Brett Fuller
Academic Development Manager | Pioneer Academics
Former Associate Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Wake Forest University
Former Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
There are many different approaches to crafting an effective college application, but the best share at least two traits: they give admissions officers a very clear sense of the student’s “voice”, and they distinguish the student from their peers in some meaningful way. “Voice” in this instance refers to a combination of the traits that make the student who they are such as their personality, interests, background, aspirations, etc. I often describe the sense of “voice” in an application in the following way – if you were to hand your application to someone you trusted who knew you incredibly well (a family member, best friend, counselor) would they agree that it represents you? You are submitting your application to an admissions officer who is presumably a complete stranger; will that AO be left with an accurate impression of who you are?
The second common denominator for effective applications is the ability to distinguish yourself from peers. This is where competitions or achievements can come into play. If you are passionate about writing, there are only so many places to represent that passion in an application. You can list writing as an activity and describe your engagement with it, your teacher or counselor may speak about it in a letter of recommendation, and of course you can submit writing samples of your own in the form of an essay or perhaps a supplement response. But, if you are a talented writer you may be leaving a lot to chance with how that interest is perceived by the admissions officer. It can be very helpful to support that interest with an achievement or distinguishing factor such as an award.
Below you will find a list of competitions that you can enter that can offer an opportunity to distinguish your writing abilities. It is not mandatory to earn accolades for your writing to be competitive in an admissions process, but it is always important to seek opportunities to substantiate your interests.
💡Bonus tips for choosing the right academic programs:
Click here to read the in-depth investigative report and its summary on the academic programs and publications by the Pulitzer-winning journalist on ProPublica and Chronicle of Higher Ed!
Pioneer Academics
Pioneer Academics is the only fully accredited online research program available worldwide. This unique program opens avenues for high-achieving students to delve into their varied interests and challenge themselves in an intellectually stimulating environment.
Pioneer Academics’ programs uphold stringent standards that engage participants in professional-level research across a multitude of disciplines. Students are granted a unique opportunity to learn from and collaborate with esteemed professors from various fields, including literature and creative prose.
By the conclusion of the Pioneer Academics program, each student will have the accomplishment of having crafted an undergraduate-level research paper under our expert guidance.
NSHSS CREATIVE WRITING SCHOLARSHIP – National Society of High School Scholars
The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) hosts one of the most legitimate writing contests for poets and fiction writers where they can win cash prizes and recognition.
In two categories, poetry and fiction, students can demonstrate their literary abilities, whether crafting in any poetic style or weaving a short fiction tale of up to 5,000 words.
NSHSS claims non-exclusive publishing rights for submissions, but entries can still be published elsewhere non-exclusively.
Top submissions will be published on the NSHSS website, a notable achievement in a young writer’s emerging career.
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | Three (3) $2,000 awards for the Fiction category |
| Program Dates | May 4th - October 1st, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | October 2nd, 2023 |
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | Three (3) $2,000 awards for the Fiction category |
| Program Dates | May 4th - October 1st, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | October 2nd, 2023 |
The Bennington Young Writers Awards – Bennington College
Bennington College, renowned for its literary legacy with twelve Pulitzer Prize winners and numerous bestsellers, has established the Young Writers Awards to foster excellence in writing.
Open to both US and international students in grades 9-12, this competition has poetry, fiction, and nonfiction categories. All entries need to be original and endorsed by a high school teacher.
Poetry entries should include three poems. Fiction can be a short story of no more than 1,500 words or a one-act play running no more than 30 minutes. Nonfiction should be a personal or academic essay, again, 1,500 words or fewer.
The contest awards first, second, and third-place prize winners in each category.
An additional perk of entering is the potential for undergraduate scholarships at Bennington. YWA finalists and winners who apply, are admitted, and enroll at Bennington can receive significant scholarships.
Submissions are free to encourage young talents to showcase their literary skills.
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | First Prize – $1,000 Second Prize – $500 Third Prize – $250 |
| Program Dates | September 1 to November 1 |
| Application Deadline(s) | Rolling Admission |
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | First Prize – $1,000 Second Prize – $500 Third Prize – $250 |
| Program Dates | September 1 to November 1 |
| Application Deadline(s) | Rolling Admission |
Penguin Random House: Creative Writing Awards – Penguin Random House
Penguin Random House has empowered aspiring authors for over two decades, championing diversity in writing. This coveted contest offers an open canvas for young talents across genres, including short stories, literary fiction, and even science fiction.
In a crucial partnership with We Need Diverse Books, this program offers cash prizes and scholarships worth up to $10,000 to five U.S. public high school seniors annually. Numerous past winners have kick-started successful writing careers, with some gaining award-winning recognition.
Eligibility extends to public high school seniors under 21, intending to join an accredited college or vocational school by Fall 2023. Submissions must be original English compositions in a specified genre, meeting certain format requisites.
