with high school students across 160+ countries to build real understanding of artificial intelligence. We believe the most important conversations about AI should include the next generation of thinkers - not just the institutions building it.

The Singularity: AI Essay Contest invites exceptional high school students to engage with questions that will define how humanity thinks, works, and lives. Prompts are contributed and judged by researchers from MIT and Oxford. We are looking for clarity of thought, depth of argument, and the courage to take a real position.

Free to enter and open worldwide, winners receive up to $2,490 in scholarships to any Veritas AI programs. Are you ready to shape the future?

Why Enter?

  • Scholarship Awards Up to $2,490 toward any Veritas AI program - AI Scholars, Fellowship, or Deep Dive.
  • Global Recognition Winners featured on the Veritas AI website, recognized across our international community.
  • Expert Mentorship Judged by researchers from MIT, Yale, and Oxford.
  • World-Class Community Join 3,200+ students and 200+ mentors in the global Veritas AI network.
Prizes & Recognition

2026 Awards

Scholarships apply to any Veritas AI programs.

Gold
1 Winner
$2,490 Scholarship
Toward any Veritas AI Program
Silver
2 Winners
$2,000 Scholarship
Toward any Veritas AI Program
Bronze
3 Winners
$1,500 Scholarship
Toward any Veritas AI Program
Honorable Mention
$1,000 Scholarship
Toward any Veritas AI Program
Excellence Award
$750 Scholarship
Toward any Veritas AI Program
Distinction Award
$500 Scholarship
Toward any Veritas AI Program
Rising Scholar Award
$250 Scholarship
Toward any Veritas AI Program

Note: Scholarships are awarded as a tuition reduction upon acceptance into a Veritas AI program. Receiving a scholarship does not guarantee admission.

Essay Prompts

Choose Your Prompt

Select one of the three prompts below. Essays must be less than 1,500 words (excluding in-text citations and bibliography), MLA 8th edition format.

Prompt contributed by
Jonas Katona
Jonas Katona
PhD in Applied Mathematics
Yale University
Prompt 01

Can an AI system truly "understand" and "discover" scientific theories, or is it only approximating patterns in data? Does the distinction matter?

Judge's Commentary Modern LLMs often generate convincing explanations of scientific concepts and are increasingly used to assist in research. However, mechanistically, LLMs are essentially high-parameter black boxes trained on large amounts of data rather than directly grounded in physical reality and observations. Hence, is scientific understanding about internally consistent and correct reasoning, or about merely producing accurate predictions? If an AI gives correct answers without "understanding" the reasoning behind it, should we still say it reasons correctly? Should we treat it as a scientific authority?
Prompt contributed by
Andrey Boris Khesin
Andrey Boris Khesin
PhD in Mathematics
MIT
Prompt 02

If we have AI, how should the world change?

Judge's Commentary There have been many claims about the future of AI made by both experts and non-experts alike, many of whom have a vested interest in the topic. Two topics that come up frequently are AI's use of resources such as water and electricity, and the potential for AI to replace a large portion of the workforce. When large changes happen on too short of a timescale, there are often large structural problems if the system fails to adapt in time. There are preparations in all areas — from governance to industry to personal lives — that can ease or mitigate some of these problems.
Prompt contributed by
Henry Cerbone
Henry Cerbone
DPhil in Biology
University of Oxford
Prompt 03

Does AI make individual intelligence less valuable?

Judge's Commentary There is a view in philosophy that some people are unfairly better off when they're born based on factors like happening to enjoy their work or having a higher IQ. The rise of easily accessible LLMs has given everyone access to a PhD-level interlocutor in their pocket. Discuss how this interacts with the importance of being smart in today's world. You might find "Catching Crumbs from the Table" by Ted Chiang a useful starting point!
Prompt contributed by
Nick Koukoufilippas
Nick Koukoufilippas
PhD in Astrophysics
University of Oxford
Prompt 04

How should society balance technological progress with social responsibility to workers?

