Writing is part of almost everything. If you’re a high school student, learning to write clearly can help you in school, your undergraduate degree, future jobs and internships, and life. Essay contests, such as the ones below, give you a structured and engaging way to practice that.
As a participant, you’ll learn to write for an audience, follow rules, stay within word limits, and edit your work. Some contests below ask for personal stories and may require you to weave a narrative. Others ask you to make a strong case or explore a big idea in the field of science, tech, and the humanities. Either way, you will get better at thinking clearly and putting ideas into words – a skill that can come in handy while applying for college or research programs.
Participating (and winning) in an essay contest is also a great addition to your resume. Colleges value strong writing, and awards at prestigious essay contests show that you’re serious about pursuing advanced academics. These contests can also help you explore future careers in law, media, writing, or research!
To help you get started, here is a list of 16 essay writing contests for high school students!
16 Essay Contests for High School Students
1. Horizon Academic Essay Prize
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Prizes: Top entries will receive cash prizes up to $1000 and full scholarships to the Horizon Academic Research Program. Select essays will be published and featured on Horizon’s website.
Contest dates: Submissions open May 1 2025, winners announced on August 26 2025.
Application deadline: July 13 2025. Apply here!
Eligibility: Students from any country enrolled in high school (as on July 13) can apply. More details on eligibility here!
The Horizon Academic Essay Prize is a selective essay contest for high school students from around the world. Each essay will be evaluated by Horizon’s Academic Advisory Board—composed of faculty from top institutions like Yale, Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge. The theme for the 2025 edition is “Horizons of Knowledge”, and requires participants to submit a well-researched essay.
As a contestant, you will choose one of three guiding questions below, and submit a critical essay on the chosen question.
- In an increasingly AI-driven world, how is our ability to think for ourselves changing?
- In today’s digital age, is privacy still a relevant concern?
- Should governments regulate what is shared on social media to prevent the spread of fake news?
Submissions must take the form of a formal academic essay, written in English, and should include a clear thesis, structured argumentation, engagement with relevant sources, and critical analysis of competing viewpoints. The competition encourages depth over breadth, and will reward essays that pursue a well-defined line of inquiry with originality and nuance. Entries are judged on five criteria: originality, depth of analysis, use of evidence, structure and coherence, and clarity of language.
2. Annual Summer Reading Essay Contest – The New York Times
Cost: None
Location: Virtual
Dates: Weekly contests run from mid-June to late August
Registration Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: All students aged 13 – 19 are allowed to participate
The New York Times Summer Reading Contest lets you respond to real news each week by choosing one piece, such as an article, photo, opinion, or podcast, and explaining why it mattered to you. You write or record a short response under 250 words and submit it online.
A panel of Times editors and teachers reviews the entries, picks weekly winners, and publishes the best ones on the Learning Network site. You will practice writing, backing up your views with evidence, and connecting news to your own life. You can enter once a week throughout the summer, build a strong writing habit, and get a chance to be published by The New York Times.
3. Young Authors Writing Competition, Columbia College Chicago
Cost: None
Location: Online
Dates: Not specified. Check here for updates.
Registration Deadline: Submissions usually end in January
Eligibility: High schoolers are eligible to apply
The Young Authors Writing Competition by Columbia College Chicago invites high school students to submit original work in fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. You can send up to two pieces per category, with each limited to ten pages. The contest gives you a chance to draft, format, and revise your writing to meet real submission standards.
You will also learn how to title your work, follow file rules, and handle guidelines on originality and simultaneous submissions. Your work will be read by professionals in creative writing and publishing. Winning entries are publicly recognized, giving you a chance to share your writing with a wider audience.
4. Society of Professional Journalists – High School Essay Contest
Cost: $5 application fee
Location: Online
Dates: Open until Feb 19
Submission Deadline: Feb 19
Eligibility: All high school students from grades 9-12 residing in the US are eligible to apply
The High School Essay Contest by the Society of Professional Journalists and the Journalism Education Association asks you to explore journalism’s role in a democracy. This year’s prompt is “What is the biggest challenge journalists face today, and how might they overcome it?” You will write a 300 to 500-word essay that presents a clear argument, backed by research and written in a formal, structured style.
