Writing Competitions

Writing competitions offer a unique platform to express creativity, refine storytelling skills, and gain valuable recognition for literary talent. Participating in these contests encourages students to explore diverse perspectives, hone their craft, and build a compelling portfolio for college applications.

How to navigate our competition page: 

Competition Level: 

• National: Students within the US
• Regional: Students from specific states, provinces, or territories
• International: Open to students worldwide

Eligibility: 

• Middle School: Students in grades 6-8
• High School: Students in grades 9-12
• Middle and High School: Students in both grade ranges

Deadlines: 

We’ve listed the competition deadlines by month to help you plan. Each competition has a specific deadline, so be sure to check the calendar for exact dates. 

  • Deadline:
  • Apr
  • Aug
  • Dec
  • Feb
  • Jan
  • Jul
  • Jun
  • Mar
  • May
  • Nov
  • Oct
  • Sep
  • Varies
Deadline:
  • Deadline:
  • Apr
  • Aug
  • Dec
  • Feb
  • Jan
  • Jul
  • Jun
  • Mar
  • May
  • Nov
  • Oct
  • Sep
  • Varies
Scholastic Art and Writing Award
DecMiddle and High SchoolNational Competition

National Scholastic Art and Writing

New Voices One-Act Competition for Young Playwrights
International CompetitionMayMiddle and High School

New Voices One-Act Competition for Young Playwrights

New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest​
High SchoolInternational CompetitionMar

New York Times Informational Writing Contest

New York Times My List Review Contest
FebHigh SchoolInternational Competition

New York Times My List Review Contest

New York Times Open Letters Contest
AprHigh SchoolInternational Competition

New York Times Open Letters Opinion Writing Contest

New York Times Students Editorial Contest
AprHigh SchoolInternational Competition

New York Times Students Editorial Contest

New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest
DecHigh SchoolInternational Competition

New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest

Ocean Awareness Contest​
International CompetitionJunMiddle and High School

Ocean Awareness Contest

One Teen Story
International CompetitionMiddle and High SchoolSep

One Teen Story

Paideia High School Essay Contest Preparation
FebHigh SchoolInternational Competition

Paideia High School Essay Contest

Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers
International CompetitionMiddle and High SchoolNov

Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers

Polar Expressions Publishing Student Contests
Middle and High SchoolNational CompetitionNov

Polar Expressions Publishing Student Contests

High SchoolInternational CompetitionMar

Princeton University Ten-Minute Play Contest

Rubincam Youth Writing Competition 1
DecInternational CompetitionMiddle and High School

Rubincam Youth Writing Competition

SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest​
FebHigh SchoolNational Competition

SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest

Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest
AprInternational CompetitionMiddle and High School

Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest

Join our competition prep classes now!

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