As a former creative writing teacher, I’ve witnessed countless talented young writers bloom through competitive opportunities. Creative writing contests offer high school students more than just a chance to win prizes – they provide a platform to showcase their storytelling abilities and gain valuable feedback from industry professionals.
I believe these competitions serve as stepping stones for aspiring writers to build their portfolios and gain confidence in their craft. Whether it’s poetry slams national short story contests or local writing challenges students can explore various genres while connecting with like-minded peers. Plus many of these contests offer scholarship opportunities that can help fund their college education.
Creative Writing Contests for High School Students
- Creative writing contests provide high school students with opportunities for scholarships, portfolio building, and professional networking in the writing industry
- Major national competitions like Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and Ocean Awareness Contest offer prizes ranging from $500 to $10,000 along with prestigious recognition
- Successful contest submissions require careful attention to formatting guidelines, word counts, and submission deadlines while maintaining strong storytelling elements
- Working with writing mentors and peer review groups significantly improves the quality of contest entries through targeted feedback and revision cycles
- Most competitions require participants to be enrolled in grades 9-12, aged 13-18, with proper documentation and parental consent where applicable
- Technical requirements typically include 12-point standard fonts, double spacing, specific file formats, and anonymized manuscripts for blind judging
Benefits of Entering Writing Competitions
Creative writing competitions offer high school students tangible rewards that extend beyond monetary prizes. Based on my experience organizing student writing contests, I’ve observed these competitions create transformative opportunities for young writers.
Building Writing Skills
Writing competitions sharpen essential composition skills through structured practice. My students developed stronger narrative techniques by crafting stories under specific word counts, themes, and deadlines. These constraints taught them to:
- Edit ruthlessly to eliminate unnecessary words
- Structure plots efficiently within space limitations
- Polish drafts thoroughly before submission
- Research topics extensively for accuracy
- Apply feedback from previous submissions
- Build impressive writing portfolios for college applications
- Gain exposure to literary agents and publishers
- Earn bylines in respected publications
- Network with established authors
- Receive mentorship opportunities from industry professionals
| Recognition Type | Career Impact |
|---|---|
| First Place Awards | Featured on college applications |
| Publication Credits | Added to writing portfolios |
| Contest Finalists | Mentioned in query letters |
| Judge’s Comments | Used to improve technique |
| Monetary Prizes | Funded writing courses |
Popular Creative Writing Contests for High School Students
Creative writing contests for high school students span across national regional levels with diverse entry requirements submission deadlines. I’ve compiled authoritative competitions that offer significant recognition monetary prizes publication opportunities.
National Competitions
- Scholastic Art & Writing Awards accepts submissions in 28 categories including fiction poetry memoir with regional gold key winners advancing to national judging
- Ocean Awareness Contest by Bow Seat combines creative writing with environmental advocacy offering prizes up to $1,500
- Young Authors Writing Competition by Columbia College Chicago awards scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $5,000
- Princeton University Poetry Contest provides winners with $500 cash prizes publication in Princeton’s literary magazine
- Library of Congress Letters About Literature Contest rewards students who write compelling letters to authors with $2,000 in prizes
| Contest Name | Prize Range | Entry Period |
|---|---|---|
| Scholastic Awards | $500-$10,000 | Sept-Dec |
| Ocean Awareness | $100-$1,500 | Sept-June |
| Young Authors | $3,000-$5,000 | Oct-Feb |
| Princeton Poetry | $100-$500 | Oct-Nov |
- California Young Writers Contest offers publication opportunities in literary journals across age categories
- Texas UIL Ready Writing Competition provides district state level advancement with academic recognition
- New England Young Writers Conference at Bread Loaf selects 200 high school students for intensive workshops
- Florida Writers Association Youth Competition awards cash prizes publication opportunities in three age divisions
- Michigan Youth Arts Festival recognizes outstanding creative writers through competitive selection process
| Region | Contest Count | Average Prize |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | 45 | $750 |
| Southeast | 38 | $500 |
| Midwest | 42 | $600 |
| West Coast | 51 | $850 |
How to Prepare a Contest-Winning Submission
Creating a winning contest submission requires meticulous attention to detail coupled with compelling storytelling. Here’s my comprehensive guide based on judging numerous student writing competitions.
Crafting a Strong Story
I emphasize starting with a gripping opening line that hooks readers immediately. Focus on developing 3-4 dynamic characters with clear motivations, conflicts, and growth arcs. Create authentic dialogue by reading conversations aloud to test their flow. Include sensory details to establish the setting: sounds, smells, textures, tastes, and visuals that transport readers into the story’s world. Structure the plot with rising action leading to a climactic moment, followed by a resolution that ties narrative threads together meaningfully.
