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Whether you are interested in studying business, engineering, medicine or any other field, adding strong writing skills to your profile will have a significant impact. It will help you complete and deliver excellent research, university applications and assignments. It will also help you to express yourself better and communicate effectively. Mastering this skill can set you apart – and there’s no better way to test your abilities than through entering essay writing competitions for high school students.
For this reason, organisations around the world hold essay writing competitions every year to celebrate student writing. Participating in these contests not only enhances your college application, but also gives you the opportunity to win cash prizes and scholarships to summer programmes. Many of these high school writing contests offer multiple levels of recognition. Hence, you don’t have to be the overall best writer to earn a title that will enhance your college applications.
In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best writing contests. We’ve chosen competitions that give you the chance to showcase your talent and exercise your creativity through writing.
Why Enter Essay Writing Competitions for High School Students?
Let’s face it, the final years of high school are filled with the thrill of leaving your teenage years behind and becoming a young adult. While celebrations, trips and spending time with your friends can be time consuming, it’s important that you are able to manage and dedicate enough time and resources to preparing for college admissions.
This means completing online courses, summer programmes, internships, A levels and more. At Immerse Education, we strongly recommend that you add essay writing competitions for high school students to your to-do list. Although demanding, this is one of the most comprehensive and helpful extracurricular activities you can undertake.
They allow you to explore different subjects
As you prepare for university, you will spend time analysing and determining the subjects you are most interested in. Taking part in an essay competition gives you the opportunity to delve a little deeper into one of these areas and understand if it is something you are really passionate about. It’s like the perfect first step to weeding out the subjects you want to avoid in the years to come.
Master research and time management skills
Before you can even start writing your essay, you need to spend time researching the topic of your interest. This means reading different authors, looking for insights and data, and digging a little deeper. These skills are highly valued in today’s world, where some students think that the first result on Google is more than enough to answer their questions.
To make things even more interesting, you have to research, outline and write according to the deadlines set by the organisers of the essay competition. This forces you to spend and organise your time in a way that allows you to focus on your essay while still being responsible for the rest of your school work.
You will learn to think well
As you begin to research and draft, you will master how to structure your thoughts, how to think, how to analyse and how to communicate. Every word you write has a reason for being there. Each punctuation mark will help you get your message across. Every second you spend reading will help you think in a new and more structured way.
You will present yourself as a better candidate for university
Let’s face it, the more strategic and career-focused your extracurricular activities are in your profile, the easier it will be to stand out from the crowd. Essay competitions confirm that you have writing and communication skills, commitment, grit and the ability to tailor content to make it relevant to a specific audience.
Essay Writing Competitions for High School Students
With these benefits in mind, we would like to share some of the best essay writing competitions! Starting, of course, with our own.
Immerse Education Essay Competition
Starting in 2020, Immerse Education has hosted an essay competition that gives high school students from around the world the chance to further their education. Plus, there is a chance to win scholarships to our award-winning programmes.
This competition is 100% free for any student around the world who wants to take part. They will all have the chance to attend multiple webinars on the topic of essay writing. It’s a chance to improve their skills and increase the quality of their submission.
The essays will be marked by expert and guest judges who will carefully consider the content, quality of research and critical analysis.
Type of writing competition: General essay writing competition.
Prize: 10 winners per year will receive a 100% scholarship. Partial scholarships of 50-75% are also available.
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18
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 programme can be found on Immerse Education website.
Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition
This online competition allows high school students to practise and demonstrate their writing skills, challenge themselves, and explore different writing styles.
Each participant will have the opportunity to participate in on-demand bootcamps to improve their writing skills and understand the different career paths they can pursue.
The competition will take place in two rounds. The first is at regional level (5 regions around the world), followed by the global finals, where only the top 15 regional qualifiers will meet.
Registration typically opens in October and closes in January.
Type of writing competition: General essay writing competition for high school students.
Prize: Published work on the official HCGEC website, internships with The Harvard Crimson, credit with Crimson Education, and cash prizes.
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 13 and 18 who are currently enrolled in secondary school.
Guidelines: Students must submit a 500-word essay on a Word document in one of three areas: creative, argumentative, or journalistic.
For more details about the competition and the deadllines, visit their website.
John Locke Essay Competition
The John Locke Institute holds an annual essay writing competition for high school students, challenging them to answer relevant questions about the world we live in. Their goal is to encourage students to develop their writing skills, expand their critical thinking, and understand the issues affecting the world around them.
