15 Essay Competitions for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in writing, entering an essay competition can be a strategic way to develop skills that go beyond the classroom. These competitions require you to interpret prompts, conduct research, structure arguments, and produce polished prose for an external audience. Participating helps you learn to communicate complex ideas clearly, a skill that’s directly transferable to college applications and professional writing tasks. Many competitions publish winning essays, giving you a published writing sample to include in your portfolio.
If you want to see what other competitions are there for high school competitions, check out art competitions here, and for similar writing-based competitions, find a list here!
Why should you participate in an essay competition in high school?
Participating in a writing competition demonstrates to colleges that you can produce original, high‑quality work beyond what is required in your classes. Winning or placing in a reputable contest can strengthen your college application by showing initiative, intellectual maturity, and mastery of written expression. Many competitions offer feedback from judges, which helps you identify areas for improvement and grow as a writer. Some contests also provide cash prizes, scholarships, and publication opportunities, which can directly support your educational goals. The process of researching and writing under a deadline prepares you for the rigors of college‑level coursework, where you will frequently be asked to produce well‑argued, evidence‑based papers.
To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of the top 15 essay competitions for high school students.
Key takeaways
This list rounds up 15 essay competitions for high schoolers spanning philosophy, journalism, and creative writing, with standout hosts including the John Locke Institute, Scholastic, YoungArts, and The New York Times, alongside sister-brand competitions from Lumiere and Horizon.
Entry is free for most competitions, though a handful charge a small per-submission fee, and prize money ranges widely, from a few hundred dollars up to a $25,000 grand prize for one literature-focused contest.
One competition stands out for its nomination-only process, requiring a teacher to submit on your behalf rather than applying directly, while another offers direct written feedback from Cambridge faculty on every single entry, a rare feature in this space.
Most competitions are open globally regardless of where you live, though a handful, including the journalism, foreign affairs, and political courage contests, are restricted to U.S. students or U.S. citizens attending school overseas.
The earliest fixed deadline lands January 12 for a political courage contest, with a couple of February deadlines following close behind, so it's worth starting drafts before winter break wraps up if any of the earlier-deadline options interest you.
1. John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize
Location: Online
Cost/Prizes: Free; Cash prizes and scholarships offered
Contest Dates: Submissions open: April 1; submission deadline: May 31; Late entry deadlines: June 7 & June 21
Deadline: February 2 – March 31
Eligibility: Students from any country under 19 years of age
The John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize asks you to answer a philosophical, political, or economic question drawn from ten subject categories: Economics, History, Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Public Policy, Science & Technology, and Theology. You may choose any question from any category, and your essay must be no longer than 2,000 words. Essays are judged by academics from Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford, who evaluate clarity, depth of argument, and use of evidence. Winners receive scholarships (first place $5,000, second place $2,000, third place $1,000) and an honorary John Locke Institute Junior Fellowship, with a $10,000 scholarship to attend one or more of their summer schools or visiting scholars programs. Finalists are invited to London for an academic conference and awards dinner. Shortlisted essays are published on the institute’s website, giving you a credible publication credit. All entries must be original work written in English, and you may submit only one essay per category.
2. Lumiere Scholars Essay Award
Location: Online
Cost/Prizes: Free; Cash prizes and scholarships offered
Contest Dates: Submissions open March 9
Deadline: April 26
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in secondary school from any country
The Lumiere Scholars Essay Award invites you to respond to one of several prompts in the Humanities, STEM, or Social Sciences. Your essay will be reviewed by an Academic Advisory Committee of professors and researchers from institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Dartmouth. Six winners will receive a share of $11,000 in cash prizes and a scholarship. The competition emphasizes rigorous argumentation, evidence, and originality, and you are encouraged to cite academic sources. You may submit only one essay, and it must be entirely your own work, not previously published or awarded elsewhere. Finalists are notified individually, and winning essays may be featured on the Lumiere website.
3. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards – Writing Categories
Location: Online
Cost/Prizes: $10 per individual entry, $30 per portfolio (fees waived for students in financial need); Medals and up to $12,500 in scholarships offered
Contest Dates: Opens October 1
Deadline: Regional deadlines vary from December 1 – January 6
Eligibility: 7th-12th graders (13+) who are residents of the U.S., Canada, or U.S. territories
The Scholastic Awards are among the most prestigious writing competitions in North America, with nearly 29 writing categories, including critical essay, dramatic script, flash fiction, journalism, personal essay, poetry, science fiction/fantasy, and short story. You may submit work that has been created in the past 12 months and that has not won a previous Scholastic Award at the national level. Gold Key winners advance to national judging, where they may receive National Medals and up to $12,500 in scholarships. Winning entries are published in the National Catalog and celebrated during National Awards Week in New York City. Many past winners have gone on to attend top creative writing programs. The program also offers a separate portfolio category for students submitting a cohesive body of work.
