What is The Concord Review?
What is the Significance of the Concord Review?
The Concord Review is the most prestigious journal in the social sciences for high school students. It is well-known for its selectivity, with an acceptance rate of less than 5%. The dean of admissions at Harvard College stated that it is “A simple fact that an essay that has been published by the Concord Review is something that’s impressive to the committee.”
There are also statistics showing that a considerable number of students who have published papers on the Concord Review have gone into top-tier universities such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford and more. In 2010 alone, 10% of the students featured in the journal had gone to Harvard College.
The Concord Review is the sole quarterly journal worldwide dedicated to showcasing academic research papers written by secondary students. It showcases essays of an average length of approximately 9000 words to elevate the voices of high school historians. They accept a wide variety of historical topics, demonstrating an appreciation for diverse perspectives, historical contexts, and narratives.
The Concord Review emphasizes freedom in learning, allowing students the liberty to choose the depth and extent of their research and writing. There are no word limits or strict guidelines, which can be a joy for those who desire to explore a topic of interest without boundaries.
A Brief History Lesson of the Concord Review
Will Fitzhugh is the founder of The Concord Review. He initiated this global movement, reaching students in 45 states across the United States and encompassing 40 countries worldwide. His inspiration stemmed from constantly hearing concerns about low reading skills among secondary students. Hearing that sparked a desire to showcase excellent historical essays as an inspiration for both students and educators. He wanted to highlight the remarkable efforts of students that often go unnoticed, highlighting their dedication and hard work to inspire others.
Why You Should Try to Submit an Essay to the Concord Review
Writing an essay for the Concord Review would provide an unmatched opportunity for you to showcase your intellectual growth, not only to admissions officers, but also to yourself. You could gain invaluable experience in conducting extensive research, creating strong arguments, and refining your writing skills to meet the Concord Review’s academic standards. You would be making a lasting impact in the social sciences by sharing your historical insights to a global audience. You would also be establishing yourself as a serious scholar.
What are the Concord Review Essay Requirements?
Essay must be completed before finishing secondary school, and the author must be the sole author of the work
Essays must be original and unpublished (except in a secondary school publication) and written in English
Essays should range from 5000-9000 words (though more will always be accepted), with Chicago endnotes with Arabic numerals and bibliography
Use a single font family, no line breaks within paragraphs and no graphics, charts and photos
Acceptable file formats are MS Word or RTF
Submit only one file, using the online submission form (a submission fee is required)
Tips on Writing an Academic Paper for the Concord Review
Choose a topic that genuinely captivates your interest. This will eventually feel rewarding as the researching and writing experience will be more enjoyable. Writing about something you’re passionate about will become your fuel for motivation. Also, it is always good to be engaged with your topic as it allows you to dive into the details and explore different angles enthusiastically.
You should establish a clear thesis statement or research question. Having a well-defined focus ensures that your essay is coherent and effectively addresses the core question or argument
While aiming for a strong argument, considering multiple perspectives adds depth and credibility to your essay. Evaluating different viewpoints and incorporating counter arguments may actually enhance your essay as you present a comprehensive analysis rather than a one-sided argument.
Properly citing sources is crucial. Make sure to keep a record of your sources and reference materials to avoid plagiarism and acknowledge the contributions of others. Being meticulous about your in-text citations ensures the credibility of your work.
Editing is an important part of the writing process because your writing style might evolve and improve as you progress. Continually editing your work can help with refining, polishing your arguments, improving clarity and ensuring your essay is well-structured.
Consistency is key. Committing to spending at least an hour daily or dedicated intervals in your free time on your essay can get a substantial amount of work done without overwhelming yourself.
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