The essays will be reviewed and judged by experts from leading universities such as Oxford and Princeton, who will select their favourite essay for each of the seven categories: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Psychology, Theology and Law. They will then choose the overall winner.
Type of writing competition: Current affairs essay writing competition.
Prize: The winner of the subject category will receive a scholarship of US$2,000 towards the cost of attending any John Locke Institute programme, and the essays will be published on the Institute’s website. The grand prize winner will receive a US$10,000 scholarship to attend one or more of John Locke summer schools or visiting scholar programmes.
Eligibility: Applicants must be eighteen years of age or younger at the time of essay submission.
Guidelines: Each essay must address only one of the questions in the chosen subject category. Should be submitted as a PDF and must not exceed 2000 words.
To learn about key dates, visit the John Locke Institute website.
The Bennington Young Writers Awards
Bennington College created the Young Writers Awards to encourage excellence in writing among high school students. This annual competition takes place between September and November in 3 categories. Entrants can only enter one of these categories:
- Poetry: Students must submit a group of three poems.
- Fiction: Entrants must submit a short story of 1,500 words or less.
- Non-fiction: High schools must submit a personal or academic essay of 1,500 words or less.
Type of competition: Poetry and essay writing competition.
Prize: First place winners in each category will receive a $1,000 prize; second place winners will receive $500; third place winners will receive $250.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
Guidelines: Each category has its own guidelines, but all entries must be original work reviewed, approved and sponsored by a high school teacher.
More details can be found on the Bennington College website.
AFSA National High School Essay Contest
This year, the American Foreign Service Association invited students to explore, research, and write an essay on the role of diplomats in meeting the needs of an ever-changing world. Entrants had to submit an essay that answered the question, “Why does diplomacy and peacebuilding matter?”
The topic of the essay changes each year, but is related to the Foreign Service and diplomacy. Students in the United States in grades nine through twelve are eligible to participate. The exception are those whose parents are in the Foreign Service.
Each entry will be judged on quality of analysis, quality of research, and form, style and mechanics. It should answer all aspects of the question and demonstrate an understanding of the Foreign Service. Essays will be judged blind over several rounds.
Type of writing competition: Foreign service and diplomacy essay competition.
Prize: The winner will receive a $2,500 cash prize and an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. with his or her family.
Eligibility: Students in the United States in grades nine through twelve are eligible to enter, except those whose parents are in the Foreign Service.
Guidelines: Entrants must submit a 1,000-1,500 word essay in a Word document and include a list of sources consulted.
Further details about the competition are available on their website.
Horizon Academic Essay Prize
Competition Type: A selective essay contest based on an annual theme.
Prizes: Winners will receive cash awards of up to $1000, along with full scholarships to the Horizon Academic Research Program. A number of standout essays will also be published and highlighted on Horizon’s official site.
Who Can Apply: Open to high school students worldwide, provided you’re enrolled as of July 13.
How It Works: Choose one of the three guiding prompts below and submit a critical essay in response.
- 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?
Your essay should be formal and academic, written in English. It must present a clear argument, engage with relevant sources, and critically assess different perspectives. Judges will prioritise essays that explore a focused question with originality and thoughtful depth. Entries will be assessed across five areas: originality, analytical depth, evidence use, structure and coherence, and clarity.
You’ll find more information here.
BOA’s Undergraduate Essay Competition
BOA’s Undergraduate Essay Competition is an annual contest for UK-based undergraduate students, designed to encourage original historical research using primary sources from the British Online Archives. Entrants select from a set of historical questions covering themes such as transatlantic slavery, colonial resistance, peace-making, infectious disease, media and gender, and political movements. Essays are judged by historians and publishing professionals, and the top entries are published in a dedicated journal.
Type of competition: Undergraduate history essay writing competition.
Prize: First place £300; second place £100; third place £50; publication in the BOA journal and a 12-month free trial to BOA for published authors.
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled at UK universities.
Guidelines: Submit a 2,000-word essay (including footnotes) on one of the set questions, using Chicago referencing. Essays must be original, use primary sources (preferably from BOA’s collections), and include your year of study, course, and university. Email your entry by the deadline.
More details can be found on the British Online Archives website.