4. Horizon Academic Essay Prize
Location: Online
Cost/Prizes: Free; Cash prizes and scholarships offered
Contest Dates: Submissions close February 1; Shortlist notified February 22; Winners announced March 8
Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current high school students worldwide
This competition asks you to write a critical essay of up to 1,000 words on topics related to progress, such as mental health, bio‑hacking, migration, surveillance technology, or social movements. Your essay must include a clear thesis, structured argumentation, and engagement with at least three academic or journalistic sources. Essays are judged by an Academic Advisory Board of professors from Yale, Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge, who will evaluate your work based on originality, argumentative strength, and writing quality. The top 3 essays will receive the following prizes: Grand Visionary Prize – $1,000 cash and $6,450 scholarship; Grand Innovator Prize – $500 cash and $4,000 scholarship; Grand Excellence Prize – $250 cash and $3,000 scholarship. Honorable mentions receive smaller scholarships, and all entrants receive a participation certificate. The competition publishes the winning essays on the Horizon website, giving you a public writing sample. You may submit only one entry per year, and your essay must not have been previously published.
5. YoungArts Writing Competition
Location: Online
Cost/Prizes: Application fee $35; Cash prizes of up to $10,000 offered
Contest Dates: Opens July 22
Deadline: October 8
Eligibility: High school students (ages 15-18); U.S. citizens or permanent residents
YoungArts recognizes young writers in creative nonfiction, novel writing, play/script, poetry, short story, and spoken word. To participate, you submit a portfolio of work, not just a single piece; the judges will evaluate your work based on technical skill, voice, and originality. Winners receive cash awards and are eligible for a week‑long intensive in Miami with professional writers and performers. Many YoungArts winners later receive the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts designation, one of the highest honors for high school artists. All submissions must be original, unpublished work created without the help of generative AI.
6. The New York Times Student Editorial Contest
Location: Online
Cost/Prizes: Free; Awards not mentioned
Contest Dates: Opens February 25
Deadline: April 8
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
For the New York Times Student Editorial Contest, you will be asked to write a short editorial on an issue that matters to you, using at least one piece of evidence from The New York Times or another reliable source. The contest is designed to help you learn to make a concise, evidence‑based argument in the style of a newspaper editorial. Winners are published on The New York Times Learning Network, and runners‑up receive an honorable mention. You must submit your essay as a Google Doc or Word file through a submission form. Teachers may submit up to five entries per class, but individual students can also enter on their own. The editorial can address local, national, or global issues as long as it is persuasive and timely. Check out their other contests here.
7. AFSA National High School Essay Contest
Location: Online
Cost/Prizes: Free; Cash prizes of up to $2,500
Contest Dates: Opens October 31
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: U.S. high school students in grades 9-12; U.S. citizens attending schools overseas
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) sponsors this contest on a topic related to diplomacy or international affairs. To participate, you will have to write a 1,000- to 1,500‑word essay addressing the year’s theme, which is announced in the fall. Winners receive cash prizes and an all-expense-paid trip to the nation’s capital from anywhere in the U.S. with their parents, along with an all-expense-paid educational voyage courtesy of Semester at Sea. All winners travel to Washington, D.C., to attend a State Department ceremony where they meet diplomats and senior officials. The competition requires a teacher or sponsor to verify your submission and sign a cover sheet. Essays are judged on content, organization, style, and originality.
8. SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest
Location: Online
Cost/Prizes: $10 entry fee; Scholarships of $1,000, $500, and $300 offered
Contest Dates: Opens annually in the fall
Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: U.S. high school students in grades 9-12
The Society of Professional Journalists and Journalism Education Association co‑sponsor this contest on a topic related to journalism or free expression. To participate, you’ll write a 300 – 500-word persuasive essay; the prompt will be posted on the contest website each fall. All essays are judged by a panel of professional journalists and journalism educators. You must include a title page with your name, school, grade, and contact information, but the essay itself should be anonymous to ensure blind judging. This competition is ideal for students interested in journalism, media studies, or civic engagement. Winners are announced at the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention.
9. Bennington College Young Writers Awards
Location: Online
Cost/Prizes: Free; Cash prizes: 1st place: $2,000, 2nd place: $1,000, 3rd place: $500
Contest Dates: Opens September 1
Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 worldwide
Bennington College invites you to submit one piece in poetry (up to three poems), fiction (up to 1,500 words), or nonfiction (up to 1,500 words). Winners receive cash prizes and a merit scholarship of up to $25,000 per year if they are admitted to Bennington College. Many past winners have gone on to study writing at top universities, including Bennington itself. The competition is known for its emphasis on literary voice and creative accomplishment, rather than formal research. Your submission must be entirely your own work and not previously published in a national publication.
10. NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing
Location: School‑based
Cost/Prizes: Free for nominated students; Certificates awarded
Contest Dates: Summer: prompt announced; Fall: award opens for submissions
Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: U.S. high school sophomores and juniors
The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) runs this school‑based program. Your teacher must nominate you to submit a response to a national prompt. Selected students receive recognition at four levels: First Class, Superior, Excellent, and Merit. This is one of the oldest and most respected essay competitions for high school students for demonstrating writing ability. Each nominated student submits a portfolio that includes the on‑demand writing piece and two samples of best work. Schools may nominate up to two students per grade level. Winners receive certificates and are listed in the NCTE annual publication. The competition emphasizes both creative and analytical writing skills.
11. JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Location: Online
Cost/Prizes: Free; Cash prizes offered
Contest Dates: Opens September 1
Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: U.S. high school students in grades 9-12; U.S. citizens attending schools overseas
As part of this contest, you’ll write a 700 – 1,000-word essay describing an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served after 1917. Your essay must include at least five sources, three of which must be from books, academic journals, or government documents. The first‑place winner receives $10,000; the second‑place winner $3,000; three finalists $1,000 each; and 15 students receive honorable mentions. The subject must not be a past winner of the contest or a family member of a past winner. Your essay will be judged by a committee of historians, political scientists, and journalists, and winning essays will be published on the library’s website. This contest is well known among high school essay competitions for its substantial cash prize.
12. Sidgwick Prize
Location: Online
Cost/Prizes: Approx. $15 per essay; Prizes offered
Contest Dates: Submission deadline: June 30
Deadline: October 1 – June 15
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 worldwide
This Cambridge‑based competition asks you to respond to a question in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Law, Theology, Psychology, or Art History. Your essay must be capped at 2,000 words and written in English. Each entry receives written feedback from academic specialists, including Cambridge faculty, a rare feature among essay competitions for high school students. A prize is awarded for the best essay in each discipline, and the overall Sidgwick Prize goes to the best essay across all disciplines. Winners receive books, certificates, and publication on the competition website. You must register online and pay the entry fee before submitting.
13. Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests
Location: Online
Cost/Prizes: Free; Cash prizes offered
Contest Dates: Until submission date
Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Middle and high school students (13+) worldwide
The Ayn Rand Institute runs annual contests on three of her novels, and each competition has its own word count, prompt, and deadline. The first-place award is $3,000 for The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. The grand-prize winner among these will receive an additional $22,000, bringing the grand annual prize to $25,000. The Anthem contest's grand annual prize is $2,000. Essays must be written in English and demonstrate understanding of the novel’s philosophical themes, such as rational self‑interest, individualism, and capitalism. You may submit only one entry per contest, and you cannot use AI‑assisted writing. Winning essays and honorable mentions are published on the ARI website. These essay competitions for high school students are particularly well‑suited for those interested in literature, political philosophy, or economics. The judging rubric places heavy emphasis on how well you integrate direct quotations from the novel.
14. Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest
Location: Online
Cost/Prizes: Free; Cash prizes up to $1,000
Contest Dates: Opens September
Deadline: June 8
Eligibility: Students (ages 11-18) worldwide
For the Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest, you may submit creative writing (poetry, short story, personal narrative) or other media exploring the theme “Your Story, Our Ocean: How the Ocean Sustains, Protects, and Inspires Us.” The competition encourages interdisciplinary thinking about environmental issues and climate change. Winners receive cash prizes, and winning entries are published on the Bow Seat website and featured in their student anthology. You can enter as many times as you like in different categories, but each entry must be original and not previously published. The competition also offers a teacher recognition award for educators who support student entries. This is one of the few essay competitions for high school students focused entirely on environmental writing.
15. Polyphony Lit Winter Contest 2026
Location: Online
Cost/Prizes: First 200 submissions are free ($4 per submission thereafter); Awards offered
Contest Dates: January 1
Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The Polyphony Lit Winter Contest asks you to write original poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction based on the theme of “Subversion.” You will be encouraged to challenge common motifs, invert literary tropes, and explore unconventional perspectives in your writing, with the goal of questioning easy assumptions about stories and people. One winner and two finalists will receive publication in Polyphony Lit Volume 20, eligibility for the Claudia Ann Seaman Awards, and written feedback from the contest judge, along with a full scholarship to the magazine’s “How to be a Literary Editor” course. All work is blind‑juried, so you must not include your name on the manuscript. You may submit up to three separate pieces, with poetry capped at 80 lines and fiction or creative nonfiction at 1,800 words. The contest accepts simultaneous submissions and previously published work, though previously published pieces are not eligible for the Claudia Ann Seaman Awards.
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Questions students often ask about these competitions
1. Do I need to already be a strong writer to enter these competitions?
No, these competitions welcome a wide range of skill levels, and many judges specifically look for original thinking over polished prose. Using the writing and revision process itself as a learning experience is valuable, regardless of whether you place.
2. Some of these competitions charge an entry fee. Is it worth paying to submit?
It can be, especially for contests offering strong prize money, feedback from judges, or a publication credit. If cost is a concern, look for fee waivers, which several competitions offer for students with financial need.
3. Can I enter more than one of these competitions in the same year?
Yes, in most cases, since these are independently run competitions with their own rules. Just check each one's originality requirements carefully, since some don't allow previously published or previously awarded work.