BTDT Essay Competition:
Your Ideas, Your Voice, Your Future.
Show the world what you're made of
Ready to prove you've got what it takes? The BTDT Essay Competition challenges high school students worldwide to tackle big questions across science, business, and humanities. This isn't your typical school assignment, it's your chance to dive deep into fascinating topics, develop the exact skills top universities are looking for, and get recognized for your original thinking.
Whether you're exploring the human microbiome, analyzing the psychology of social media, or questioning the foundations of global finance, you'll be building critical thinking and academic writing skills that set you apart from the crowd.
Plus, with mentors from Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, and other elite universities evaluating your work, you're getting direct exposure to people who walk the halls you're aiming for.
Why Participate?
Stand Out: Add a prestigious competition credential to your college applications.
Level Up: Develop university-caliber research and writing skills before you even get there.
Get Noticed: Have your ideas read by graduates from the world's top universities.
Win Big: Compete for cash prizes, BTDT credits, and recognition that matters.
BTDT
Competition
Categories & Topics
COMPUTER SCIENCE
DIGITAL FORTRESSES: THE EVOLVING CHALLENGE OF CYBERSECURITY IN AN INTERCONNECTED SOCIETY
Analyze how our increasingly connected digital world has transformed cybersecurity from just a technical problem into something that affects society at large. Explore the trade-offs we face between making technology easy to use, keeping it functional, protecting our privacy, and maintaining security. Cyber defenders face a major challenge: they must protect systems successfully 100% of the time, while attackers only need to find one weakness once to succeed. What strategies and solutions might help address this imbalance? In your analysis, consider both technological approaches (like encryption and security protocols) and human elements (such as education and security behaviors).
Saksham Diwan, Cornell
BIOLOGY
THE HUMAN MICROBIOME: ARE WE MORE BACTERIA THAN HUMAN?
Explore the composition of the human microbiome and evaluate the scientific evidence for how these microorganisms influence human health and biological functions. Consider the philosophical implications: To what extent does the presence of trillions of non-human cells in our bodies challenge our understanding of human identity?
Diya Sharma, Berkeley
PHYSICS
THE ORIGINS OF THERMODYNAMICS: LESSONS FOR MODERN COMPLEX SYSTEMS
Trace the historical development of thermodynamics from its roots in steam engine efficiency to its emergence as a foundational scientific theory. Analyze how scientists distilled complex molecular behaviors into elegant, universal laws that transcended their original applications. Discuss what this historical process reveals about effective scientific theory-building. How might these approaches be applied to contemporary complex systems such as climate, economics, or artificial intelligence? Consider both the power and limitations of such reductionist approaches.
Vansh Jhunjhunwala, Oxford
Eligibility Criteria for the Essay Competition
Thinking of participating in our essay competition? Scrolling down, you'll discover all the eligibility criteria you'll need to know.
Age Requirement
Open to high school students aged 14 to 18 years at the time of registration.
Graduates
Students who have graduated from high school but have not yet commenced college/university are also eligible to participate.
International Participation
The competition is open to students worldwide with no geographical restrictions.
Language Requirement
All submissions must be in English.
Registration
Process
Registration is free
There is no submission fee to participate!
Deadline
All participants must complete registration by May 31st, 2025 (11:59 PM IST).
Process
Registration must be completed via the official Google Form accessible below.
Confirmation
Upon successful registration, participants will receive a confirmation email containing a unique identification number and a secure link for essay submission
Important
Key Dates for the
Essay Competition
Stay informed about the critical dates for our essay competition. Mark your calendar to ensure you don't miss any deadlines!
April 5th, 2025
Competition Opens
The essay competition officially goes live on this date for everyone to join!
May 31st, 2025
Registration
The registration deadline is fast approaching! Make sure to submit your entry by this date.
June 30th, 2025
Submission
Submit your entry before the deadline, as late submissions will not be accepted!
August 1st, 2025
Announcement
Results will be published on our website. Be sure to check back for the latest updates!