Coordinated by Scholarship America®, the program has awarded over $2.8 million, appreciating originality in a spectrum of genres, from poetry and memoirs to essays, fiction, and spoken word.
The contest is open to all, irrespective of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability, or national origin.
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | $10,000 Fiction/Drama |
| Program Dates | October 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | First 1000 applications |
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | $10,000 Fiction/Drama |
| Program Dates | October 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | First 1000 applications |
YoungArts
YoungArts champions artistic development and offers a national platform for young creators to flourish. Renowned for comprehensive support across 10 artistic disciplines, YoungArts plays a vital role in positive childhood development by fostering committed artists from the outset of their creative journeys.
With genres like creative nonfiction, novels, plays, scripts, short stories, poetry, and spoken word, their writing division welcomes applicants aged 15-18, or those in grades 10-12.
The national writing contest run by YoungArts serves as a springboard for promising writers. It carries out an intricate blind adjudication process, steered by a distinguished reading committee.
Awardees gain access to cash prizes, enduring artistic support, and priceless networking opportunities within a vibrant community of peers and mentors.
This comprehensive package of resources equips budding writers with a competitive edge for other writing contests and short story competitions.
With its commitment to recognizing and reinforcing the talents of every participant, YoungArts fuels the belief in their creative potential.
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | $10,000 Eligible for a nomination as a US Presidential Scholar in the Arts |
| Program Dates | June 20, 2023 - 2024 |
| Application Deadline(s) | Rolling Admission |
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | $10,000 Eligible for a nomination as a US Presidential Scholar in the Arts |
| Program Dates | June 20, 2023 - 2024 |
| Application Deadline(s) | Rolling Admission |
Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest – Hollins University
In its 59th year, the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest, a Hollins University initiative, supports the creativity of young adult women who are currently sophomores or juniors in high school by rewarding their talent in poetry competitions.
The grand prize includes a $350 cash award, publication in the respected student literary magazine, Cargoes, ten copies of the magazine, and a renewable $5,000 per year scholarship for up to four years if the first-place winner enrolls at Hollins University.
Additionally, the champion secures complimentary tuition and housing for the duration of the Hollinsummer writing program.
One runner-up is also selected, gaining a publication in Cargoes, two copies of the issue, and a potential renewable $1,000 per year scholarship for up to four years if she attends Hollins University.
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | First place $350 cash prize Publication in Cargoes, Hollins’ award-winning student literary magazine Ten copies of Cargoes Renewable scholarship up to $5,000 provided through the Creative Talent Award in Creative Writing applicable if you enroll at Hollins University. Total value of $20,000 in scholarship funds over four years. Free tuition and housing for the university’s Hollinsummer creative writing program (for rising 9-12th grade students) Second place Publication in Cargoes Two copies of Cargoes Renewable scholarship up to $1,000 provided through the Creative Talent Award in Creative Writing applicable if you enroll at Hollins University. Total value of $4,000 in scholarship funds over four years. $500 scholarship to apply toward the university’s Hollinsummer creative writing program (for rising 9-12th grade students) |
| Program Dates | September 2022 to October 30th |
| Application Deadline(s) | October 31st, 2022 |
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | First place $350 cash prize Publication in Cargoes, Hollins’ award-winning student literary magazine Ten copies of Cargoes Renewable scholarship up to $5,000 provided through the Creative Talent Award in Creative Writing applicable if you enroll at Hollins University. Total value of $20,000 in scholarship funds over four years. Free tuition and housing for the university’s Hollinsummer creative writing program (for rising 9-12th grade students) Second place Publication in Cargoes Two copies of Cargoes Renewable scholarship up to $1,000 provided through the Creative Talent Award in Creative Writing applicable if you enroll at Hollins University. Total value of $4,000 in scholarship funds over four years. $500 scholarship to apply toward the university’s Hollinsummer creative writing program (for rising 9-12th grade students) |
| Program Dates | September 2022 to October 30th |
| Application Deadline(s) | October 31st, 2022 |
The Telling Room Writing Contest
The Telling Room’s annual Writing Contest supports writers aged 6 – 18, who are legal residents of Maine, to showcase their writing skills.
All forms of writing, such as poetry, short story, short fiction, prose, personal essay, science fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, and songwriting are considered.
Youths can submit up to three unique pieces, agreeing to be considered for publication in The Telling Room’s annual anthology. A panel of professional writers and youth determines the winning story or poem and the finalists.
One grand prize winner earns a $250 award, publication in the spring anthology, and potential features in other media. The contest runs annually from mid-October through November.
This writing competition supports young creative people, potentially jump-starting their writing careers by offering a platform for previously unpublished short stories and other forms of writing.
It encourages the creation of short story collections and other works, with the opportunity to become the next top winner.
