Can anyone suggest some of the most prestigious writing competitions for high school students? I want to challenge myself and hopefully stand out when applying to colleges.
There are several esteemed writing competitions for high school students that could enhance your application and showcase your writing abilities. Here are a few:
1. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: Now with 29 different categories to enter, from poetry to science fiction, it's one of the longest-running and largest competitions for high schoolers. It even attracted famous participants like Sylvia Plath and Stephen King in their teenage years.
2. National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Achievement Awards in Writing: A contest that seeks to recognise excellent writing and promising young authors. There's a bit of a twist: participants are asked to submit two pieces — one piece of best writing, and one themed writing.
3. The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award: This prestigious competition, run by The Poetry Society, is open to poets aged 11-17 and receives entries from over 6,000 young people worldwide each year. If you have a knack for poetry, this one is worth considering.
4. The Bennington Young Writers Awards: Hosted by Bennington College, this competition has categories for poetry, fiction, and nonfiction with considerable cash prizes in each division.
5. Letters About Literature: A contest which encourages students to write to the author of a book that has made a significant impact on their lives, explaining the influence it had. This one is unique and doesn't require original fiction or poetry.
Before jumping in, consider what style or category of writing suits you best. And of course, don't forget to carefully review each competition's rules and deadlines. Good luck!
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