Word Limit
1,500 words
Each essay should not exceed 1,500 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography
Formatting Requirements
7 Requirements
-
Topic and participant ID number should be in the header
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File Format: PDF only
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Font: Times New Roman
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Font Size: 12 point
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Line Spacing: 1.5
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Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides
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Page Numbers: Required in footer
Citations & Referencing
3 Requirements
-
All sources must be appropriately cited
-
Accepted citation formats: MLA, APA, or Chicago
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Bibliography/Works Cited page is required
Originality
No Plagiarism
All submissions must be the original work of the participant, plagiarism will result in disqualification
Submission Requirements
Ready to showcase your writing talent? Make sure to familiarize yourself with our submission requirements for the BTDT Essay Competition. We can't wait to see your creativity and passion shine through your essays. Your journey begins here—submit your work today!
Essay Specifications
Submission Process
Submission Process
Submission Process
Deadline
30th June, 2025
Essays must be submitted by June 30th, 2025 (11:59 PM IST)
Submission Method
Link in Email
Essays must be uploaded via the link provided in the registration confirmation email
File Naming Convention
Use ID Number
Files should be named using only the participant's unique ID number (e.g., "BTDT2025_1234.pdf")
Confirmation
via Email
Participants will receive a submission confirmation email in 2-3 working days
Essay Specifications
Submission Process
Word Limit
1,500 words
Each essay should not exceed 1,500 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography.
Formatting Requirements
7 Requirements
-
Topic and participant ID number should be in the header.
-
File Format: PDF only
-
Font: Times New Roman
-
Font Size: 12 point
-
Line Spacing: 1.5
-
Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides
-
Page Numbers: Required in footer
Citations & Referencing
3 Requirements
-
All sources must be appropriately cited
-
Accepted citation formats: MLA, APA, or Chicago
-
Bibliography/Works Cited page is required
Originality
No Plagiarism
All submissions must be the original work of the participant. Plagiarism will result in disqualification.
AI Usage Policy
Prohibition on
AI-Generated Content
-
Zero Tolerance Policy: The use of artificial intelligence tools (including but not limited to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or any other AI writing assistants) to generate, edit, or enhance any portion of the essay is strictly prohibited.
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Original Work Requirement: All submissions must be the original intellectual work of the participant, with all research, analysis, and writing completed by the student.
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Verification Process: Essays may be subject to AI-detection software and other verification methods.
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Consequences: Any evidence of AI-generated content will result in immediate disqualification from the competition.
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Declaration: Participants will be required to sign a declaration of originality when submitting their essay, confirming that no AI tools were used in its creation.
Permitted Technology Usage
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Research Tools: Students may use digital research tools, academic databases, and legitimate online sources for research purposes.
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Grammar Checking: Basic spell-check and grammar-check tools (such as those built into word processors) are permitted.
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Citation Management: Bibliography and citation management software are allowed.
Judging Process
Understanding our judging criteria—clarity, coherence, and originality—is key to success in the BTDT competition. Scroll down to learn how to make your essay stand out.
Judging Panel
The competition entries will be evaluated by a distinguished panel including:
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BTDT mentors from top global universities
-
University Faculty members
-
Subject matter experts in each topic area
-
Critical Thinking (25%): Depth of analysis, originality of thought, and engagement with complex ideas
-
Research Quality (25%): Use of relevant sources, evidence of thorough research, and proper citation
-
Argument Structure (25%): Logical organization, coherent flow, and persuasive reasoning
-
Writing Style (15%): Clarity of expression, appropriate academic tone, and grammatical accuracy
-
Originality (10%): Creative approach to the topic and innovative perspectives
-
Initial screening to ensure compliance with submission guidelines
-
Review by at least two judges per essay
-
Final review of shortlisted essays by senior judges
-
Consensus selection of winners and finalists
Evaluation Criteria
Essays will be judged based on:
Selection Process
Participants will be selected based on:
Mentoring Sessions
One-on-one mentoring sessions with university students and graduates from the world’s best universities.
