Best Writing Contests for High School Students to Showcase Your Talent and Gain Recognition

If you're a high school student who loves to write, entering a contest can be a fun and rewarding way to share your work. Whether you're into poetry, short stories, or essays, there's a contest out there for you. Not only can you win prizes, but it's also a great way to get noticed and boost your college applications. Let's check out some of the best writing contests you can join.

Types of Writing Contests

There are many kinds of writing contests out there, and each one gives you a chance to explore different styles and express yourself in unique ways. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular types:

Poetry Contests

If you love playing with words, rhythm, and emotions, poetry contests are a great fit. These competitions often focus on creativity, originality, and emotional impact. You can write in any style: free verse, haiku, or rhymed poems, and let your voice shine. Some contests even have themes to guide your writing.

Short Story Competitions

Short story contests are perfect for students who enjoy creating characters, settings, and plots. Whether it's fantasy, mystery, romance, or real-life drama, these contests let you tell a complete story in a few pages. They’re a great way to practice storytelling and keep readers hooked from beginning to end.

Essay Contests (Narrative, Persuasive, Analytical)

Essay competitions come in different forms:

• Narrative essays let you share personal stories and experiences

• Persuasive essays ask you to take a stand and convince others

• Analytical essays involve thinking deeply about a topic, book, or issue

These contests often test your ability to think clearly, organize ideas, and communicate your thoughts with impact.

Journalism or Nonfiction Challenges

If you enjoy writing about real events or want to dig into facts and current issues, nonfiction or journalism contests might be your thing. These often involve writing articles, interviews, or research-based pieces. They help sharpen your reporting skills and let you explore topics that matter to you and your community.

Trying out different types of contests can help you discover what kind of writer you are, and what you enjoy most.

Top Writing Contests Every High School Writer Should Know About

If you're a high school student who loves to write, or a parent of a teen with a passion for words, this list is for you. Writing contests aren’t just about competition – they’re a chance to build confidence, get published, win prizes, and even earn scholarships. Whether your teen enjoys poetry, essays, short stories, or playwriting, these contests provide real-world opportunities to grow and get recognized. Below are some of the best writing competitions open to high schoolers today. Take a look and see which ones are the right fit.

1. Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize

Princeton University’s Creative Writing Program offers this poetry contest exclusively for high school juniors. It recognizes original voice and talent in poetry and helps young writers gain national attention.

• What it is: A poetry contest run by Princeton University

• Type: Poetry

• Who can enter: High school juniors (11th grade) worldwide

• Next deadline: Early November 2025 (typically opens in September)

• Prizes: 1st - $1,500, 2nd - $750, 3rd - $500, plus publication on Princeton’s site

2. Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest

This contest invites students to dive deep into the world of Jane Austen through critical analysis and literary essays. Winners receive cash and book prizes, along with a unique opportunity to join an academic event.

• What it is: A literary essay contest on Jane Austen’s work

• Type: Essay (literary analysis)

• Who can enter: High school students worldwide

• Next deadline: June 2026 (topics posted November 2025)

• Prizes: 1st - $1,000, 2nd - $500, 3rd - $250, plus books and free event admission

3. Bennington College Young Writers Awards

One of the most prestigious contests for teen writers, this award spans poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, and offers large prizes and even scholarships to Bennington College.

• What it is: A creative writing contest in three categories

• Type: Poetry, Fiction, and Nonfiction

• Who can enter: Students in grades 9-12 worldwide

• Next deadline: November 1, 2025

• Prizes: Up to $1,000 in cash and scholarships worth $15,000/year if you attend Bennington College

4. Ayn Rand Institute – Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

Students who enjoy philosophy and critical thinking can enter this essay contest based on Ayn Rand’s novel Atlas Shrugged. It features a large prize pool and international reach.

• What it is: An essay contest analyzingAtlas Shrugged

• Type: Essay (literary/philosophical)

• Who can enter: High school, college, and graduate students worldwide

• Next deadline: July 31, 2025

• Prizes: Grand prize of $25,000, with smaller prizes for runners-up

5. Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder / Sense of the Wild Contest

This contest encourages collaboration across generations to celebrate nature through poetry or prose, inspired by environmentalist Rachel Carson.

• What it is: A nature-themed writing contest for intergenerational teams

• Type: Poetry or Nonfiction (Environmental)

• Who can enter: Teams made up of two generations

• Next deadline: November 16, 2025

• Prizes: Recognition certificates and online publication

6. SPJ / JEA High School Essay Contest

This journalism-focused contest asks students to reflect on media ethics and current events, promoting critical thinking and civic awareness.

• What it is: A journalism ethics essay competition

• Type: Essay (Opinion/Media Ethics)

• Who can enter: U.S. high school students (grades 9-12)

• Next deadline: February 19, 2026

• Prizes: 1st - $1,000, 2nd - $500, 3rd - $300

7. Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

This contest, run by Hollins University, is designed to recognize the talent of young women poets and provides both cash prizes and scholarship opportunities.

