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04.09.2024
Dive into 2024 with a splash in the world of essay contests, carefully picked to spark your curiosity and challenge your writing skills. We’ve rounded up 7 fascinating competitions, each promising a unique adventure across topics like environmental advocacy, technology’s future, cultural explorations, and personal narratives.
These contests are more than just a chance to win cash prizes; they’re a platform for young voices to join important global dialogues, to think deeply, and to persuade effectively. Whether you're passionate about making a difference, exploring history, or sharing your personal journey, there’s a place for your story.
Essential Essay Competitions Every College Student Should Know
Engaging in writing contests to win money can offer a unique blend of financial reward and creative recognition, paving the way for budding writers to advance their talents and support their educational goals.
Embrace the opportunity to grow as a writer and thinker. Explore our handpicked list of the top 7 writing competitions for 2024 and get ready to etch your impact on the world, one essay at a time.
1. The Norton Writer's Prize
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates aged 18 and above, enrolled in an accredited college or university for the 2023–2024 academic year.
Category: Original Nonfiction
Prizes: Three cash writing competition prizes of $1,000 each will be awarded across the following categories:
- Work created by an undergraduate in their first year of a two- or four-year institution
- The work of a student enrolled in a two-year institution
- Writing by a student in a 4-year college or university
Word Limit: Between 1,000 and 3,000 words
Accepted Submissions: Literacy narratives, literary analyses, reports, profiles, evaluations, arguments, memoirs, proposals, multimodal pieces, and other forms of original nonfiction. Works must be written in fulfillment of an undergraduate course requirement.
Submission Deadline: June 15, 2024
Additional Information:
Each entry must follow the official essay writing competitions rules and will be considered for all applicable prizes. However, no more than one prize will be awarded to any single entry.
Entries must be the original work of the student, submitted in accordance with the Official Contest Rules.
How to Enter: For full essay contests rules, eligibility details, and submission instructions, refer to The Norton Writer’s Prize: Official Contests Rules on their website.
2. Platt Family Essays Contest
Eligibility: Open exclusively to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited American college or university during the Spring 2024 semester (or equivalent semester from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024). Participants are not required to be American citizens, but must attend an American college or university. Eligibility will be confirmed by The Lincoln Forum prior to awarding prizes.
Topic for 2024: "In this current presidential election year, which some have described as the most important in history, what arguments can be made that the 1864 Lincoln-McClellan race was indeed the most crucial of American history."
Prizes:
- 1st Prize: $1,000
- 2nd Prize: $500
- 3rd Prize: $250
Word Limit: Entries must be between 1,500 and 5,000 words.
Deadline for Entries: August 31, 2024
Additional Information:
- The contests aim to provide students the opportunity to explore the historical significance of the 1864 presidential election.
- Entries will be judged by the essay committee of The Lincoln Forum.
- Contestants are encouraged to examine the rules closely and contact The Lincoln Forum or the contests coordinator with any eligibility questions before submitting.
How to Enter: For full essay contests rules, eligibility details, and submission instructions, refer to the official contest guidelines.
4. Studybay Annual Spring Essay Contest 2024
The Studybay Annual Short Essay Contest 2024 marks the return of a tradition that champions the academic and creative journey of students. Participants are invited to explore, debate, and innovate through their essays on thought-provoking topics, embracing the spirit of exploration and the promise of new beginnings.
Prizes:
- 1st Place: $1,500
- 2nd Place: $1,000
- 3rd Place: $500
Entry Process:
Participants are to choose from a list of topics and submit their essays, following specific guidelines. A critical part of the submission includes providing proof of college enrollment for verification.
Contest Themes Include:
- The balance between professional distance and personal connection in teaching.
- Critiques and proposed reforms for the U.S. grading system.
- The societal implications of technological advancements.
- The influence of digital worlds on physical reality.
Deadline: Essays must be submitted by July 1, 2024.
Eligibility Criteria:
Open to all students who have graduated from high school and are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program and are at least 18 years old. It is necessary to be enrolled full-time in an approved institution.
Essay Awards: Scholarship funds will be directly awarded to the grand prize winner and runners-up shortly after the decision.
This essay writing contest offers a platform for students to showcase their ability to engage critically with relevant issues, contributing their voice to the global conversation. Winning entries, with consent, will gain further visibility through Studybay’s platforms, amplifying the impact of their ideas.
4. JASNA Annual Student Essay Contest 2024
The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) extends a global invitation to students to participate in its annual writer competition, aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation for Jane Austen's literature among new generations. Open to students worldwide, the essay contests are segmented into three divisions: High School, College/University, and Graduate School, accommodating a broad spectrum of academic levels.
