Writing Competition
Sharpen Your Skills. Earn Prestigious Awards
Explore top writing competitions in the U.S. and get expert guidance
to strengthen your submission, success is next
Why Join a Writing Competition?
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Enhance your writing skills through practice and feedback
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Build impressive extracurriculars for college applications and resumes
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Gain recognition on a national or international level
Competition Benefits
Competition Matching
Identify the right contest by matching it to your strengths and interests
Idea Development
Craft compelling topics that strengthen your writing
Draft Coaching
Structure and refine essays with guidance on clarity and flow
Final Review
Polish your final submission with detailed feedback
Top High School Writing Competitions in the U.S.
Here’s a look at some of the most prestigious and competitive writing contests for high school students across the United States
Scholastic
Art & Writing Awards
One of the oldest and most prestigious creative writing contests
✓ Open to students in grades 7–12
✓ 29 writing categories, such as novel, poetry, and personal essay
✓ wards include gold medals, cash prizes, and scholarships
Deadline: Early December
BENNINGTON
Writing Competitions
Annual contest for outstanding creative writing by high school students
✓ Open to students in grades 9–12
✓ $500, $350, and $125 prizes in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction
✓ Winners are published in the Bennington Review
Deadline: November 1st
High School Writing Awards
Recognizes outstanding high school writing in various genres
✓ Open to high school juniors and seniors
✓ $2,500 scholarships, winner published in the Best Teen Writing anthology
✓ Grand prize winners receive travel and lodging by NVC for the awards ceremony
Deadline: Late April
YoungArts Writing
National YoungArts Foundation
Recognizes outstanding young writers in one of the nation’s most prestigious arts competitions
✓ Open to students ages 15–18 or in grades 10–12
✓ Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or legally able to receive taxable income in the U.S.
✓ Winners receive cash awards and national recognition
Deadline: Opens in Summer 2026
John Locke Institute
Essay Competition
Rigorous international competition for academic essays
✓ Open to students age 15–18
✓ Up to $2,000 in cash prizes; awards invitation to John Locke Institute’s Colloquium
Categories include: Philosophy, politics, economics, history, and more
✓ Winning essays are published online
Deadline: June 30
Iowa Young
Writers’ Studio
Highly competitive creative writing program for high school students
✓ Open to students currently in grades 10–12, including international applicants
✓ Admissions decisions are based almost entirely on the writing sample
✓ Two-week summer residential program at the University of Iowa
Deadline: February 1
Who Should Join?
Students who enjoy
creative writing
✓ Students building a strong academic profile
✓ Students preparing for competitive stone
Students preparing for college applications
✓ Students getting ready for top-tier college admissions
✓ Students working on application essays
Students aiming for prestigious awards
✓ Students looking to publish strong
academic work
Students seeking help with the writing process
✓ Students needing support from brainstorming to final draft
✓ Students looking for guidance through revisions
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to build a stronger writing portfolio?
Meet with A1 to find the right competition and prepare with confidence