For students aiming to stand out in the highly regarded John Locke essay competition, strong writing alone is not always enough. The judges are interested in participants who show a genuine passion for learning, critical thinking, and subject expertise beyond the classroom. This is where the right extracurricular examples come into play. By strategically choosing and showcasing activities that align with your desired category—be it philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, or law—you present yourself as a well-rounded, motivated thinker.
In this blog, we will explore the top extracurricular examples that can add substance and credibility to your John Locke essay competition submission.
Participate in academic clubs and competitions
(i). Debate and Model United Nations (MUN)
Engagement in debate societies or MUN reflects analytical thinking, persuasive communication, and a global perspective. These activities demonstrate that you can construct arguments, anticipate counterarguments, and articulate complex ideas—all essential for a strong John Locke essay competition entry.
(ii). Writing and essay competitions
Past participation in writing challenges or national essay competitions strengthens your academic portfolio. These extracurricular examples show your dedication to honing your craft and taking initiative beyond school requirements.
Pursue independent research and reading
(i). Subject-specific deep dives
Students who engage in self-guided research projects or complete online courses on platforms like Coursera or edX often bring greater depth to their arguments. These extracurricular examples are valuable for showing initiative and self-discipline—two qualities highly regarded by John Locke essay competition evaluators.
(ii). Book reviews and analytical writing
Maintaining a blog or contributing to school publications with opinion pieces or book reviews related to your chosen essay subject also adds weight. It shows that your interest in the topic is not casual but consistent and serious.
Get involved in leadership and community-based initiatives
(i). Student council and leadership programs
Leadership roles reflect your ability to manage time, responsibilities, and collaborative tasks—skills that also translate into disciplined, clear writing. These extracurricular examples demonstrate your maturity and drive, both of which reinforce your essay’s credibility.
(ii). Volunteering in subject-aligned projects
Volunteering for law firms, political campaigns, mental health organizations, or local historical societies can directly relate to the John Locke essay competition categories. These experiences help you bring personal insight and real-world understanding to your writing.
Attend workshops and summer schools
(i). Academic enrichment programs
Participation in subject-specific summer schools—such as those offered by top universities—helps you engage with academic content at a higher level. These extracurricular examples support your argument that you are genuinely invested in the field of study you chose for the John Locke essay competition.
(ii). Conferences and speaker events
Attending lectures, university open days, or virtual conferences allows you to learn from experts. Mentioning such events in your application adds an extra layer of sophistication to your essay preparation.
Final thoughts
To enhance your chances in the John Locke essay competition, choose extracurricular examples that directly support your subject area and show sustained intellectual interest. Whether through clubs, volunteering, leadership, or self-study, your out-of-classroom experiences can help you write with confidence, depth, and originality. Remember, these extracurricular examples are not just a supplement—they can be a key differentiator between a good submission and a truly exceptional one.
