What are some good essay contests for college-bound high school students?

Essay contests can be a great way to strengthen your college application, especially if you place or win in well-known competitions. Some of the most recognized and respected essay contests for high school students include:

1. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: This is one of the oldest and most prestigious contests, open to students in grades 7-12. Winning a Gold Key or higher can be a real standout on applications. Categories are broad, including personal essays, critical essays, short stories, and poetry. Deadlines vary by region but are typically in December or January.

2. The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest: Open to high school students across the U.S., this contest asks you to write about an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official. Prizes are substantial (up to $10,000 for the first place winner), and it's well-known among colleges. The deadline is usually in January.

3. The New York Times Student Editorial Contest: This contest challenges students to write opinion pieces about issues that matter to them. It's judged by New York Times editors, which adds credibility. It's usually open from March to April.

4. The Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests: These offer several options for high schoolers (including essays on 'Anthem,' 'The Fountainhead,' and 'Atlas Shrugged'). They award significant amounts of prize money, and the prompts help develop argumentative writing skills. Deadlines range from April to September, depending on the contest.

5. The National High School Essay Contest (U.S. Institute of Peace): This contest usually asks students to explore foreign policy or peacebuilding topics. Winners often get scholarships or study trips. It opens in the fall and closes in the spring.

When choosing contests, always check their eligibility requirements (some are open internationally, others need U.S. citizenship or residency), prize amounts, reputation, and past winners. Avoid contests that charge high entry fees or seem to focus more on selling anthologies than on genuine competition.

Personally, participating in a Scholastic Art & Writing contest helped me clarify my writing style and gave me a confidence boost after receiving an honorable mention. I recommend starting drafts early, sticking closely to the prompts, and asking teachers or mentors for feedback before submitting. Even if you don't win, the experience of writing for a real audience is valuable for college essays and beyond. Good luck!