Judge's Commentary The transition we are currently under is critical: Humans Need Not Apply. What do we do when most people have become unemployable? Discuss.
Prompt contributed by
Alvaro Martinez-Pechero
Alvaro Martinez-Pechero
PhD in Engineering Science
University of Oxford
Prompt 05

In a world where AI can generate art, code, and literature in seconds, what remains uniquely human about the creative process?

Judge's Commentary As generative AI becomes more sophisticated, humans are forced to redefine the boundaries of human identity and authorship. This prompt encourages students to explore the philosophical distinction between algorithmic pattern-matching and genuine human inspiration. It's a call to think about what value we provide in an era of automated intelligence. Discuss whether "creativity" requires human intent and lived experience, or if the output is all that matters.

Not sure where to start?

Evaluation

How Essays Are Judged

Essays are reviewed and scored across five criteria in a double-blind review process by a panel of judges from MIT, Yale, and Oxford.

Originality
A distinct viewpoint and fresh insights that go beyond the obvious.
Analysis
A thorough understanding of the subject, supported by strong arguments.
Evidence
Well-substantiated arguments using credible, integrated sources.
Structure
Logical organization, clear progression of ideas, and smooth transitions.
Presentation
Meticulously edited, formal, grammatically correct academic writing.
Schedule

Key Dates

March 23, 2026
Contest Opens
Applications officially open worldwide
April 26, 2026
Submissions Close
Final deadline — 11:59 PM EST
May 11, 2026
Shortlist Announced
Top finalists notified via email
May 16, 2026
Award Ceremony
Virtual ceremony - winners announced live
How to Enter

Eligibility & Submission

Who Can Enter

  • Students enrolled in grades 9 to 12 as of May 31, 2026 are eligible to apply.
  • The contest is open to students from all countries worldwide. Essays and referral sources must be submitted in English.
  • No prior AI or computer science experience is required. Each student may submit one essay.
  • Entry is completely free of charge.

Submission Requirements

  • Essays must not exceed 1,500 words, excluding in-text citations and bibliography.
  • All essays must use MLA 8th Edition citation format.
  • Submissions must be original, unpublished work written solely by the applicant. Joint or collaborative submissions are not permitted.
  • Students may seek verbal feedback from teachers or peers, but all written work must be their own. Paid editing or writing services are not permitted, and plagiarism will result in disqualification.
  • All use of AI tools must be declared. If AI was used, you must specify the extent and purpose. Any use will negatively impact evaluation, and extensive reliance may result in disqualification.
  • Essays must use formal academic language. We are looking for argumentative, research-based writing, not original research.
  • Each participant must provide the email address of an academic referee, such as a teacher or school counselor, as we may contact them to verify authenticity.
  • Submit your essay here
Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The Singularity Essay Contest is completely free to enter.

No. Each student may submit one essay responding to one prompt.

No prior AI knowledge is required. We are looking for clear thinking, strong argumentation, and genuine engagement with the prompt.

All essays must use MLA 8th Edition format for citations and works cited pages.

The body of the essay counts toward the word limit. The title, in-text citations, and bibliography do not count.

Scholarships apply toward any Veritas AI program, including AI Scholars, AI Fellowship, and Deep Dive Programs.

The shortlist will be announced on May 11, 2026. All shortlisted students will be contacted via email. The full award ceremony takes place May 16, 2026.

The award ceremony will be held virtually, allowing winners from around the world to participate.

Participants are required to declare any use of AI tools in connection with their essay. If AI was used, you must clearly specify the extent and purpose of its usage. Any use of AI will negatively impact evaluation, and extensive reliance may result in disqualification. Incomplete or misleading declarations will lead to immediate disqualification.

Ready to Make Your Mark?

Join students from 160+ countries competing for scholarships to the world's leading AI education programs. Submissions close April 26, 2026.

Questions? Contact us at director@veritasai.com