As 11th-grade students gear up to submit their Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) applications later this year, many wonder what extracurricular activities (ECs) they can still engage in to strengthen their applications. Since covering every possible option in one article would be impractical, this post focuses specifically on writing-related ECs.

Comprehensive List

1. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

One of the most prestigious and accessible writing competitions, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, offers a broad range of categories. Participants can submit multiple works across different categories—up to 10 pieces of writing at once—making it a fantastic opportunity for students looking to showcase their literary talent.

• Deadline & Results: Typically, submissions are due in October, with results announced in March. Unfortunately, this year’s deadline has already passed, but 10th graders should strongly consider applying next year.

• Eligibility: Open to students residing in the United States.

2. National YoungArts Foundation Competition

The National YoungArts Foundation Competition is regarded as more competitive than the Scholastic Awards and serves as a mark of excellence in creative and literary skill.

• Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 15 to 18. Unfortunately, international students are not eligible.

• Why It Matters: Winning this competition signals a high level of artistic and literary achievement, making it a valuable distinction on a college application.

3. John Locke Institute Essay Competition

Unlike many U.S.-based contests, the John Locke Institute Essay Competition is open to students worldwide, making it an excellent choice for international applicants.

• Deadline & Results: Submissions are due in June, with results announced in July.

• Format: The competition offers seven categories, each with three essay prompts. Participants must choose one and craft a well-researched response.

• Difficulty Level: More challenging than Scholastic or YoungArts due to the depth of research and analysis required.

• Why It’s Valuable: Demonstrates strong academic writing and research abilities, particularly in the humanities.

4. Bennington Young Writers Awards

For students passionate about creative writing, the Bennington Young Writers Awards is an excellent platform.

• Deadline & Results: The submission deadline is November 1, with results released in April. This year’s deadline has passed for current 11th graders, but 10th graders should consider applying next year.

• Categories: Poetry, short story, and essay.

• Why It’s Worth It: A well-regarded competition that highlights students’ creativity and storytelling abilities.

5. Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests

These contests invite students to analyze themes from Ayn Rand’s novels. Participants can choose from three different books, each offering various submission deadlines.

• Anthem: Deadline in May, results in August.

• The Fountainhead: Three submission windows—June (results in August), September (results in November), December (results in March).

• Atlas Shrugged: Similar deadlines as The Fountainhead.

• Eligibility: Open to international students.

• Why It’s Accessible: Multiple deadlines allow for flexibility, making it a great option even for current 11th graders.

6. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose

The Adroit Prizes cater to students with a deep interest in literature and creative writing.

• Eligibility: Open to both high school and college students, including international participants. While college students frequently win, high school students also have strong chances of recognition.

• Deadline & Results: Submissions close in May, with results announced in September.

• Why It’s Prestigious: Recognizes exceptional literary talent and is highly competitive.

7. New York Times Student Editorial Contest

This competition challenges students to select a New York Times article and write an editorial or commentary in response.

• Format: Submissions must be completed within specific entry windows.

• Deadline & Results: Contest periods vary, with results announced approximately eight weeks after the deadline.

• Eligibility: Open to international students.

• Why It’s Unique: Encourages students to engage critically with current events and refine their persuasive writing skills.

8. National High School Essay Contest by USIP

Organized by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), this competition focuses on peace and conflict resolution.

• Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school students in grades 9–12. International students are not eligible.

• Deadline & Results: Submissions are due in March, with results announced in June.

• Why It’s Valuable: Ideal for students interested in political science, diplomacy, or social issues.

9. EngineerGirl Writing Contest

Bridging STEM and creative writing, the EngineerGirl Writing Contest challenges participants to describe how an everyday object could be transformed into a “smart” device.

• 2025 Topic: How to turn an ordinary object into a “smart” object.

• Eligibility: Open to students in grades 3–12, including international participants.

• Deadline & Results: Submissions close in February, with results announced in May.

• Why It’s Unique: Perfect for STEM-oriented students looking to hone their writing skills.

10. The Concord Review

The Concord Review is the gold standard for high school students interested in academic research and essay writing.

• Format: Students submit research essays, with selected works published in the journal. The competition runs quarterly, with results released every three months.

• Prestige: Highly respected—past winners have gone on to top universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.

• Why It’s Important: Best suited for students passionate about history and the humanities, looking to showcase research and analytical skills.

11. Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest

Focusing on environmental themes, the Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest encourages creativity while promoting ocean conservation.

• Eligibility: Open to international students.

• Deadline & Results: Submissions close in June, with results announced in November.

• Why It’s Valuable: Offers multiple themes, allowing students to explore their artistic and environmental awareness.

Why Writing Competitions Matter

For students, particularly those from Asian backgrounds, writing competitions help demonstrate strong English proficiency. Winning or placing in these contests showcases a student’s ability to excel in an English-speaking academic environment, reinforcing their ability to contribute meaningfully to a university community.

Final Thoughts

These 11 competitions represent just a fraction of the writing contests available to students. If you’re interested in participating, visit the official websites of these competitions for more details. Engaging in these contests not only strengthens your college application but also allows you to refine your writing skills and explore your creative potential.

If you have further questions about writing competitions, feel free to reach out to A-One Institute for guidance. Best of luck!