There are numerous writing contests open to students in high school. Some contests emphasize creative writing, while others may focus on academic or journalistic styles.
Each competition has its unique set of rules, prompts, and rewards that provide a broad spectrum of opportunities for young writers.
But sifting through the vast array of writing contests can be a challenging and time-consuming endeavor, demanding discernment and critical evaluation.
Thankfully, Pioneer Academics has applied its rigorous criteria to identify the top 10 writing competitions for high school students. We’ll guide you through these contests, making it easier for you to find the best fit for your writing style and goals.
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.
💡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
Meticulously designed to cater to the individual needs of students, Pioneer Academics equips participants with the skills necessary to conduct undergraduate-level research.
The research program sharpens students’ critical thinking and analytical capabilities—skills vital in writing contests and many real-world applications. Students have access to a wealth of multimedia material, further enhancing their grasp of complex research concepts.
With the guidance of the experienced Pioneer Academics faculty, students delve into their chosen subjects within this fully accredited online program. The ultimate achievement is the production of an undergraduate-level research paper, submitted online, which reflects the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired.
Princeton University Ten-Minute Play Contest – Princeton University
Princeton University’s Ten-Minute Play Contest is a highly anticipated event for students enrolled in the eleventh grade or their international equivalents.
The challenge is to craft an original play that lasts no more than ten minutes. With a ten-page limit, students need to ensure every page effectively translates into one minute of stage time.
A dedicated jury from the Princeton University Program in Theater faculty painstakingly reviews the entries, and this annual writing competition culminates in the recognition of three winners, awarding first, second, and third-place prizes to the most compelling scripts.
| Format | Plays |
|---|---|
| Cost | First Prize – $500 Second Prize – $250 Third Prize – $100 |
| Program Dates | Year-round (until 250 entries are reached) |
| Application Deadline(s) | March 31, 2023 |
| Format | Plays |
|---|---|
| Cost | First Prize – $500 Second Prize – $250 Third Prize – $100 |
| Program Dates | Year-round (until 250 entries are reached) |
| Application Deadline(s) | March 31, 2023 |
The Bennington Young Writers Awards – Bennington College
Bennington College, known for its visual arts program and rich literary legacy including twelve Pulitzer Prize winners, invites 9th-12th grade students to participate in the Bennington Young Writers Awards, one of the most highly anticipated student writing contests of the year.
This annual contest seeks to recognize and reward exceptional talent in poetry, short story or play, and personal or academic essay writing. Participants may submit a group of three poems, a short story of 1,500 words or fewer, or a one-act play not exceeding 30 minutes.
Three winners are chosen in each category, and the competition encourages both U.S. and international students to submit entries. With cash awards for the top three positions, this contest is a wonderful opportunity for young artists and writers.
There is no entry fee.
| Format | Poetry: Group of three poems Fiction: Short Story Nonfiction Essay |
|---|---|
| Cost | First Prize – $1,000 Second Prize – $500 Third Prize – $250 |
| Program Dates | September 1 to November 1 |
| Application Deadline(s) | Rolling Admission |
| Format | Poetry: Group of three poems Fiction: Short Story Nonfiction Essay |
|---|---|
| Cost | First Prize – $1,000 Second Prize – $500 Third Prize – $250 |
| Program Dates | September 1 to November 1 |
| Application Deadline(s) | Rolling Admission |
Jane Austen Society Essay Contest – Jane Austen Society of North America
The Jane Austen Society of North America offers an annual essay contest that welcomes students from around the globe. This competition welcomes entries from different educational levels: high school, college/university, and graduate school.
Each year, the contest presents a new topic inspired by Jane Austen’s works. For 2023, the theme is ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ with a focus on the various types of marriages portrayed in Austen’s novels.
Critical essays students submit may focus on Pride and Prejudice only or examine other Austen works.