CMUNCE XXIV Essay Contest
CMUNCE XXIV Essay Contest invites registered delegates of the Columbia Model United Nations Conference and Exposition to reflect on their Model UN experiences or advocate for a global issue. Essays are reviewed by conference leadership and winners are recognized at the opening ceremonies.
Type of competition: Personal reflection and advocacy essay contest for Model UN delegates.
Prize: Recognition at opening ceremonies; possible publication or promotional use.
Eligibility: Registered CMUNCE XXIV delegates (high school students).
Guidelines: Submit a 500–1,000 word essay, single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman, in PDF format. Choose from prompts about personal growth through Model UN or advocating for a global issue. Include a works cited page if using sources. Only one entry per delegate; late or improperly formatted entries are disqualified.
More details can be found on the CMUNCE website.
Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Essay Competition
Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Essay Competition is a prestigious annual contest for sixth-form students, encouraging critical analysis of economics and public policy. Entrants respond to topical questions on issues such as economic freedom, government intervention, and global development.
Type of competition: Economics essay competition.
Prize: Cash prizes; awards ceremony in London; publication on the IEA website.
Eligibility: Sixth-form students (typically ages 16–18), UK and international.
Guidelines: Submit a 1,200–2,000 word essay on a set question. Use economic theory, real-world examples, and reference sources. Structure essays with clear arguments and counterarguments.
More details can be found on the IEA website.
Jane Austen Society of North America
Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) Essay Contest invites high school, college, and graduate students worldwide to explore Jane Austen’s novels and their relevance. Each year features a new theme, encouraging literary analysis, historical context, and creative interpretation.
Type of competition: Literary essay competition.
Prize: First $1,000; second $500; third $250; publication and registration for the JASNA Annual Meeting.
Eligibility: High school, college, and graduate students internationally.
Guidelines: Submit a 6–8 page essay, double-spaced, in MLA format. Address the annual theme or question. Essays must be original and analytical.
More details can be found on the JASNA website.
UK Supreme Court Essay Competition
UK Supreme Court Essay Competition is an annual contest inviting UK secondary students to engage with legal issues and the work of the Supreme Court, responding to a set question and demonstrating legal reasoning and awareness of current affairs.
Type of competition: Law essay competition.
Prize: Visit to the Supreme Court, certificates, and possible publication.
Eligibility: UK secondary school students (usually ages 16–18).
Guidelines: Submit a 1,000–1,500 word essay on the set question. Use legal reasoning and relevant case law. Essays must be original and well-argued.
More details can be found on the Supreme Court website.
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the U.S.’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens, including personal and critical essays. Submissions are judged regionally, with national winners receiving scholarships and opportunities for publication and exhibition.
Type of competition: Creative and critical writing competition.
Prize: Gold and Silver Keys, scholarships, publication, and exhibition.
Eligibility: U.S. students in grades 7–12.
Guidelines: Essays typically 500–3,000 words, depending on category. Entries must be original and follow category guidelines.
More details can be found on the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards website.
Fitzwilliam College Cambridge Essay Competitions
Fitzwilliam College Cambridge Essay Competitions are annual contests in various subjects for Year 12 students, encouraging independent research and academic writing. Winners are invited to a special event at the college.
Type of competition: Academic essay competition (various subjects).
Prize: Certificates, book tokens, and invitations to Fitzwilliam College.
Eligibility: Year 12 students (UK or equivalent).
Guidelines: Submit a 1,500–2,500 word essay on a set question. Essays must be original and reference sources.
More details can be found on the Fitzwilliam College website.
Girton College Humanities Writing Competition
Girton College Humanities Writing Competition is an annual contest for Year 12 students, open to all humanities subjects and judged by college academics.
Type of competition: Humanities essay competition.
Prize: Winner £500; runners-up £200; invitations to Girton College.
Eligibility: Year 12 students (UK or equivalent).
Guidelines: Submit a 2,000 word essay on a humanities topic. Essays must be original and well-researched.
More details can be found on the Girton College website.
The Marshall Society Essay Competition
The Marshall Society Essay Competition is an annual economics essay competition for secondary students worldwide, encouraging independent research and critical analysis.
Type of competition: Economics essay competition.
Prize: Certificates, publication, and possible invitations to Cambridge events.
Eligibility: Secondary students (typically 16–18), international.
Guidelines: Submit a 1,500 word essay on a set question. Use economic theory and real-world data.
More details can be found on the Marshall Society website.
