Top 31 Best Writing Contests for High School Students

If you're a high school student with a passion for writing, entering a writing contest is a great way to showcase your skills, challenge yourself, and even win prizes or scholarships. Writing competitions help young writers gain confidence, receive valuable feedback, and build impressive writing portfolios that stand out on college applications.

With so many writing competitions available, how do you choose the right one? This guide highlights some of the best writing contests for high school students, covering different genres, eligibility requirements, and prize opportunities

Best Writing Contests for High School Students

As entry requirements, writing prompt availability (if applicable), application and submission deadlines, and judging criteria may change from year to year, be sure to refer to the specific contest websites for those that catch your attention.

1. 1. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

• Hosting Institution: Alliance for Young Artists & Writers

• Location: Nationwide (U.S.)

• Application Deadline: Varies by region (typically December–January)

• Cost: Free to $10 per entry (fee waivers available)

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards recognizes students in categories such as poetry, short stories, journalism, and critical essays. Gold Key winners advance to the national level, where they can receive scholarships and even have their work published.

2. YoungArts National Arts Competition

• Hosting Institution: National YoungArts Foundation

• Location: Nationwide (U.S.)

• Application Deadline: Mid-October

• Cost: $35 per category (fee waivers available)

YoungArts is a highly competitive program that offers cash awards, mentorship, and networking opportunities with industry professionals. Finalists receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the YoungArts Week in Miami, where they participate in masterclasses and workshops. 

3. The New York Times Student Editorial Contest

• Hosting Institution: The New York Times

• Location: International

• Application Deadline: Spring 2025

• Cost: Free**

The New York Times Student Editorial Contest challenges students to write persuasive editorial essays on current social or political issues. Winners get published in The New York Times, gaining exposure and credibility in journalism and opinion writing.

4. Bennington Young Writers Awards

• Hosting Institution: Bennington College

• Location: International

• Application Deadline: November 2024

• Cost: Free**

The Bennington Young Writers Award writing competition is open to high school students interested in poetry, fiction, or nonfiction. Winners receive cash prizes and scholarships to attend Bennington College.

5. John Locke Institute Essay Competition

• Hosting Institution: John Locke Institute

• Location: International

• Application Deadline: June 2025

• Cost: Free**

The John Locke Institute Essay Competiton challenges students to explore deep intellectual questions in philosophy, politics, economics, and history. The contest provides an opportunity to engage in critical thinking and showcase strong analytical writing skills.

6. The International Essay Contest for Young People

• Hosting Institution: Goi Peace Foundation (Japan)

• Location: International

• Application Deadline: June 2025

• Cost: Free

The International Essay Contest for Young People competition encourages students to write about peace, sustainability, and global issues. Winners receive cash prizes and recognition at an awards ceremony in Tokyo.

7. The American Foreign Service National High School Essay Contest

• Hosting Institution: U.S. Department of State

• Location: Nationwide (U.S.)

• Application Deadline: April 2025

• Cost: Free

The American Foreign Service National High School Essay Contest focuses on international relations and diplomacy, offering students the opportunity to engage with real-world issues. Winners receive a cash prize and a trip to Washington, D.C.

8. The Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests

• Hosting Institution: Ayn Rand Institute

• Location: International

• Application Deadline: April 2025

• Cost: Free

The Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests allows students to write essays analyzing Ayn Rand’s novels (Anthem, The Fountainhead, or Atlas Shrugged) for a chance to win scholarships of up to $10,000.

9. The Ocean Awareness Contest

• Hosting Institution: Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs

• Location: International

• Application Deadline: June 2025

• Cost: Free

The Ocean Awareness Contest is a unique contest combines writing with environmental advocacy. Students submit poetry, prose, or spoken-word pieces related to ocean conservation and climate change.

10. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose

• Hosting Institution: The Adroit Journal

• Location: International

• Application Deadline: Mid-October

• Cost: $15 per submission (fee waivers available)

This contest invites high school students to submit up to 5 “packets” of writing, with each packet consisting of either 6 poems or 3 prose pieces (fiction or creative nonfiction, up to 3,500 words combined). Winners and runners-up will be published in The Adroit Journal and judged by esteemed authors.

11. National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

• Hosting Institution: American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) & U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP)

• Location: Nationwide (U.S.)

• Application Deadline: Fall 2025

• Cost: Free

The prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards has been around since 1923 and has an impressive list of past winners, including Joyce Carol Oates, Stephen King, John Updike, and Sylvia Plath. There are 11 writing categories, including humor, flash fiction, poetry, short stories, journalism, and more.

You may win at the regional level and then be automatically entered into the national contest. Winners at the national level are invited to attend a star-studded ceremony in New York City, and your writing will be published in the annual anthology Best Teen Writing.

As timelines will vary based on your specific region and which writing contest you enter, the calendar on the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers site is a great resource for students to refer to for information about important dates and deadlines.

Learn more about Why You Should Apply for the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards!

12. National High School Essay Contest

• Hosting institutions: American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) and the United States Institute of Peace (USIP)

• Location: Nationwide (U.S.)

• Application Deadline: Fall 2025

• Cost: Free

Every year, this essay contest invites high school students to explore a topic that touches upon issues of peace-building and the protection of national security. Your response to this prompt should be an essay of 1,000-1,500 words. Winning essays are also published on the website so you can see past topics and research.

You must be a U.S. high school student to participate and meet all eligibility requirements (e.g., your parents cannot be in the Foreign Service). It’s best to refer to AFSA’s site for the most up-to-date information about very specific writing contest rules and guidelines. The judging criteria include the quality of analysis, quality of research, form, style, and mechanics.

13. Young Writers Awards

• Hosting Institution: Bennington College

• Location: International

• Application Deadline: Early November

• Cost: Free

• Awards: $500 (1st in each category), $250 (2nd in each category)

Bennington College has quite a literary pedigree, with alumni that have garnered twelve Pulitzer Prize winners, three U.S. poet laureates, four MacArthur Geniuses, countless New York Times bestsellers, and two of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. In honor of its legacy, Bennington College started this contest to celebrate great writing by high school students.

You’re invited to submit writing in one of the following categories: poetry (3 poems), fiction (up to 1500 words), or nonfiction (up to 1500 words). All work must be reviewed, approved, and sponsored by a teacher. Homeschool students may use a mentor.

16. My Impact Challenge

• Hosting Institution: Bill of Rights Institute

• Location: Nationwide (U.S.)

• Application Deadline: Spring 2025

• Cost: FreeAwards: Up to $10,000, with $40,000 in total prizes

In this student writing contest, a 1,200-word essay is part of a larger project that also includes a service project that you’ve completed along with a 2,000-word report detailing your inspiration, project plan, details of how you executed the plan, and how your understanding of civic virtue and your community grew as a result. Visual documentation of your project is also required. You’ll be judged on the impact your project had on the community, knowledge gained, originality, mechanics, and your understanding of civic virtue.

Learn more about the submission guidelines and judging rubric for My Impact Challenge on the Bill of Rights Institute website.

17. Essay Contest

• Hosting institution: Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA)

• Awards: $1,000 scholarship + free trip to conference (1st), $500 scholarship (2nd), $250 scholarship (3rd)

• Writing prompt availability:  Currently Available

• Submission deadline: June 1, 2024

If you love Jane Austen novels, you must enter this contest! Each year, JASNA asks students from all around the world to think about a topic inspired by a work by Jane Austen and how this topic reflects on our culture today. The 2023 JASNA Essay Contest topic was about marriages and proposals, as inspired by the theme in Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The 2024 JASNA Essay Contest topic will be announced in November 2023. Your original insights and clear, correct writing should then take the form of a 6-8 page essay written in English. Past essay winners are published on the website.

