What’s New for the 2026 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards?
The 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards will officially open for entries on October 1, 2025!
This year’s competition introduces exciting updates, including category changes, AI usage guidelines, and an improved submission system. Whether you’re joining for the first time or returning to aim higher, here’s your complete guide to the new rules.
Note: Regional websites are still being updated. Until October 1, you may see last year’s deadlines and information.
85% of Aralia Students Place in Top Writing Competitions
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards’ New Categories
For 2026, the Scholastic Awards have streamlined and expanded their categories. Students can now submit work across 29 art and writing categories:
Art Categories
- Architecture & Industrial Design
- Ceramics & Glass
- Comic Art
- Conceptual, Installation & Participatory Art
- Digital Painting, Drawing & Collage
- Drawing
- Editorial Cartoon
- Experimental Photography (new)
- Fashion
- Film & Animation
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Jewelry
- Mixed Media
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Art Portfolio (graduating seniors only)
Key Changes in the Art Category
- Drawing & Illustration has been split into two separate categories.
- Expanded Projects is now Conceptual, Installation & Participatory Art.
- Experimental Photography has been added as a brand-new category.
- Digital Art is now Digital Painting, Drawing & Collage.
Writing Categories
- Critical Essay
- Flash Fiction
- Journalism
- Novel
- Personal Essay & Memoir
- Poetry
- Screenplays & Scripts
- Short Story
- Speculative Fiction (renamed from Science Fiction & Fantasy)
- Writing Portfolio (graduating seniors only)
Key Changes in Writing
- The humor category is removed; works should now be submitted under Short Story or Flash Fiction.
- Science Fiction & Fantasy is now Speculative Fiction.
- Dramatic Script is now Screenplays & Scripts.
👉 Be sure to check the category descriptions before submitting.
Can I use AI in the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition?
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards now allow AI-assisted creativity, but with clear limits. Students may use AI for brainstorming, outlining, or organizing ideas. However, submitting AI-generated work is strictly prohibited.
The competition defines AI-generated work as any piece produced automatically from prompts with little to no human involvement. Such entries will be disqualified.
👉 Learn more on the copyright and plagiarism page.
Competition Dates & Deadlines
Open for Entry date: October 1, 2025
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 in North America, age 13+
Deadlines: Vary by region; the earliest deadline is December 1, 2025
👉 Check your area’s deadline on the regional submission page.
Submission Platform Updates
The online submission system has been refreshed for a smoother experience:
- File upload limits and formats have been slightly adjusted.
- The writing editor has been upgraded for easier formatting.
- Returning users will see a new “Welcome Back” flow, requiring updated grade level, personal details, and agreement to the latest terms.
Unlock Your Writing Potential: Students in Our Writing Competition Preparation Class Are More Likely to Secure Awards
Prepare with Aralia’s Scholastic Writing Preparation Classes
Ready to compete? Aralia’s award-winning instructors, many of whom have guided students to achieve national gold medals, offer specialized preparation classes designed for the Scholastic Writing Awards.
September Session
- Instructor: Former English teacher at The Hill School, with students published in The Concord Review (5% acceptance rate). Over 50% of students win awards each year.
- Focus: Poetry & Short Story (at least 1 piece in each).
October Session
- Instructor & format: Same as September class.
- Focus: Poetry & Short Story.
Thanksgiving Intensive
- Instructor: National Gold Medal Scholastic coach and judge; professor at a U.S. liberal arts college; expert in creative writing and publishing.
- Focus: Contact Aralia’s academic advisor for details.
HIR Academic Writing Contest Prep
In the HIR Academic Writing Contest Preparation, students will explore college-level topics in international affairs to craft a compelling, well-researched essay.
