Writing Competition
Everything you need to know about our Writing Competition Program.
Is there an age requirement to participate in writing contests?
Yes, participants must be at least 8 years old to join.
What are some potential writing contests my child can submit to?
We recommend age-appropriate contests for different age groups:
For Ages 8-12
- John Locke Jr. Essay Contest
- John Estey Student Writing Competition
- New York Times Open Letter Contest
- Hutch Kids Magazine
- Stone Soup Flash Contest
- The Betty Award
- BeKindPeople Essay Contest
- Ember Journal
For Ages 13-18:
- The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
- John Locke Essay Contest
- John Estey Student Writing Competition
- New York Times Open Letter Contest
- YoungArts Competition
- Bennington Young Writer Awards
- Profile in Courage Essay Contest
- Bluefire 1000 Word Contest
- American Foreign Service Essay Contest
Who should sign up for this course?
This course is ideal for students who already have a genuine interest in writing and are motivated to work independently. As one of our more self-directed programs, it’s designed for students who are eager to challenge themselves and hone their skills for writing competitions.
What are some recent achievements of students in writing competitions?
Our students have seen great success, earning Gold and Silver Keys in the Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards, and achieving finalist statuses in prestigious competitions like the John Locke and Wilbur Smith Writing Awards. Recently, one of our students was even invited to attend the awards gala in London for the John Locke contest.
How do you prepare students for Writing Competitions?
Our coaching approach is centered on empowering students to prepare for renowned contests like John Locke, New York Times Editorial, and Scholastic Awards. Students work through multiple drafts and revisions with the guidance of our coaches, ensuring they are well-prepared for submission.
What students will learn?
At the start of the program, coaches assess their student’s interests and writing level to recommend 2-3 writing competitions. By the end of the course, students typically produce 5,000-8,000 words, though this may vary depending on their personal goals. A student’s weekly output is generally 200-600 words, with flexibility based on competition requirements.
Homework
Homework assignments in the Writing Competition Program are customized to each student’s competition goals. Coaches support students in preparing for 2-3 competitions, and students are expected to complete 200-600 words of writing each week. The word count varies depending on the competition criteria.
For more information, please visit the Writing Competition or contact our support team for further assistance.