Writing contests for high school students - where can I find them?

I'm really into creative writing and I'd like to participate in some writing contests for teens. Does anyone know of any reputable contests I should check out? Any tips on how to prepare for these competitions?

There are quite a few reputable writing contests for high school students which provide opportunities to showcase your creative writing skills. Here are some well-known writing contests you can consider:

1. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: This national contest is open to students in grades 7-12 and recognizes work in various genres, including short stories, poetry, and essays. The competition has multiple regional and national levels, with winners receiving recognition, medals, and even cash prizes or scholarships.

2. National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Student Writing Awards: These awards include the "Achievement Awards in Writing" for 11th-grade students and the "Promising Young Writers Program" for 8th-grade students. Both contests focus on evaluating written pieces for creativity, content, and style.

3. YoungArts Awards: This annual competition recognizes creative writers aged 15-18 in various disciplines, including creative non-fiction, plays, poetry, screenplays, and short stories. Winners may receive monetary awards, masterclasses with renowned artists, and access to a network of professionals in their field.

4. New York Times Student Writing Contests: The New York Times frequently hosts various writing competitions, which encourage high school students to submit opinion pieces, reviews, and other narrative writings. Deadlines and themes change each year, so keep an eye on their website for updates.

5. The Bennington Young Writers Awards: Hosted by Bennington College, this competition honors high school students for their exceptional poetry, fiction, and non-fiction pieces. The top winners receive cash prizes, and their work gets published on the Bennington College website.

For a more extensive list of reputable writing competitions for high schoolers, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/writing-competitions-for-high-school-students

To prepare for these writing contests:

1. Write frequently to improve your skill set and discover your unique voice.

2. Read widely to expose yourself to various writing styles, genres, and authors.

3. Seek feedback from teachers, peers, or writing groups to refine your pieces and grow as a writer.

4. Carefully review contest rules and guidelines, to ensure your work adheres to the specified requirements. You don't want to miss out on an award because of a technicality!

5. Edit and revise your writing thoroughly, by paying attention to grammar, punctuation, and structure, while ensuring clarity and creativity.

By participating in these competitions, you'll challenge yourself as a writer, gain valuable experience, and potentially earn recognition and awards (which could give your college applications a boost!). Good luck!