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | The grand prize winner will receive a $250 award, will be published in our spring anthology, and may be published in other publications and media. Finalists will be considered for publication in The Telling Room’s annual anthology. |
| Program Dates | October 15th, 2022 - November 30th, 2022 |
| Application Deadline(s) | November 30th, 2023 |
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | The grand prize winner will receive a $250 award, will be published in our spring anthology, and may be published in other publications and media. Finalists will be considered for publication in The Telling Room’s annual anthology. |
| Program Dates | October 15th, 2022 - November 30th, 2022 |
| Application Deadline(s) | November 30th, 2023 |
Adroit Prizes – The Adroit Journal
The Adroit Prizes by The Adroit Journal are awarded yearly to two exceptional secondary or undergraduate students. Eligibility includes international students and recent graduates.
Submissions can include up to five total works across genres, including creative nonfiction and poetry. Each of these packets can accommodate either a maximum of six poems or up to three prose pieces.
For example, Student A might send four packets with six poems and two or more novellas. Student B could submit packets of three flash fiction and short story works, a 3,500-word collection of short stories, and a nonfiction piece.
Submitted work can also be entered into other contests or published, provided simultaneous submission is acknowledged in the cover letter. All entries may be considered for publication in the Adroit Journal.
Each winner will receive a $200 cash prize and their work featured in the journal. The runners-up or honorable mentions will also be featured in the journal alongside them.
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | $200 cash award Works will be published in the Adroit Journal |
| Program Dates | Throughout the year. |
| Application Deadline(s) | May 2023 |
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | $200 cash award Works will be published in the Adroit Journal |
| Program Dates | Throughout the year. |
| Application Deadline(s) | May 2023 |
Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize
The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize is one of the most awaited poetry contests globally for its spotlight on the creativity of 11th-grade students, both in the U.S. and abroad.
This contest, which is part of the Princeton University program, is judged by the university’s faculty, including esteemed poets like Marilyn Chin, Michael Dickman, and Patricia Smith.
It’s designed to inspire the inclusion of poetry in the high school curriculum, and students are allowed to submit up to three poems for consideration.
This contest is a legitimate platform for young people to gain recognition and sharpen their writing skills.
Each winning entry could form part of a future poetry or short story collection, enriching the literary world with fresh voices.
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | $500-$1,500 |
| Program Dates | One contests every Spring, Summer and Fall |
| Application Deadline(s) | April 20th, 2023 for Summer |
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | $500-$1,500 |
| Program Dates | One contests every Spring, Summer and Fall |
| Application Deadline(s) | April 20th, 2023 for Summer |
Trio House Press Poetry Book Awards
Trio House Press hosts creative writing contests, offering two poetry awards annually: the Trio Award for First or Second Book, and the Louise Bogan Award for Artistic Merit and Excellence.
These awards aim to recognize and promote emerging poets and those contributing distinctively to American poetry and help their writing career along.
The Trio Award, open to poets with less than two books published, includes a cash prize of $1,000, publication, and twenty books. The Louise Bogan Award, open to all poets, offers the same top prize money.
Furthermore, they present the Aurora Polaris Award for a winning book of creative nonfiction. This contest welcomes writers at any career stage to submit a book with a maximum word count of 80,000. One winner will win the top prize which includes $1,000, publication, and twenty books.
Submissions for these contests are accepted online only, reflecting Trio House’s commitment to being an environmentally conscious press.
Manuscripts are accepted during specific reading periods, and an entry fee of $25 is required for each manuscript submission.
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | $1,000 |
| Program Dates | November 1st-April 29th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | April 30th, 2023 |
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | $1,000 |
| Program Dates | November 1st-April 29th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | April 30th, 2023 |
Chapbook Prize – Oversound
Oversound, an annual print poetry journal published in Columbia, SC, hosts the 2023 Oversound Chapbook Prize, an event that marks an important highlight in the writing contests calendar.
Judged by the distinguished poet Andrew Zawacki, the contest awards the winner a $1000 cash prize and 50 copies of their winning chapbook.
Entrants are to submit a manuscript between 15-30 pages from March 1 through May 31, 2023, with an entry fee of $18, which includes a domestic subscription to Oversound.
Please note that for Oversound’s contest, the submitted manuscripts must be previously unpublished, although individual poems may have been published.
The competition welcomes simultaneous submissions, and there are no restrictions on citizenship or residency for entrants.
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | $1,000 and 50 copies to the winner |
| Program Dates | March 1st - April 30th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | April 30th, 2023 |
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | $1,000 and 50 copies to the winner |
| Program Dates | March 1st - April 30th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | April 30th, 2023 |
💡Bonus tips in choosing the right academic programs:
Click here to read the in-depth investigative report and its summary on the academic programs and publications by the Pulitzer-winning journalist on ProPublica and Chronicle of Higher Ed!
Doing research is commonplace.