18. Profile in Courage Essay Contest by JFK Presidential Library

• Hosting Institution: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum

• Location: Nationwide (U.S.)

• Application Deadline: January 2025

• Cost: Free

• Awards: $10,000 (1st), $3,000 (2nd), $1,000 (five other finalists), $100 (eight semifinalists)

Inspired by JFK's book, Profiles in Courage, this writing contest invites you to describe and analyze an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official serving after JFK was born (1917). Essays must be between 700 and 1,000 words and include a minimum of five sources. Judges are looking for originality, supporting evidence, source material, high-quality writing, and organization. They also want to see evidence that you understand the meaning of political courage.

Note: students must provide the name of a nominating teacher on their registration form, so make sure you coordinate with an educator who can serve in that capacity. Refer to the Profile in Courage Essay Contest eligibility requirements for more information.

19. High School Poetry Prize and Ten-Minute Play Contest

• Hosting Institution: Lewis Center for the Arts - Princeton University

• Location: International

• Application Deadline: Late October

• Cost: Free

• Awards: 

  • Poetry: $1,500 (1st), $750 (2nd), $500 (3rd)

  • Play: $500 (1st), $250 (2nd), $100 (3rd)

The Lewis Center for the Arts - Princeton University offers two poetry contests that are open to 11th-grade students, and it is possible to enter both of them:

• Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize: Open to 11th-grade students, this competition invites students to submit up to three poems. Entries may be unpublished or previously submitted to other contests.

• Ten-Minute Play Contest: Also open to 11th graders, this contest encourages students to submit a one-act play no longer than 10 pages in length. Plays must be original and unpublished.

Submissions for both contests are judged by Princeton faculty and offer winners the opportunity to be recognized in the literary and performing arts community. These contests are perfect for students eager to showcase their talent in poetry or playwriting at a highly regarded institution.

20. EngineerGirl Writing Contest

• Hosting institution: National Academy of Engineering

• Location: Nationwide (U.S.)

• Application Deadline: Early February

• Cost: Free

• Awards: $500 (1st), $250 (2nd), $100 (3rd)

This essay contest features a new writing prompt every year dealing with engineering’s impact on the world. The 2023 contest focused on diversity in engineering and how that might future design solutions. The prompt for the 2024 EngineerGirl Writing Contest is The Secret Life of Everyday Items. High school students are limited to 750 words and must cite anywhere from 3-10 resources. Winning and honorable mention entries are published on the website.

21. Achievement Awards in Writing

• Hosting institution: National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)

• Location: Nationwide (U.S.)

• Application Deadline: Fall

• Awards: First-class awards will be published on the NCTE website

Each year, the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) posts a thought-provoking prompt and participants in 10th and 11th grades are welcome to respond in up to 10 pages. 

The writing prompt for the 2023 contest was based on Malala Yousafzai’s address to the United Nations; the prompt for 2024 comes from Michele Obama’s book, Becoming:

“If you don’t get out there and define yourself, you'll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others.”

Writing contest entries are not limited to informative or persuasive essays. They can also take the form of a research report, a personal narrative, a fictional story, a series of poems, a photo essay, or a comic or graphic narrative.

Other NCTE Writing Contests for Students

22. Promising Young Writers

• Open to 8th graders

• Submission deadline is mid-February

National Writing Award: The Humanities and a Freer Tomorrow - in partnership with the National Humanities Alliance

• Open to 11th and 12th graders

• Submission deadline is late October

23. YoungArts Writing Competition

• Hosting institution: The National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists

• Location: Nationwide (U.S.)

• Application Deadline: Mid-October

• Cost: $35 per category (fee waivers available)

• Awards: Prizes up to $10,000, Entry to National YoungArtsWeek, Presidential Scholar In the Arts designation, grants and funding, residency opportunities

YoungArts is one of the most prestigious arts competitions for high school students, with writing as one of its 10 disciplines. Participants can submit creative nonfiction, novels, plays, poetry, short stories, or spoken word pieces. Finalists receive cash prizes, grants, and the opportunity to attend National YoungArts Week, where they network with industry professionals and master artists. Some winners may also be nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts designation.

