JLI Global Essay Prize – shortlisted essay disappeared from my account?
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Hi! I’m wondering if anyone here has experienced something similar with the John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize.
I was shortlisted for the 2026 Philosophy category and received the official email confirming that I was shortlisted and inviting me to the October Awards Ceremony.
When I checked my account after being shortlisted, my submission was still there and the status indicated that referee verification was pending. The portal said that my referee would receive an email to confirm that the essay was my original work. However, my referee never received anything.
I didn't check my account again for about a month. Today I logged in and my submission has completely disappeared. It now says “0 essays submitted” / “No essays submitted yet.”
I’ve already emailed JLI to ask them to check my account, but I’m wondering:
- Has anyone else had their shortlisted submission disappear from the portal?
- Did anyone else have a delay with their referee verification email?
- Does the portal change/remove the submission from view after shortlisting?
I have screenshots of my previous submission status and the official shortlist email, so I know the submission was definitely there.
I’m mostly looking for reassurance/experience from other JLI contestants while I wait for their response 😭