2024 Contest Topic:
This year, entrants are challenged with a debate-style prompt: "Resolved: That Jane Austen’s novels are still relevant and speak to us after 200 years." Participants are required to both contest and defend this claim within their essays, utilizing quotations and examples from Austen's works for support. Required citations vary by educational level, with a minimum of one novel for high school students and at least two for those in higher education.
List of essay prizes:
- First Place: $1,000 scholarship, complimentary registration, and lodging for JASNA’s Annual General Meeting.
- Second Place: $500 scholarship
- Third Place: $250 scholarship
Winners will also gain a year of JASNA membership, publication of their essay on JASNA’s website, and a collection of Norton Critical Editions of Austen's novels.
Submission Deadline: June 1, 2024, with entries accepted online starting February 2024.
Eligibility and Rules: Contestants are encouraged to review the submission guidelines and eligibility requirements thoroughly before entering.
This writing competition not only honors the enduring legacy of Jane Austen’s work but also encourages critical thinking and debate among students, bridging the gap between past and present literary appreciation.
5. Kurt Vonnegut Speculative Fiction Prize
The Kurt Vonnegut Speculative Fiction Prize is an esteemed annual competition dedicated to the discovery and celebration of speculative fiction that captures the innovative essence reminiscent of Vonnegut's own works.
This essay writing contests seek submissions that demonstrate originality and depth, traversing the diverse landscape of speculative fiction without veering into mere mimicry of Vonnegut's style. The range of genres covered by the award demonstrates the lasting impact of speculative narratives in challenging, contemplating, and envisioning new possibilities.
Competition Details:
- Start Date: August 1, 2024, at 10:00 AM CST
- End Date: November 2, 2024, at 2:00 AM CST
- Submission Fee: $23.00 USD
- Word Count: Submissions should be between 500 and 10,000 words in length.
- Cash Prize: The award allocates a $1,000.00 USD prize to the winner.
- Judging: Esteemed author Kevin Brockmeier will serve as the judge for the competition.
Evaluation Process:
Online writing competitions accept submissions through the Submittable platform, allowing for simultaneous submissions provided the essay contests are promptly notified if the submission is accepted elsewhere.
The Kurt Vonnegut Speculative Fiction Award invites writers to contribute works that challenge, entertain, and elevate the genre, honoring Vonnegut’s legacy of inventive storytelling while pushing the boundaries of conventional fiction.
6. "Making Waves" Scholarship for Women Overview
The "Making Waves" Scholarship for Women is a $500 award designed to support women pursuing their educational and professional ambitions during the 2024-25 academic year.
Open to women in high school, college, technical/vocational programs, or graduate schools, including homeschooled students, this scholarship aims to ease the financial burden of achieving dreams, whether that's further education, starting a business, or any other aspiration.
- Deadline: January 31, 2025
- Eligibility: Open to all grade levels, U.S. citizens, and permanent residents who identify as women and are enrolled in educational programs for the 2024-25 academic year.
- Application: Requires an essay on how the scholarship will help achieve your dreams.
This writing competition is an opportunity for women to gain financial support in their journey toward educational success and career fulfillment.
7. George Watt Essay Contest
The George Watt essay writing contest, presented by the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives and reviewed by Lisa Freedland, offers a rewarding opportunity for students to delve into 20th-century Spanish history.
With multiple awards reaching up to $1,000, these story contests encourage high school, college, and graduate students, including those in homeschooled settings, to explore the complexities of Spain's past through a detailed essay. Focused on promoting social activism and human rights, it aims to support students' academic research and writing skills.
- Deadline: July 2024
- Eligibility: Open to students of all grade levels who have a strong interest in Literature, English, Writing, or History, and are driven to research and write about Spain's 20th-century history.
- Application: Participants are required to submit an essay on selected topics related to 20th-century Spain. The contests emphasize the importance of historical analysis, critical thinking, and the ability to engage with significant social and political issues through writing.
This writing contest for college students provides a unique platform for those passionate about history and social justice to contribute meaningful discourse on Spain's historical narrative and the broader implications for contemporary society.
Seizing Opportunities: The Impact of Writing Competitions
The array of essay writing contests available to students in 2024 offers a broad platform for expression, innovation, and scholarship. Students across the United States are invited to apply their creativity and insight, not only in essay form but also through poetry, offering a free and expansive space for artistic exploration.
From delving into the philosophical underpinnings of human existence to exploring the nuances of global politics and personal identity, these contests not only challenge young minds but also offer them a chance to gain recognition, scholarships, and a sense of accomplishment.
Participating in these creative writing competitions can be a pivotal step in a student's academic and professional journey, encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper engagement with the world's pressing issues.
