The Rules
Nothing hidden.
Everything, in plain language — not clauses.
Who can enter
Final-year undergraduates, all Master's students, and all PhD students, enrolled for the 2026–27 academic year. Any discipline. Any country. 18 and up.
Is it really free?
Yes. Always.
What's the essay about?
A challenge you've lived with or grown up around — in your family, town, school, or community. Not something picked from the news. 1,500–2,500 words, up to 5 photos, English, first person.
Who owns my story?
You. Before, during, and after. Always.
Can I use a pen name?
Yes — choose it right at upload. Your legal name stays with us for verification only.
What can AI help with?
Organizing, translating, refining. The experience and the thinking have to be yours.
What happens to my photos?
You need to own them, or have permission from anyone identifiable in them.
Do I need to upload ID to enter?
No. Only the shortlist (top 15–20) verifies with a university ID photo and a photo of you holding it — deleted right after.
Does commenting affect judging?
Never. Judges don't see the public wall before the shortlist.
How is plagiarism or AI misuse handled?
Screened at the shortlist stage.
What do I sign?
A plain-language declaration: authorship, originality, enrollment, acceptance of these rules, photo rights, and your gallery opt-in/out.
What if my country restricts this?
Void where prohibited by local law — check before you enter.
The timeline
The declaration you sign does real work — authorship, originality, consent, enrollment, photo rights. It isn't a complete shield. Alongside it: a void-where-prohibited line for local law, a retention-and-deletion policy for ID photos, and editorial review before any essay naming real companies or people goes live. Questions: writeyourstorm@stormit.ca