Frequently Asked Questions

What age group do I participate in?

Students compete against those in their same age group based on how old you are when the deadline for submissions occurs. If you turn a year older after the submission deadline but before the winners are announced, you would still compete in the age group you were when the submission deadline occurred.

Can I submit an essay through my school communication portal?

All essays must be submitted in a PDF format and added as an attachment to an email sent to [email protected] or mailed and received no later than midnight Mountain Daylight Time on the submission deadline. We cannot access documents that are sent through school district communication portals. Participants must include their completed application. If participants do not have the ability to form fill or scan the completed application, we can accept a photo of the completed application that is legible. Photos of essays will not be accepted.

How will I know if ABMF has received my submitted essay?

You will receive an email confirmation that we have received the essay. If you do not receive a confirmation, please resubmit your essay to [email protected] no later than midnight Mountain Daylight Time of the submission deadline.

If I have won a First, Second or Third Prize in a previous contest, may I compete again in the same or a different age group?

No. Thank you for participating and congratulations on your win! We want to give opportunities to as many students as possible. Students who win an “Honorable Mention” MAY compete again in whichever age group they qualify.