Rating Criteria
All local Chapters will assemble a review panel to assess submitted essays based on the following criteria. Essays may earn a maximum rating of 100 points.
1. Development of Topic/Thesis: (30 possible points) Topic is well-developed (covers and develops major points, supplying enough information for understanding)
2. Progression: (20 possible points) Composition progresses from beginning to end in a logical flow of information
3. Readability: (25 possible points) Concise prose that sticks to the point and does not ramble (holds reader's attention)
4. Grammar: (15 possible points) Agreement of subject and verb; proper tense; correct sentence construction; paragraphing, including transitional phrases linking same
S. Spelling: (5 possible points)
6. Punctuation: (5 possible points)
Additional Information
Persons submitting manuscripts thereby grant to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. the right to keep the manuscripts and to exercise full publishing rights to them. Awards will be announced on or about June 1, 2024, and the decision of the judges will be final. The manuscripts must present an adequate treatment of the essay topic. Winners may be required to furnish written proof that they were enrolled in their respective high school at the time the essay was submitted Awards will be submitted to each winner, upon written verification from an institution of higher education that the individual has enrolled. Actual enrollment (not just acceptance) is required. Awards must be claimed within 18 months after the announcement date to be valid.