First held in 1923, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is one of the most prestigious competitions for creative teens in the world. Held annually in the United States, it has many entry categories, from short stories and poetry to painting and animation. This post covers what the awards are, key dates, application requirements, and why you should apply. Details change year to year, so confirm the current information on the official site.
What are the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards?
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is one of the longest-running pre-college art competitions in the United States, spanning categories from personal memoir to comic art.
Each year, thousands of students enter and compete for awards at the regional, then national level. Special prizes also recognize work that exemplifies certain values, such as the “Flaunt It” award, which gives two students $1,000 scholarships each year.
Entries are judged by leaders in the literary and visual arts, who look for work that embodies the awards’ core values: originality, skill, and personal voice. Past winners span the creative field, from authors like Stephen King to artists like Andy Warhol.
Students who do well can earn scholarships, publication, exhibition features, and an invitation to a national ceremony that has been attended by famous guests (Oprah Winfrey among them).
Am I eligible?
To apply, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements (confirm the current year’s details):
- Be in grades 7-12.
- Be 13 years or older as of the entry date.
- Reside in the United States, U.S. territories or military bases, or Canada.
What are the application requirements?
Application components vary by category. In general:
- Visual arts and 3D art: images of your work (for 3D, often from multiple angles plus concept drawings) and an artist statement.
- Literary arts: the written piece, plus a works-cited list for a critical essay or journalism article. Mind the word limits.
Deadlines vary by region, typically falling between December and January. Check this page for your area’s deadline so you don’t miss it.
There’s a $10 entry fee per submission, and a $30 fee for a portfolio entry (confirm current fees).
Why should I apply?
Beyond being prestigious and competitive, there are several good reasons to apply.
Gain recognition
For aspiring artists, winning an award like this puts your work in the spotlight. Young creatives don’t get many chances to be recognized, so contests are an excellent way to gain exposure.
A prestigious award also validates the quality of your work. A distinction from the Scholastic Awards means your work made it through a rigorous selection among the top entries.
Boost your college application
Entering art and writing competitions shows your passion for the creative field. Adding this honor to your application rounds out your profile and contrasts nicely with your other extracurriculars, or, if the arts are your focus, helps develop your spike.
Competing also shows you actively seek out opportunities and develop your interests, which admissions officers value.
Win scholarships
Several distinctions come with cash scholarships. Portfolio submissions can win up to $12,500 for college. The “Flaunt It” award celebrates diversity and gives $1,000 to two teens whose work reflects those values, and the New York Life Award offers $1,000 to students whose pieces navigate the grieving process.
Awards tied to scholarships add real value to the honor, which carries over to college applications and artistic portfolios.
Find an artistic community
Taking part connects you with other like-minded creatives. Thousands enter each year, and for winners, attending ceremonies and meeting other students can broaden your perspective. A community in your corner is a great support system as you pursue this field.
Concluding remarks
That’s an overview of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and why it’s worth applying. Competing in creative competitions can strengthen your college application, bring recognition to your work, and earn scholarships.
The Scholastic Awards aren’t the only well-known creative competitions for high schoolers. Check out this list of the top 10 writing competitions to take your writing further.
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