Key elements for story development:
- Start in medias res (in the middle of action)
- Establish a clear point of view within the first paragraph
- Layer conflict at personal, interpersonal, and external levels
- Use specific details rather than general descriptions
- Maintain consistent verb tense throughout
- End with impact rather than explanation
Following Contest Guidelines
Contest guidelines create the framework for success in competitions. Review submission requirements multiple times before starting:
Technical specifications:
- Word count limits (typically 2,500-5,000 words)
- Formatting requirements (12pt Times New Roman, double-spaced)
- File format specifications (.doc, .docx, or .pdf)
- Page numbering systems
- Header/footer requirements
Submission checklist:
- Remove personal identifying information
- Include required cover sheets
- Format title page according to guidelines
- Check permitted genres and themes
- Verify eligibility criteria
- Submit before deadline (accounting for time zones)
- Complete all entry forms
I track these elements in a spreadsheet to ensure compliance with each contest’s specific requirements. Missing even one technical requirement can disqualify an otherwise excellent submission.
Deadlines and Submission Requirements
Creative writing contests maintain specific schedules with strict submission windows throughout the academic year. Meeting these requirements ensures eligibility for prizes ranging from $100 to $10,000.
Entry Fees and Formatting
Entry fees for high school writing contests range from free to $25 per submission. Most contests require:
- Double-spaced text in 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font
- One-inch margins on all sides of the document
- PDF or Word document file formats (.doc, .docx, .pdf)
- Page numbers in the top right corner
- Author’s name removed from manuscript for blind judging
- Cover sheet with contact information submitted separately
| Contest Type | Average Entry Fee | Word Count Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Fiction | $5-10 | 1,000-1,500 |
| Short Stories | $15-20 | 2,500-5,000 |
| Poetry | Free-$10 | 40-100 lines |
| Novel Excerpt | $20-25 | 5,000-10,000 |
- Ages 13-18 at time of submission
- Enrolled in grades 9-12 during contest period
- Proof of current high school enrollment
- Parental consent for participants under 18
- US residency or citizenship for national contests
- Valid student ID or school verification letter
| Grade Level | Typical Age Range | Contest Categories |
|---|---|---|
| 9th Grade | 14-15 | Junior Division |
| 10th Grade | 15-16 | Intermediate |
| 11th Grade | 16-17 | Senior Division |
| 12th Grade | 17-18 | Senior Division |
Maximizing Your Chances of Success
Success in creative writing contests stems from developing a structured approach to writing improvement combined with expert guidance. Here’s how to enhance your competitive edge through mentorship and peer feedback.
Working With a Writing Mentor
A writing mentor provides targeted feedback to strengthen contest submissions through professional insights and industry expertise. I’ve found that working with mentors from local writing centers or English departments offers 3-4 revision cycles per submission, focusing on elements like character development, plot structure and narrative voice. Experienced mentors help identify common pitfalls in contest entries, such as rushed endings or unclear themes, while suggesting specific improvements that align with judges’ expectations. Connect with potential mentors through:
- High school English departments
- Local libraries’ writing programs
- University creative writing departments
- Professional writing organizations
- Online mentorship platforms
Getting Peer Feedback
Peer feedback groups create opportunities to test story elements before contest submission. I organize peer review sessions with 4-5 students, exchanging drafts and providing structured critiques on:
- Opening hooks
- Character motivations
- Dialog authenticity
- Plot consistency
- Emotional impact
Establish clear feedback guidelines:
- Set specific review deadlines
- Focus on one story element per review
- Provide written and verbal feedback
- Share successful contest entries
- Track recurring suggestions
- Meeting weekly for draft reviews
- Setting group submission goals
- Sharing contest entry progress
- Celebrating group member wins
- Supporting post-contest revisions
Iincredible Opportunities to Grow as Writers and Build Their Futures
Creative writing contests offer high school students incredible opportunities to grow as writers and build their futures. I’ve seen firsthand how these competitions transform young writers from hesitant beginners into confident storytellers.
Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a published author or simply want to improve your writing skills these contests provide the perfect platform to challenge yourself and gain recognition. The combination of valuable feedback mentorship and potential rewards makes participating in writing competitions an invaluable experience.
I encourage every aspiring young writer to take that first step and submit their work. Remember that each submission brings you closer to your goals and helps develop the skills you’ll need for a successful writing journey.
