Competition Structure

Picture of a team of 4 who competed in 2025 with their advisor.

Round One essay prompt was released on October 15, 2025.

Teams of 4 may register up to final submission date, January 30, 2026, but all essay submissions are due by 11:59 PM (CST) on January 30, 2026.  No extensions. No exceptions.  Prompt is not released to a team until they are fully registered.

First Round essay entries will be rigorously judged and the top-scoring teams will be selected to progress to Round Two.  

Round Two prompt will release on February 15, 2026.  These submissions will be due March 1, 2026. Second Round Submissions will be judged through March 17, when the prompt for semi-finalists will be released.  

Round Three Submissions (Semi-finalists) will be invited to compete in-person on April 17, 2026 in Washington, D.C.  Team numbers and presentation time slots will be shared during on-site registration on Friday, April 17th.

Picture of a team of 4 competing in the 2025 National Ethics Case Competition.

Round Four will give the five finalists a final time to differentiate themselves as top-notch, with a strictly timed two-hour competition preparation window, in-person in Washington, D.C.

Register