Winners receive not only recognition but also help to further the appreciation of Jane Austen’s literature among new generations of readers.
| Format | Nonfiction Essay |
|---|---|
| Cost | First Prize – $1,000 Second Prize – $500 Third Prize – $250 |
| Program Dates | February 2023 - May 31, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | June 1, 2023 |
| Format | Nonfiction Essay |
|---|---|
| Cost | First Prize – $1,000 Second Prize – $500 Third Prize – $250 |
| Program Dates | February 2023 - May 31, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | June 1, 2023 |
One Teen Story Teen Writing Contest – One Teen Story
One Story, an esteemed literary magazine, hosts the One Teen Story Teen Writing Contest, one of the most-awaited student writing contests for talented teen writers aged 13-19.
To participate in the One Teen Story Teen Writing Contest, students must submit their original, unpublished fictional short stories.
Spanning various genres, including literary, fantasy, science fiction, and horror, these stories should revolve around the teen experience and feature interesting teen characters.
The winning entries, selected for their strong writing and engaging narratives, will be published in the magazine, which has over ten thousand readers.
Along with this recognition, all first-place winners from three age groups (13-15, 16-17, 18-19) receive cash prizes of $500 and 25 copies of the magazine featuring their work. Additionally, the contest winners will have the opportunity to work with a One Teen Story editor before their work is published.
| Format | Short Story |
|---|---|
| Cost | $500 upon publication and 25 copies of the magazine featuring their work |
| Program Dates | September 6, 2022 - November 27, 2022 |
| Application Deadline(s) | Rolling Admission |
| Format | Short Story |
|---|---|
| Cost | $500 upon publication and 25 copies of the magazine featuring their work |
| Program Dates | September 6, 2022 - November 27, 2022 |
| Application Deadline(s) | Rolling Admission |
Penguin Random House: Creative Writing Awards – Penguin Random House
Championing the cause of diverse voices in literature, the Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards has been providing a platform for talented senior high students for over 25 years.
In recent years, it has partnered with We Need Diverse Books, a national advocacy nonprofit, in a celebrated writing competition that invites high school seniors in public schools under the age of 21 to submit original works in a variety of genre, including poetry, fiction/drama, spoken word, and personal essay/memoir.
This writing competition, with college scholarships valued at up to $10,000, fuels the aspirations of the forthcoming wave of writers, fostering a dynamic literary environment. It also offers an unparalleled chance for high school scholars to extend their scholarship-supported education into their college years.
| Format | Nonfiction Essay |
|---|---|
| Cost | $10,000 Maya Angelou Award for Spoken Word $10,000 Amanda Gorman Award for Poetry $10,000 Fiction/Drama $10,000 Michelle Obama Award for Memoir |
| Program Dates | October 2022 |
| Application Deadline(s) | First 1000 applications |
| Format | Nonfiction Essay |
|---|---|
| Cost | $10,000 Maya Angelou Award for Spoken Word $10,000 Amanda Gorman Award for Poetry $10,000 Fiction/Drama $10,000 Michelle Obama Award for Memoir |
| Program Dates | October 2022 |
| Application Deadline(s) | First 1000 applications |
Ocean Awareness Contest
Now in its 12th year, the Ocean Awareness Contest invites students aged 11-18 globally to submit work that creatively expresses their understanding of environmental issues.
This year’s theme, “Climate Heroes in Action,” is a celebration of unsung heroes in the climate change battle. Students contribute to the global dialogue on climate action by researching and highlighting the inspirational work of a figure in their community.
Accepted submissions encompass visual art, film, dance, creative writing, poetry, and the spoken word. This contest surpasses ordinary writing competitions, embedding creativity at the heart of environmental advocacy.
| Format | Nonfiction Essay |
|---|---|
| Cost | Scholarships up to $1,500 |
| Program Dates | September 2022 to June 12, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | June 13, 2023 |
| Format | Nonfiction Essay |
|---|---|
| Cost | Scholarships up to $1,500 |
| Program Dates | September 2022 to June 12, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | June 13, 2023 |
VSA Playwright Discovery Program Competition – The Kennedy Center
The Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability initiative, VSA Playwright Discovery Program, presents an international competition open to high school students with disabilities.
