Essays can be no more than 1,000 words but must be a minimum of 700 words. Citations and bibliography are not included in the word count. Essays must be the original work of the student. John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Edward M. Kennedy are not eligible subjects for essays. Essays must describe an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official that occurred during or after 1956, the publication date of Profiles in Courage. The official may have addressed an issue at the local, state, or national level. See Contest Information and Topic Guidelines and Helpful Tips for Writing Your Essay for more information. Essays about past recipients of the Profile in Courage Award will be disqualified unless they describe an act of political courage other than the act for which the award was given. Essays must have a minimum of five sources