Northeastern University London Essay Competition
Northeastern University London Essay Competition offers annual essay contests in a variety of subjects for pre-university students, designed to encourage independent thought and research.
Type of competition: Academic essay competition (various subjects).
Prize: Cash prizes, certificates, and event invitations.
Eligibility: Pre-university students, international.
Guidelines: Submit a 1,500–2,000 word essay on a set question. Essays must be original and well-researched.
More details can be found on the Northeastern University London website.
Pembroke College Cambridge Essay Prizes
Pembroke College Cambridge Essay Prizes are annual competitions in several subjects for Year 12 students, encouraging academic exploration and original argument.
Type of competition: Academic essay competition (various subjects).
Prize: Certificates, book tokens, and invitations to Pembroke College.
Eligibility: Year 12 students (UK or equivalent).
Guidelines: Submit a 2,000 word essay on a set question. Essays must be original and reference sources.
More details can be found on the Pembroke College website.
High School Academic Research Competition (HSARC)
High School Academic Research Competition (HSARC) is an international contest where students submit original research papers in STEM or humanities. Top papers are published in an academic journal.
Type of competition: Research paper competition (STEM and humanities).
Prize: Publication, certificates, and recognition.
Eligibility: High school students, international.
Guidelines: Submit an original research paper; length varies by field. Follow academic research standards and cite sources.
More details can be found on the HSARC website.
Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition
Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world’s oldest international essay writing competition for high school students, run by the Royal Commonwealth Society. It welcomes essays, stories, and poems on an annual theme, with junior and senior categories.
Type of competition: Essay, story, or poem competition.
Prize: Certificates, medals, and a trip to London for winners.
Eligibility: Under 18, citizens or residents of Commonwealth countries.
Guidelines: Submit an essay, story, or poem on the annual theme. Categories: Junior (under 14), Senior (14–18).
More details can be found on the Royal Commonwealth Society website.
The St Hugh’s College Michaelmas Essay Competition
The St Hugh’s College Michaelmas Essay Competition is open to Year 12 students, offering a chance to explore topics in humanities and social sciences.
Type of competition: Humanities and social sciences essay competition.
Prize: Certificates, book prizes, and Oxford event.
Eligibility: Year 12 students (UK or equivalent).
Guidelines: Submit a 2,000 word essay on a set topic. Essays must be original and well-argued.
More details can be found on the St Hugh’s College website.
The Staton Essay Prize
The Staton Essay Prize is an annual competition run by St Hugh’s College, Oxford, for Year 12 students interested in humanities, encouraging independent research and academic writing.
Type of competition: Humanities essay competition.
Prize: Certificates, book prizes, and Oxford event.
Eligibility: Year 12 students (UK or equivalent).
Guidelines: Submit a 2,000 word essay on a set topic. Essays must be original and well-researched.
More details can be found on the St Hugh’s College website.
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Do Essay Writing Competitions Help with College Admissions?
Universities receive thousands of applications each year. Of these, they select only a small percentage to join them and help them succeed in their studies. If you are a good student and want to increase your chances of getting into the university of your dreams, then entering and winning a writing competition is something you should definitely consider.
Entering essay writing competitions in high school is a clear sign of your commitment, attitude and drive. It also demonstrates that you have skills such as critical thinking, the ability to express yourself and creativity. These will make your application memorable and stand out to admissions officers.
In addition, this experience will help you write better admissions essays and clearly demonstrate your interest in your career and in each specific university. These skills will serve you well throughout your studies and in your future career, whether it’s related to writing or not.
Join the Immerse Education 2025 Essay Competition
Follow the instructions to write and submit your best essay for a chance to be awarded a 100% scholarship.
Conclusion
Although time-consuming, writing competitions not only help you improve your writing, communication and research skills. They give you the chance to win cash prizes, scholarships, publications and even trips. All in the space of a few months and with room for creativity to flourish.
Before you sign up to any essay writing competitions for high school students, take time to check some of the details. You want to understand the judging criteria for the competition and choose one that has a theme that interests you. You don’t want to spend hours researching and writing something you don’t think is relevant. Also, check their deadlines and structure to make sure you have enough time to complete the assignment.
As you embark on this journey, stay true to your own voice. Take the time to check all your words and make sure they’re clear, coherent and free of grammatical errors. Have fun and make the most of it!
Be in with a chance to receive a 100% scholarship by entering the Immerse Education Essay Competition today.