• What it is: A poetry contest for young women

• Type: Poetry

• Who can enter: Female-identifying high school sophomores or juniors

• Next deadline: October 31, 2025

• Prizes: $200 cash, publication inCargoes, and up to a $5,000 renewable scholarship to Hollins University

8. John Locke Global Essay Competition

A globally recognized academic contest where students respond to complex questions across subjects like politics, philosophy, and economics.

• What it is: A high-level academic essay competition

• Type: Essay (Argumentative/Philosophical)

• Who can enter: Students 18 or younger

• Next deadline: Essay due June 30, 2025

• Prizes: $10,000 grand prize; $5,000 for each subject category winner

9. AFSA National High School Essay Contest

Run by the American Foreign Service Association, this contest encourages students to explore global affairs and diplomacy through writing.

• What it is: A foreign policy-themed essay competition

• Type: Essay (Analytical/Policy)

• Who can enter: U.S. high school students in grades 9-12

• Next deadline: Mid-March 2026 (exact date to be confirmed)

• Prizes: $2,500 cash, trip to Washington D.C., and educational travel abroad Semester at Sea

10. EngineerGirl Writing Contest

A STEM-inspired contest that lets students write creatively about how engineering shapes our world in everyday life.

• What it is: A STEM writing contest with a real-world focus

• Type: Essay (Science/Engineering)

• Who can enter: Grades 3-12, with a high school division for grades 9-12

• Next deadline: February 1, 2026

• Prizes: $1,000 (1st), $750 (2nd), $500 (3rd), plus publication

11. The Blank Theatre Young Playwrights Festival (YPF)

Young playwrights can see their work come to life on stage in Los Angeles, with full productions and mentorship from theater professionals.

• What it is: A national playwriting contest for young writers

• Type: Drama/Scriptwriting

• Who can enter: Writers aged 19 or younger

• Next deadline: March 15, 2026

• Prizes: Twelve winning plays are produced professionally in Los Angeles

12. Writopia Lab’s Worldwide Plays Festival

This festival gives young writers a chance to have their short plays workshopped and staged in a real theater setting.

• What it is: A youth playwriting competition with live productions

• Type: Drama (10-minute plays)

• Who can enter: Writers ages 6-18 (high schoolers are 15-18 group)

• Next deadline: February 2026 (exact dates vary)

• Prizes: Full production for top 10 plays; staged readings for 30 more; feedback for all entries

13. The New York Times Opinion Writing Contest

This contest gives teens a platform to share their opinions on important issues in a short editorial format, reaching a national audience.

• What it is: An editorial writing contest hosted by The New York Times

• Type: Opinion/Editorial

• Who can enter: Students ages 13-19 worldwide

• Next deadline: Expected April 2026

• Prizes: Winning editorials published on The New York Times Learning Network

What to Do After You Submit

Hitting “submit” on your contest entry is a big moment. and you should feel proud of it. But what comes next? Here’s how to stay motivated and keep growing as a writer, no matter the outcome.

• Keep writing and practicing:Just because one piece is done doesn’t mean your writing journey is over. Keep exploring new ideas, trying different styles, and pushing yourself to improve. The more you write, the more confident and skilled you’ll become.

• Celebrate your effort, win or not:Finishing a piece and submitting it takes courage. Even if you don’t win, the experience matters. You took a creative risk, and that’s something worth celebrating. Treat yourself to something small, share your work with friends or family, and be proud of what you created.

• Look out for more opportunities:Writing contests happen year-round, so keep your eyes open. You can reuse or revise past entries, try a new genre, or aim for a different challenge. Follow your favorite contest websites, ask teachers for leads, or check back here for updates. There's always another chance to put your voice out into the world.

Write Without Distractions. Win Without Limits with Freewrite

AtFreewrite, we know what it feels like to have something important to say, and how easy it is for that spark to get buried under emails, notifications, and browser tabs. That’s exactly why we built our writing tools. We wanted to create a space that helps writers, and students entering writing contests, stay focused and in flow. Freewrite devices remove the noise so your ideas can come through clearly. Whether you're working on a poem, essay, or play, you can draft with total concentration and no distractions.

We’ve seen time and time again how the right environment can make all the difference. With our distraction-free screens, satisfying mechanical keyboards, and zero internet access during writing sessions, Freewrite lets you turn creative energy into progress.

Wordrunner

Wordrunner is a mechanical keyboard built just for writers. Its solid aluminum frame feels steady on any desk, and a 8-digit mechanical Wordometer that physically tracks your word count in real time. Add an onboard sprint timer, custom function keys, and both wireless and wired connections, and you get a tool that keeps your hands on the keys and your focus on the page.

Why Wordrunner

• Tracks word count live with an 8 digit Wordometer so you always know your progress

• Built in sprint timer keeps you on task for short or long writing sessions

• Replaces traditional F keys with writer friendly commands like Find, Replace, and Print

• Sturdy die cast aluminum body and gasket mounted switches give a premium typing feel

• Connects to up to four devices via Bluetooth or USB C for seamless switching

Alpha Raven Black With Backlight

Alpha Raven Black is your grab-and-go writing tool that makes it easier than ever to stay focused and get words down. It’s lightweight, durable, and powered by a comfortable mechanical keyboard with low-profile switches. The built-in backlight lets you write anywhere, day or night, and the screen keeps things simple with just a few lines of text to avoid distraction. Whether you're working from a café, your couch, or the back seat of a car, Alpha helps you get into flow and stay there.