You will learn how to think critically about the media, build persuasive arguments, and follow professional standards for originality and citation. A panel of journalism educators reviews the entries, and winning essays are published in the Society of Professional Journalists and the Journalism Education Association. Top entries may also receive national scholarships, offering recognition for your work and a chance to share your voice on public platforms.
5. Immerse Education Essay Competition
Cost: Free.
Location: Online
Registration/Submission Deadline: Details available on the website
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 can apply
Guidelines: Students worldwide must submit their 500-word essay by the competition deadline. The essay must answer one of over twenty subject-specific questions or submit their response to an ‘open question’.
Further information about the contest can be found on the Immerse Education website.
Since 2020, Immerse Education has hosted a global essay competition that offers high school students from around the world the opportunity to further their education. Participants also have the chance to win scholarships to our award-winning academic programmes. The competition is completely free and open to all students, regardless of location. As part of the experience, students can attend a series of expert-led webinars focused on essay writing, helping them refine their skills and strengthen their submissions. Each essay is carefully reviewed by a panel of expert and guest judges, who evaluate entries based on content, quality of research, and critical analysis. 10 winners per year will receive a 100% scholarship. Partial scholarships of 50-75% are also available for winners!
6. High School Essay Competition – Princeton Legal Journal
Cost: $15
Location: Online
Registration/Submission Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
The High School Essay Contest by the Princeton Legal Journal focuses on the theme “Presidential Power and the American Constitution.” You explore how presidential authority works under the U.S. Constitution. Topics can include presidential immunity, war powers, removal power, pardon power, the administrative state, national emergencies, or the “take care” clause.
Your essay should be 1,500 to 3,000 words and use Chicago or Bluebook citation style. Entries are reviewed anonymously by a university committee. If selected, your essay will be published in the Princeton Legal Journal and go through an editorial process with feedback on structure and legal analysis.
7. The Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition
Cost: None, but cash prizes for the winner from $1000 ot $500
Location: Online
Dates: Registration opens October 1, closes February 10. Regional essay submissions due February 23
Submission Deadline: Registration closes: 10 Feb, Regional Essay Submission: 23 Feb
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply
The Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition is a fully virtual international writing contest for high school students. You will work on university-style prompts in creative, argumentative, and journalistic categories. The competition helps you build your writing skills, learn to structure strong arguments, and follow guidelines used in higher education.
Your work will be evaluated by The Harvard Crimson, which offers recognition and feedback. You can connect with students worldwide and represent your country on a global stage. Winning essays may be published on the competition’s website.
8. Essay Contests – The Fountainhead | Ayn Rand Institute
Cost: No cost
Location: Online
Dates: July 18 to October 10
Registration/Submission Deadline: Aug 1
Eligibility: All high schoolers from grades 11-12 are eligible to apply
The Ayn Rand Institute’s Fountainhead Essay Contest is open to students worldwide in grades 8 through 12. You will write an essay analyzing themes and ideas from Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead. This contest helps you develop critical thinking, argumentation, and writing skills by engaging with complex concepts.
You will practice crafting clear and well-supported arguments. The contest uses seasonal prompts to guide your progress toward the grand prize, which can be up to $25,000 in scholarships. Essays are judged on clarity, understanding, and logic.
9. Global Essay Prize, John Locke Institute
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Dates: Registration Deadline: 31 May
Submission Deadline: 30 June, 7 July – Late entry deadline
Eligibility: All high schoolers from grades 9 – 12 are eligible to apply. For the junior prize, applicants must be 14 or younger.
The John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize asks high school students to write on topics in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Law, Psychology, and Theology. There is also a Junior category for younger students. You will learn to form clear arguments, engage with complex questions, and organize your ideas with academic precision.
Essays are judged on originality, understanding, and logic by academics from top universities like Oxford and Princeton. You must follow strict formatting and citation rules and include verified academic referees. Winners receive scholarships up to $5,000 to attend John Locke programs. The top essay earns the title of Junior Fellow and a $10,000 scholarship.
10. World Historian Student Essay Competition
Cost: No cost
Location: Online
Registration/Submission Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply
The World Historian Student Essay Competition lets you connect personal or family history with global historical themes. You will learn to create a clear thesis and support it with specific examples from your life and history.
The competition focuses on critical thinking and writing skills that show how global history relates to personal experience. Essays are checked for originality using AI tools. Finalists receive a $500 prize and a one-year membership in the World History Association.
11. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Cost: None
Location: Online
Dates: Open September and ends Jan
Registration/Submission Deadline: Jan 17
Eligibility: Open to United States high school students in grades nine through twelve attending public, private, parochial, or home schools
The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest focuses on political courage shown by a U.S. elected official since 1917. You will analyze their decisions using primary and secondary sources like government records and interviews. The contest encourages original research on lesser-known figures or issues that connect with your interests or community.
You will develop skills in research, critical thinking, and analytical writing while exploring ethical leadership and public accountability. Essays must be 700 to 1,000 words with at least five cited sources following academic format. Top entries may receive national recognition, cash awards up to $10,000, and feedback from historians and Foundation members.
12. Essay Contest – Atlas Shrugged | Ayn Rand Institute
Cost: No cost
Location: Online
Dates: July 18 to October 10
Registration/Submission Deadline: Aug 1
Eligibility: Grade 12 high school students are eligible to apply
The Ayn Rand Institute’s annual Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest is open to students worldwide in grades 8 through 12 and offers up to $25,000 in scholarship prizes. You will write an essay analyzing themes and ideas from Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged.
This contest helps you build critical thinking, argumentation, and writing skills by engaging deeply with complex concepts. You will work on clear, organized, and well-supported arguments while practicing original, analytical essay writing. Seasonal prompts allow you to develop your skills and advance toward the grand prize.
Winning essays are judged on clarity, understanding, and logical structure. The contest provides recognition from a respected institution and the chance to move through rounds competing for up to $22,000.
13. Young Writers Awards | Bennington College
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Registration/Submission Deadline: November 1. Contest opens up on Sept 1
Eligibility: Open to students in the 9th–12th grades
The Young Writers Awards, hosted by Bennington College, is an international writing competition for high school students. You will submit original work in poetry, fiction, or nonfiction within a 1,500-word limit. Through writing a short story, personal or academic essay, or a set of three poems, you will develop skills in editing, narrative structure, and clear expression.
You will learn to follow genre conventions and work within professional guidelines. Your submission must be original and checked for authenticity. A high school teacher or mentor reviews your work to provide feedback. Top entries receive formal recognition from Bennington College, offering exposure to experienced writers and the literary community.
14. Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
Cost: $10 charge per entry and $30 per portfolio
Location: Online
Dates: Scholastic Awards open for entries in the Fall and close in the winter
Registration/Submission Deadline: Deadlines can be as early as December 1
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. teens from grades 7-12 and must be residing in the U.S. or US territories
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, organized by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, is the longest-running recognition program for creative teens in the United States. You can submit original work in various writing categories, including flash fiction, personal essay, journalism, dramatic script, poetry, and novel excerpts, all with set word limits and formats.
For graduating seniors, the Writing Portfolio category requires six distinct pieces that show range and consistency, plus two reflective statements about your writing process and personal development. You will learn to refine your craft, cite sources when needed, follow genre conventions, and improve clarity, tone, and structure.
15. Student Writing Contest | The National WWII Museum
Cost: None
Location: Online
Dates: Oct 27 to Jan 23
Registration/Submission Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: Contest is open to US students in grades 7–12 attending public, private, parochial, or home schools
The National WWII Museum Student Writing Contest, held annually by The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, asks high school students to write research-based essays on historical themes. Past topics have included African American service in WWII and civil rights legacies.
You will write a formal letter responding to real historical figures, such as James G. Thompson, a Black serviceman who questioned democracy during wartime. This contest helps you develop skills in historical interpretation, persuasive writing, and reflective analysis. You will learn to combine archival research with current ideas about rights, freedoms, and social justice.
16. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry & Prose
Cost: $15 submission fee
Location: Online
Registration/Submission Deadline: May 11
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to participate and send entries
The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose, offered by The Adroit Journal, are an international competition for original poetry or prose, fiction, or creative nonfiction. You will submit polished work for critical review and possible publication.
This contest helps you develop creative expression within word and formatting limits, refine your voice through multiple submissions, and learn how to submit work to professional outlets. You will build writing skills, editorial judgment, and a deeper understanding of literary craft.
Your work will be evaluated by experienced writers like Aria Aber. Selected pieces may be published in The Adroit Journal, giving you exposure to a wider audience and recognition alongside established poets and writers.
Image source – Columbia College Chicago