Workshops
Specialized workshops on academic and career development.
Resources
Exclusive educational resources and materials, including access to UniVibe, our college research platform.
Credits have no expiration date and can be used anytime after the competition results are announced.
BTDT
Competition
Categories & Topics
First Prize Winner
-
Cash prize of ₹25,000
-
$1,500 in BTDT credits
-
Digital certificate of excellence
-
Featured interview on BTDT website
Runner-Up
-
Cash prize of ₹10,000
-
$1,000 in BTDT credits
-
Digital certificate of distinction
Topic Prize Winners
-
Cash prize of ₹5,000
-
$500 in BTDT credits
-
Digital certificate of achievement
One Per Topic
Finalists
-
$150 in BTDT credits
-
Honorable mention certificate
Ten Per Topic
We proudly collaborate with mentors from prestigious institutions worldwide.
Taarush Grover
Stanford University
Hey! I'm Taarush, a Computer Science + Design Major at Stanford University. I specialize in profile development, extracurricular project development, identifying a spike, activity list drafting, essay ideation, and reviewing. Looking forward to having a positive interaction!
Parth Bansal
Brown University
Majoring in Applied Math - Economics. I'd be happy to help in any field you'd like guidance in. I was also admitted to other universities like LSE, Duke, Georgetown, Vanderbilt, UCL, and many more.
Saksham Diwan
Cornell University
Undergraduate researcher at Cornell’s PoRTaL Lab, developing algorithms to transfer human tasks efficiently to robots, and at Signal Science Lab, using machine learning to optimize electricity infrastructure.
Anahita Mahajan
NUS
Final year student studying at Yale-NUS College in Singapore. Majoring in BA Honours degree in Economics with a minor in Psychology. Happy to guide about the process of applying to colleges in Singapore, academic culture, student life, work visas etc.
Vidhi Bhartiya
Yale University
Personalised guidance on brainstorming for and reviewing college essays, extracurriculars and clubs, and life on campus.
Jaiveer Misra
Cambridge University
Third-year undergraduate at Cambridge University passionate about empowering student voices through strategic, research-driven university applications. I leverage my experience in leadership, academics, and global citizenship initiatives.
Vansh Jhunjhunwala
University of Oxford
Hey folks! I’m a 4th-year Theoretical Physics student at Oxford, into quantum computing, start-ups, and deep tech. I offer personalized guidance on STEM paths, applications, interviews, and building standout profiles.
Krishang Todi
Carnegie Mellon University
Just like an elder brother helping out with editing essays or LOR, university shortlisting, major selection, internship search, standardised testing, or any other possible question regarding studying abroad.
Diya Sharma
University of California, Berkeley
I offer friendly, one-on-one mentorship rooted in global experiences, supporting students with essays, interviews, and scholarships through personalized guidance that builds confidence and highlights their unique strengths.
Sanaya Varma
University of Chicago
I know college applications can be confusing and stressful–I'm here to help navigate choosing and applying to schools in the US as well as to help enhance applications to target specific schools. I look forward to working together!
The competition is open to all high school students. We encourage diverse perspectives and welcome entries from around the globe. Check our entry requirements for more details.
You can register by filling out the online registration form linked on this website. Ensure you provide all required information for a successful submission. After registration, you will receive a confirmation email.
The deadline for registrations is May 31st, 2025 and the submissions deadline is June 30th, 2025. Make sure to submit your essay before this date to be considered. Late entries will not be accepted.
The Prizes are listed on the "Prizes and Recognition" part of this website. Go check that section for more information.
Winners are selected based on Critical thinking, Research Quality, Argument Structure, Writing Style and Originality. A panel of judges will evaluate all entries. Check our "Judging Process" section on this website for more information.
Reach Out
Follow Us
We proudly collaborate with mentors from prestigious learning institutions worldwide.
Humanities
CATEGORY 3.