Participants are invited to explore the realm of scriptwriting, producing ten-minute scripts that mirror their unique experiences or observations.
The program, encompassing both traditional and non-traditional formats, fosters individual and collaborative entries.
Winners are rewarded with exclusive professional development opportunities at the Kennedy Center.
| Format | Plays |
|---|---|
| Cost | Participation in professional development activities at the Kennedy Center |
| Program Dates | October 2022 - Jan 3, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | January 4, 2023 |
| Format | Plays |
|---|---|
| Cost | Participation in professional development activities at the Kennedy Center |
| Program Dates | October 2022 - Jan 3, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | January 4, 2023 |
Universe of Threats Essay Contest
The Universe of Threats Essay Contest offers students and non-students alike who are 18 years and older an opportunity to contribute to global pandemic preparedness.
Participants are tasked with crafting an original essay that paints a plausible picture of a pathogen threat scenario.
As part of the contest, students submit a clear understanding of how the pathogen, one that could possibly influence the course of world history, has been shaped by various interdependent forces, such as world history affected national society or economic factors.
Alongside the essay, a ‘ground truth’ document, specifying the pathogen’s characteristics, the affected human populations, and the unfolding response, must be submitted.
Submissions to the essay competition are judged based on the plausibility of the pathogen threat and overall creativity, among other factors.
Significant cash awards will be given to successful participants. There is only one first-place winner, but there can be up to two second-place winners and up to five third-placers.
| Format | Nonfiction Essay |
|---|---|
| Cost | First Prize – $10,000 Second Prize – $5,000 Third Prize – $1,000 |
| Program Dates | May 1, 2023 - July 31, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | July 31, 2023 |
| Format | Nonfiction Essay |
|---|---|
| Cost | First Prize – $10,000 Second Prize – $5,000 Third Prize – $1,000 |
| Program Dates | May 1, 2023 - July 31, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | July 31, 2023 |
100-Word Writing Contest – Tadpole Press
Tadpole Press, in its dedication to celebrating diverse creative voices, is hosting a 100-Word Writing Contest. Open to all genres, including both creative writing and nonfiction, the competition seeks engaging entries of 100 words or less from around the globe.
Held biannually, this contest is a unique opportunity to express, explore, and share succinctly powerful narratives. The first-place winner will be awarded a cash prize. Additionally, the contest offers writing and editing mentorship as second and third prizes.
| Format | Nonfiction Essay |
|---|---|
| Cost | 1st place: $1,000 USD. 2nd place: Writing coaching package valued at $450 USD. 3rd place: Developmental and diversity editing package valued at $250 USD. |
| Program Dates | November 2022 - April 29, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | April 30, 2023 |
| Format | Nonfiction Essay |
|---|---|
| Cost | 1st place: $1,000 USD. 2nd place: Writing coaching package valued at $450 USD. 3rd place: Developmental and diversity editing package valued at $250 USD. |
| Program Dates | November 2022 - April 29, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | April 30, 2023 |
SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest – The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Journalism Education Association
The SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest for Spring 2023 seeks to challenge students’ understanding of journalism in the age of digital brevity.
The essay question prompts participants to discuss strategies journalists can employ to provide comprehensive coverage without diminishing reader engagement.
All U.S. students from grades 9-12, regardless of their learning environment—public, private, or home schools—are invited to submit entries.
Each participant is required to submit an original essay, typed or handwritten, double-spaced, and within a word limit of 300-500 words.
The reward for the contest includes not only a cash prize but also the prestige of having the winning entry posted on the websites of both organizations.
| Format | Nonfiction Essay |
|---|---|
| Cost | First Place: $1,000 scholarship Second Place: $500 scholarship Third Place: $300 scholarship |
| Program Dates | November 2022 to Feb 18, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | February 19, 2023 |
| Format | Nonfiction Essay |
|---|---|
| Cost | First Place: $1,000 scholarship Second Place: $500 scholarship Third Place: $300 scholarship |
| Program Dates | November 2022 to Feb 18, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | February 19, 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.
