START Essay Contest Details

2026 START Essay Question

How have your experiences with different perspectives (e.g., people from different backgrounds, cultures, generations, etc.) influenced how you view yourself and others?

Disclaimer: Please note that the use of plagiarism is a violation of the Smeal Honor Code. This includes not using GenAI tools. Please use your own thoughts and ideas to formulate an effective submission.

Eligibility

You must be a full-time undergraduate student enrolled at any Penn State campus to submit a submission for consideration in the START Essay Contest.

Criteria

Submission must be a written expression: essay, poem, or story

• Must be no longer than 5 pages
• Use 12-point Times New Roman font
• Must be double-spaced with one-inch margins
• Submit the file in PDF format
• Include a cover page with:
  • Title of your submission
  • Your full name
  • Your major
  • Semester standing (e.g., Sophomore, Junior, etc.)
  • Penn State email address (e.g., xyz1234@psu.edu)
• Submission must be sent from a valid Penn State email address
• You must note how you heard about the START Essay Contest in the submission
• No group submissions allowed
• Only one entry per student is permitted
• Send your submission to Pauline Hough at pqh101@psu.edu
• Deadline is Friday, January 16th, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST
• If selected as a finalist:
  • You must give a 4–7-minute presentation
  • Finalists are required to present at the START Conference on Thursday, March 26th, 2026
• Submissions will be judged based on:
  • Quality of writing
  • Relevance of topic
  • Creative expression
  • Adherence to all guidelines

Timeline

• After the January 19th, 2026 submission deadline, the student committee will review entries and select a group of finalists based on the judging criteria.
• Finalists will be contacted via email to schedule a time to present their submissions to the START Conference Committee.
• Winners will be chosen from these presentations and will be invited to present at the START Conference.
• Presentations will take place after the lunch keynote speaker, in a random order.
• Contestants will not be informed of their placement until all three presentations have been completed.
• Awards will be announced and presented immediately following the final presentation.

Judging

• Finalists and winners will be selected by members of the START Committee.
• The Committee includes Undergraduate students ranging from first-year to senior standing (many from the Smeal College of Business, but not all)

Awards

• First Place – $3,500
• Second Place – $2,500
• Third Place – $1,500