Biology
The Human Microbiome: Are We More Bacteria Than Human?
Explore the composition of the human microbiome and evaluate the scientific evidence for how these microorganisms influence human health and biological functions. Consider the philosophical implications: To what extent does the presence of trillions of non-human cells in our bodies challenge our understanding of human identity?
Diya Sharma, Berkeley
Computer Science
Digital Fortresses: The Evolving Challenge of Cybersecurity in an Interconnected Society
Analyze how our increasingly connected digital world has transformed cybersecurity from just a technical problem into something that affects society at large. Explore the trade-offs we face between making technology easy to use, keeping it functional, protecting our privacy, and maintaining security. Cyber defenders face a major challenge: they must protect systems successfully 100% of the time, while attackers only need to find one weakness once to succeed. What strategies and solutions might help address this imbalance? In your analysis, consider both technological approaches (like encryption and security protocols) and human elements (such as education and security behaviors).
Saksham Diwan, Cambridge
Physics
The Origins of Thermodynamics: Lessons for Modern Complex Systems
Trace the historical development of thermodynamics from its roots in steam engine efficiency to its emergence as a foundational scientific theory. Analyze how scientists distilled complex molecular behaviors into elegant, universal laws that transcended their original applications. Discuss what this historical process reveals about effective scientific theory-building. How might these approaches be applied to contemporary complex systems such as climate, economics, or artificial intelligence? Consider both the power and limitations of such reductionist approaches.
Vansh Jhunjhunwala, Oxford
Prizes &
Recognition
Be rewarded for your creativity! We're excited to announce the amazing prizes for our essay competition. Your unique voice could earn you cash prizes, BTDT Credits, featured publications and certificates! This is your chance to shine, so don't miss out on the opportunity to showcase your work and win fantastic rewards!
Competition Awards
Overall Prize Winner
- Cash prize of ₹25,000
-
$1,500 in BTDT credits
-
Digital certificate of excellence
-
Featured interview on BTDT website
Runner-Up
- Cash prize of ₹10,000
-
$1,000 in BTDT credits
-
Digital certificate of distinction
Topic Prize Winners
One Per Topic
-
Cash Prize of ₹5,000
-
$500 in BTDT credits
-
Digital certificate of achievement
Finalists
Ten Per Topic
-
$150 in BTDT credits
-
Honorable mention certificate
Recognition and Opportunities
School Recognition
Most Participating School Award:
the school with the most participating students will receive a trophy and $150 of BTDT credits for all participating students from that school.
Publication Opportunities
-
Essays from the overall winner, runner-up, and all topic winners will be published on the BTDT website
-
Select essays may be featured in BTDT's annual digital publication and newsletters
-
All finalists and prize winners will receive a certificate of achievement.
Judging Panel
The competition entries will be evaluated by a distinguished panel including:
Judging Panel
The competition entries will be evaluated by a distinguished panel including:
-
BTDT mentors from top global universities
-
University Faculty members
-
Subject matter experts in each topic area
Evaluation Criteria
Essays will be judged based on:
-
Critical Thinking (25%): Depth of analysis, originality of thought, and engagement with complex ideas
-
Research Quality (25%): Use of relevant sources, evidence of thorough research, and proper citation
-
Argument Structure (25%): Logical organization, coherent flow, and persuasive reasoning
-
Writing Style (15%): Clarity of expression, appropriate academic tone, and grammatical accuracy
-
Originality (10%): Creative approach to the topic and innovative perspectives
Selection Process
-
Initial screening to ensure compliance with submission guidelines
-
Review by at least two judges per essay
-
Final review of shortlisted essays by senior judges
-
Consensus selection of winners and finalists
Evaluation Criteria
Essays will be judged based on:
Selection Process
Participants will be selected based on:
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Registration
The registration deadline is fast approaching! Make sure to submit your entry by this date.
May 15th, 2025
Announcement
The registration deadline is fast approaching! Make sure to submit your entry by this date.
