Competitions Apply Now →
Humanities Registration Open

Scholastic Reasoning & Rhetoric Competition at UC Berkeley

Organized by Korean Business Organization

Loading...
Apply Now

Deadline

Mar 31, 2026 · 11:59 PM

Format

Essay Competition

Team

Individual Only

Prize

Certificate

About

The Scholastic Reasoning & Rhetoric Competition at UC Berkeley is a student-led academic competition designed to challenge participants in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and persuasive communication. Hosted by students at UC Berkeley, the competition provides a platform for high-achieving students to demonstrate their ability to construct logical arguments, analyze complex issues, and articulate ideas with clarity and impact.

The competition integrates two core components:

Reasoning – Participants engage in analytical problem-solving, logical evaluation, and evidence-based argument development.

Rhetoric – Participants showcase their written and/or spoken communication skills through persuasive essays, structured debates, or formal presentations.

For this year’s competition, participants will address the overarching theme of “Current Social Problems.” Within this broad theme, students may choose a topic freely from one of the following categories:
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Public Policy
  • Psychology
  • Health

Submissions will take the form of an original essay between 800–1200 words. The format is flexible, allowing participants to develop their arguments in the structure they find most effective. Citations are not required; however, arguments should be grounded in logical reasoning, clear analysis, and well-developed perspectives.

By combining intellectual rigor with expressive precision, the competition aims to cultivate the next generation of thoughtful leaders, scholars, and communicators. It fosters academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and respectful discourse within a dynamic and competitive environment.

Open to ambitious students seeking to test and refine their reasoning and rhetorical abilities, the competition reflects the spirit of inquiry and innovation associated with UC Berkeley’s academic community.

How It Works

Competition Format

Essay Competition

Participants craft and submit a written paper exploring their ideas, research, or proposed solutions. Submissions are evaluated by expert judges on depth of analysis, clarity of argument, and originality of thought.

Participation

Individual Only

This competition is for individual participants only. Each entrant registers and competes on their own — showcasing personal skill, research, and originality without a team.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility Requirements

This competition is open to High School Students. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before submitting your application.

When to Apply?

Registration Deadline

All applications must be submitted before the deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted, so make sure to complete your registration ahead of time.

Closes on

March 31, 2026 · 11:59 PM

Competition Timeline

1

Apply

2

Championship Round

Recognition

How Awards Work for Essay Competitions

Awards are given per essay prompt — each prompt has its own 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, and Honorable Mention winners. In addition, one student across all prompts combined receives the SEF Overall Grand Scholar Award — the highest honor in this competition.

Awards & Recognition

Certificate of Achievement

🏆
Overall Top Award · 1 Winner

SEF Overall Grand Scholar Award

Awarded to the single highest-scoring participant across all essay prompts combined — the most prestigious honor in this competition.

Per-Prompt Awards

🥇
1st Place

SEF Grand Scholar Award

🥈
2nd Place

SEF Award of Academic Distinction

🥉
3rd Place

SEF Award of Scholarly Excellence

🎖
Honorable Mention

SEF Honorable Mention

Award Categories

Individual Awards

Individual participants are evaluated solely on their own submission. Each entry is scored independently by judges, and top performers are recognized with a personal SEF award certificate.

  • Work is assessed on an individual basis
  • Award certificates are issued personally
  • Rankings reflect personal academic achievement

Team Awards

Teams are evaluated as a unified group. Judges assess the collective quality, coherence, and overall strength of the team's submission.

  • The entire team shares the same award standing
  • All team members receive individual certificates
  • Collaboration and cohesion are part of evaluation
Registration Open

Closes on

March 31, 2026 · 11:59 PM

Apply Now

Details

Category Humanities
Format Essay Competition
Team Individual Only
Eligibility High School Students
Prize Certificate

Organized By

Korean Business Organization

UC Berkeley