24. Creative Writing Scholarship

• Hosting institution: National Society of High School Scholars

• Location: Nationwide (U.S.)

• Application Deadline: Early October

• Cost: Free

• Awards: $2,000 prize (3 given out for fiction and 3 given out for poetry)

You can enter this contest in the fiction or poetry category, or both. Fiction must be no more than 5,000 words. Your poem must appear as you would like for it to be published. Judging criteria include creativity, technique, expression, and originality. In addition to your writing, you’ll need to submit a recommendation from a teacher, a school transcript, an academic resume, and a photo of yourself.

25. Young Lions Fiction Award

• Hosting institution: New York Public Library

• Location: International

• Application Deadline: Early September

• Cost: Free

• Award:

  • Three (3) $2,000 awards for the Fiction category

  • Three (3) $2,000 awards for the Poetry category

The Young Lions Fiction Award was founded by a group of literary enthusiasts, including actor Ethan Hawke and author Rick Moody, to support emerging young writers. Three $2,000 awards are granted in both the fiction and poetry categories. Unlike most contests, this competition requires entrants to have a published novel or a collection of short stories. While this typically caters to writers in their 20s and 30s, high school students with published books are welcome to apply. Finalists receive wide recognition and the opportunity to join an elite literary community.

26. Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder / Sense of the Wild Contest

• Hosting institution: Rachel Carson Landmark Alliance

• Location: International

• Application Deadline: Varies annually

• Cost: Free

• Awards: Publication on the contest website

The Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder/Sense of the Wild Contest requires students to co-author their submission with an older adult—such as a parent, grandparent, mentor, or teacher—bridging generational perspectives on nature and conservation. Submissions can be in the form of essays or poetry, with a maximum of 500 words. The contest celebrates intergenerational storytelling and deep connections to the natural world. Winning entries are published on the official contest website. Participants can also include original photographs to enhance their submissions.

27. High School Essay Contest

• Hosting institutions: The Society of Professional Journalists and the Journalism Education Association

• Location: Nationwide (U.S.)

• Application Deadline: Late February

• Cost: Free

• Awards: $1,000 scholarship (1st), $500 scholarship (2nd), $300 scholarship (3rd)

The High School Essay Contest was designed to promote awareness of journalism’s role in society; this contest challenges students to respond to a timely topic about media and democracy. Past prompts have explored how journalists can maintain public trust in an era of misinformation. Essays should be between 300 and 500 words. The first-place winner receives a $1,000 scholarship, with additional awards of $500 and $300 for second and third place.

The judging criteria include: adherence to the topic and a logical interpretation of the subject (40 pts); vocabulary and style (30 pts); grammar (20 points); neatness (5 pts); and proper format (5 pts).

28. Voice of Democracy

• Hosting institution: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

• Location: Nationwide (U.S.)

• Application Deadline: Late October

• Cost: Free

• Awards: $35,000 college scholarship (grand prize); $1,000-$21,000 (other national scholarships); $1,000 (each state winner)

The Voice of Democracy is an audio-essay competition designed to encourage patriotism and democratic values. Students must write and record a 3-5 minute essay on an annual theme (e.g., "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"). The grand prize winner receives a $35,000 college scholarship, with additional state and national scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $21,000. Each year, over $1.3 million in scholarships is awarded through this program.

Additionally, middle school students (grades 6-8) can enter the "Patriot’s Pen" competition, a written essay contest with a separate prize structure.

29. Patriot’s Pen

• Hosting Institution: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

• Location: Nationwide (U.S.)

• Application Deadline: Late October

• Cost: Free

The Patriot’s Pen is a national essay contest for middle school students (grades 6-8) that encourages young writers to explore themes of patriotism and democracy. Each year, students respond to a new prompt related to American values—the 2023-24 theme is "How Are You Inspired by America?"

