Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. What is the European Sociological Essay Olympiad (ESEO)?

The ESEO is an annual event that invites high school students across Europe to explore sociological topics through original essay writing. It encourages critical thinking and academic research outside traditional exams.

Learn more about ESEO

2. Who is eligible to participate?

Any student currently enrolled in high school in a country with an official ESEO delegation can participate. There is no rigid age limit, but participants should be within the usual secondary education age range.

See eligibility details

3. How do I get involved in ESEO?

Interested students submit an original, unpublished sociological essay or academic writing sample directly to their national delegation’s official email. Each delegation reviews submissions and selects their representatives based on academic merit and writing quality, typically notifying participants at least one month before the deadline.

Find your national delegation

Selection process details

4. Is a formal national competition required to participate in the ESEO?

No. The ESEO does not rely on formal contests or timed exams because it recognizes that these do not always reflect a student’s true ability. Instead, delegations focus on evaluating writing samples and overall academic promise when selecting their representatives for ESEO.

5. How should I structure my essay?

While there’s no single required format, a clear and logical structure helps your argument shine. Common elements include an introduction with your main question or thesis, a well-organized body presenting your analysis, and a concise conclusion. Use headings if helpful, and ensure clarity and coherence throughout.

Your national delegation will provide guidance and resources on academic writing to support your preparation.

6. What topics will I write about?

The Academic Committee selects essay topics proposed by national delegations. These topics focus on current sociological issues and encourage critical thinking. Participants will be informed of the final topics for the competition year through the official website, email confirmation as well as by their national delegation.

7. Can I submit other types of work besides essays?

Submissions should be sociological essays or equivalent academic writings. If you’re unsure about your piece, check with your national delegation before submitting.

8. What support is available to participants?

National delegations provide selected participants with resources, including study guides, recommended readings, and advice on academic writing. This support helps students develop their ideas and strengthen their essays.

9. How is my essay evaluated?

Essays are assessed by panels including delegation members, Executive Board representatives, and sometimes external experts or PhD students. Evaluation focuses on originality, analytical depth, sociological understanding, and clarity.

10. Can participants withdraw after selection?

Yes. If a participant must withdraw, they should notify their national delegation immediately. The delegation then informs the ESEO Executive Board. Once withdrawn, replacements are not permitted.

11. Does ESEO participation count toward university admission?

While ESEO is not an official certification program, universities often recognize participation and awards as indicators of academic ability and interest in sociology. Students are encouraged to include their involvement in applications or portfolios.

12. What personal data is collected and how is it used?

ESEO collects only essential data for administration and communication purposes, stored securely and handled with confidentiality. Our official website uses cookies to enhance user experience. For full details, please see our Privacy Policy.

13. How do I submit my work?

In order to participate and represent your country send your original essay or writing sample to your national delegation’s official email listed here: N ational delegation list Make sure your file is in a commonly readable format (PDF, DOCX, or Word).

For your response in the official ESEO competition, send your response to the specific prompt at essays@eusocolympiad.org within the assigned submission window, ensuring all formatting criteria are met. For further details, please see our Annual Prompts and Timeline page

14. What if my country has no official delegation?

You can contact the ESEO Executive Board at board@eusocolympiad.org for help in setting up a delegation or finding alternative ways to participate.

15. Where can I find the official competition rules?

Detailed rules and guidelines are available on the Statute page.

If you have further questions, please reach out to your national delegation or contact the ESEO at competition@eusocolympiad.org

17. How should I format my essay for submission?

Your essay should be clearly structured and easy to read. While there is no rigid template, we recommend the following guidelines to ensure clarity and professionalism:

Use a standard font such as Times New Roman or Arial, size 12.
Double-space the text with 1-inch margins on all sides.
Include a title page with your name, country, and contact email (if submitting directly).
Organize your essay with an introduction, clear body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Cite all sources appropriately using a consistent academic citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
Submit your essay as a PDF or Word document to ensure compatibility.

National delegations often provide additional formatting guidance and resources to selected participants to help meet academic standards.

18. Can I use AI tools to help write or edit my essay?

The use of AI tools (such as language models or writing assistants) is permitted only as a supplementary aid to improve grammar, spelling, or style. The core content, analysis, and arguments must be your own original work. The competition’s policy aligns with the European Commission’s Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI (2019), ensuring transparency, accountability, and respect for academic integrity. Excessive reliance on AI-generated content or plagiarism may result in disqualification or place the participant at a disadvantage in the assessment process . All participants must comply with ethical standards and data protection rules under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). If you have questions or concerns, please consult your national delegation. For further details on use of external material, please refer to the Statute Page

19. Are there any registration fees to participate in the competition?

No, there are no registration fees for participating in the European Sociological Essay Olympiad (ESEO). The competition is free for all eligible students. Your national delegation handles all necessary arrangements without any cost to participants.