Why Alpha Raven Black

• 1.6 pounds and made for portable writing anytime, anywhere

• Warm backlight with 5 brightness levels for comfortable writing in any lighting

• Low-profile mechanical switches offer quiet, satisfying typing with less fatigue

• Stores up to 1 million words and auto-syncs to the cloud via Wi-Fi

• Kickstand and built-in palm rest make it easy to write on a table or your lap

Traveler

Traveler is a featherweight drafting device that lets you write anywhere without the usual online temptations. Its E Ink screen is easy on the eyes indoors or out, while the scissor switch keyboard offers a smooth feel that laptop makers envy. Traveler autosaves every keystroke and syncs drafts to the cloud, then runs for weeks on a single charge so you can keep writing on the move.

Why Traveler

• Half the size of a laptop and only 1.6 pounds so you can carry it every day

• Glare free E Ink display stays readable in bright sunlight and reduces eye strain

• Automatic cloud backup to Postbox, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Evernote

• Weeks long battery life means you can draft off the grid without worry

• Supports 60 plus languages and 80 plus keyboard layouts for truly global use

Smart Typewriter

TheSmart Typewriter Gen3 is the core Freewrite experience: a durable aluminum drafting machine that keeps you locked into writing flow. A front lit E Ink screen stays readable in any light, and the full size mechanical keyboard with Kailh Box Brown switches lets you type quickly and accurately. Automatic cloud backup, weeks long battery life, and a retractable handle round out a device designed to make writing sessions productive and enjoyable.

Why Smart Typewriter

• Distraction free interface that helps you write more and edit later

• Front lit E Ink panel for comfortable reading day or night

• Kailh Box Brown switches and thick PBT keycaps for a satisfying feel

• Rugged die cast aluminum body with built in handle for easy portability

• Seamless cloud sync plus USB transfer so drafts are always backed up

Alpha Cosmic Edition

Alpha Cosmic Edition brings Freewrite’s distraction-free drafting into a compact body with a galaxy inspired finish and warm backlight. The low profile mechanical keyboard feels great for long sessions, and the included felt sleeve keeps the device safe when you head out. With up to 100 hours of battery life and automatic cloud syncing, Alpha Cosmic lets you capture ideas any hour of the day or night.

Why Alpha Cosmic Edition

• Terrazzo speckled design and custom felt sleeve add a bit of creative flair to your toolkit

• Warm adjustable backlight helps you write comfortably in low light settings

• Low profile Kailh Choc mechanical switches offer crisp feedback without bulk

• Stores up to one million words locally and backs up to the cloud whenever Wi Fi is available

• Lightweight at 1.6 pounds with 100 hour battery life for extended writing missions

Valentine Smart Typewriter

TheValentine Smart Typewriter blends bold retro design with the latest writing tech to create a tool that feels both inspiring and seriously capable. Inspired by the original 1969 Italian Valentine typewriter, this special edition stands out with its vibrant look, signature mechanical keyboard, and smooth E Ink screen. It’s built to help you focus, store your work automatically, and take your writing anywhere thanks to a beautifully designed, water-resistant carrying case and strap system.

Why Valentine Smart Typewriter

• Iconic '60s inspired design that turns your writing setup into a personal statement

• Crisp E Ink screen that's gentle on the eyes and perfect for long sessions

• Comes with a sleek, form-fitting case and strap for easy travel and protection

• Mechanical keyboard with box brown tactile switches for satisfying feedback

• Built-in Wi-Fi syncing and USB offline transfer to keep your drafts backed up and secure

Ernest Hemingway Freewrite Signature Edition (Hemingwrite)

TheHemingwrite is a homage to Ernest Hemingway, crafted in raw aluminum that develops its own patina over time. Green keycaps and an authentic laser engraved signature make each unit a collector item, while the included leather attaché case keeps it secure on your travels. Under the classic look you get all the distraction free features of the Smart Typewriter, cloud backup, and a battery built for marathon sessions.

Why Hemingwrite

• Hand polished aluminum body that ages uniquely with every adventure

• Official collaboration with the Hemingway estate plus engraved signature

• Genuine leather attaché case with velvet lining adds luxury and protection

• Mechanical keyboard and E Ink screen combine comfort with focus

• Automatic cloud syncing and offline USB transfer mean your words are always safe

Wrapping It Up

Writing contests can be game changers. They challenge you to polish your craft, give you hard deadlines that spark action, and let you see how your voice stacks up on a bigger stage. Win or not, every submission teaches you something new about writing and about yourself. So pick the contests that feel right for your style, mark those deadlines in your calendar, and start drafting. Remember, the more you write, the better you get. And parents, your support - whether it is proofreading a draft or simply cheering from the sidelines - makes a huge difference. Dive in, have fun, and let your words fly.

FAQ