Essays must be 300-400 words long and will be judged on originality (30 points), clarity and organization (35 points), and theme development (35 points). Winners at the state level receive $1,000, while the national winner earns a $5,000 grand prize.

30. World Historian Student Essay Competition

• Hosting Institution: World History Organization

• Location: International

• Application Deadline: Varies annually

• Cost: Free

• Awards: $500

The World Historian Student Essay Competition is open to all students internationally (grades K-12), this contest provides a prompt based on world history education and how it impacts you. The prompt for 2023 asks you to think about a family story related to a historical event or your family’s cultural background. Your response must be an essay of approximately 1,000 words. Judging criteria include a clear thesis, concrete supporting examples, evidence of synthesis and evaluation, and organization. They are also looking at your overall ability to communicate how a better understanding of world history has changed you.

31. New Voices One-Act Competition

• Hosting institution: YouthPLAYS

• Location: International

• Application Deadline: January - May

• Cost: Free

• Awards: $250 and publication in YouthPLAYS (1st), $100 (runner-up)

This New Voices One-Act Competition seeks unpublished, non-musical one-act play from anyone under age 19. Submissions must be 10-14 minutes long and suitable for school productions. The play must have at least two characters, and the competition encourages scripts with strong female roles.

The winner receives a $250 award and publication in YouthPLAYS, while the runner-up receives $100. This contest is ideal for young playwrights looking to gain recognition and get their work staged by youth theater groups.

How Students Can Benefit From Participating in Writing Competitions

Writing competitions offer high school students a unique opportunity to showcase their skills, gain recognition, and enhance their college admissions prospects. Here are 10 ways writing contests can make a positive impact and be beneficial for student participants:

1. Demonstrating your commitment to writing

When you actively engage in writing competitions, you demonstrate your passion and commitment to the craft. Admissions officers appreciate applicants who have pursued their interests with dedication.

2. Showcasing your skills

Writing contests allow you to showcase your writing skills, whether it's in the form of essays, poetry, or other creative works. High-quality submissions can impress admissions committees.

3. Building a strong portfolio

Over time, your participation in various writing competitions can help you build a diverse and impressive writing portfolio. This portfolio can be submitted as part of your college application to highlight your talents.

4. Gaining recognition

Winning or even being recognized as a finalist in a prestigious writing contest can significantly boost your application. Admissions officers are more likely to take notice of applicants with such accomplishments.

5. Differentiating yourself

In a competitive admissions landscape, it's essential to stand out from the crowd. Participation in writing competitions sets you apart and adds a unique dimension to your application.

6. Highlighting your interests

Writing competitions can be a reflection of your academic and personal interests. They show that you are intellectually curious and proactive in pursuing your passions.

7. Earning scholarships and awards

Many writing contests offer cash prizes or scholarships as rewards. These can help offset the cost of your education, making you a more attractive candidate to colleges.

8. Receiving Expert Feedback

Writing competitions often involve evaluation by expert judges. Constructive feedback from these judges can help you improve your writing skills, which is valuable both academically and in your application essays.

9. Enhancing Your Writing Abilities

Regularly participating in writing contests hones your writing abilities, making you a more effective communicator. This skill is beneficial for college coursework and beyond, especially when learning how to write a research paper and develop writing habits in high school.

10. Reflecting On Personal Growth

As you participate in writing competitions, you may explore new topics and perspectives. This growth as a young writer and thinker is something you can discuss in your application essays.

Final Thoughts

Participating in writing contests is an excellent way to challenge yourself, build confidence, and earn recognition for your work. Whether you're a poet, essayist, or storyteller, there’s a competition out there for you.

If you're serious about honing your writing skills and gaining an edge in competitions, consider working with a Polygence mentor to refine your craft.

Start writing, start competing, and let your voice be heard!

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