Writing essay contests have become popular ways for students across different age groups and education levels to express themselves creatively through the written word. Winning an essay contest can provide valuable financial prizes as well as recognition that can enhance one’s college or graduate school applications. Here are some of the top essay contests from 2016 that students could consider entering:
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Essay Competition is an annual international competition for outstanding prospective graduate students wishing to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree such as PhDs at the University of Cambridge. Awarded students are given full financial support to cover their costs of studying at Cambridge. The 2016 competition saw over 3000 students from around the world submit original essays of no more than 1000 words answering the prompt “What key challenge must humanity address in the next 50 years, and why is it important that Cambridge graduates engage with this challenge?” Winning essays identified challenges like sustainable energy, bridging social divides, and making technological progress ethically.
Another prestigious annual contest is the National History Day Contest for middle and high school students, which had its theme for 2016 as “Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History”. Students could enter the contest by writing original research papers of no more than 2500–4000 words on topics related to global exploration, cultural interactions, and technological exchanges throughout history. Top prizes included scholarships and trips to national competitions. Winning essays showed deep historical research and analysis on topics such as the Columbian exchange, voyages of Zheng He, and cultural borrowings between civilizations.
For undergraduate students, the Barry Goldwater Scholarship Essay had its 2016 prompt asking applicants to “Discuss how your proposed field of academic study specifically relates to a career involving research in science, mathematics, or engineering, and how your scholarly work might have an impact on some aspect of science, mathematics, engineering or public policy.” Successful essays should emphasize research potential, career goals, and impacts on STEM fields, showing clear connections between one’s academic interests and future career aspirations. Goldwater awards provided up to $7500 in annual funding for education costs.
The Asian American Journalists Association New America Media Essay Contest highlights issues facing Asian American communities. Their 2016 topic invited essays on “How to build bridges of understanding between immigrant communities and others in an era of increasing suspicion and fear of ‘the other.'” Winning submissions explored complex challenges of cultural integration, impact of national policies on immigrant groups, activism, and methods of fostering mutual understanding despite differences. Aside from cash prizes, winners’ profiles were shared through the association’s publications and networks.
Staying in the theme of social justice, the Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Competition organized by Harmony Institute called for entrants to submit essays of 1000-1200 words responding to “Given the continuing challenges to Dr. King’s vision of a ‘Beloved Community,’ what additional steps must we take to realize this vision?” Top essays persuasively outlined policy reforms, community initiatives, educational improvements, and grassroots movements still needed to address racial inequities, poverty, and social divisions in America 50 years after King’s time. Winners received $1000-2000 in awards.
The American Legion National High School Oratorical Scholarship Contest is open to students under 20 years of age interested in exploring America’s founding constitutional principles and the duties and responsibilities of American citizens. Participants had to deliver an original oration on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution and then also participate in a mock interview before live judges in the final rounds. This prestigious annual public speaking competition offered over $138,000 in scholarships to the top finishers in 2016. Winning orations examined themes like freedom of speech, patriotism, civic participation, and responsible citizenship.
For younger students, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards featured almost 350,000 creative works submitted by teens across the country in categories such as short stories, poetry, photography, and multimedia. Middle and high school students were invited to submit original works on any theme or subject of interest based on the general criteria of artistic merit, technical skill/execution, and originality. Winners were highlighted through an Awards Publication and received opportunities for recognition, internships, and college scholarships worth thousands of dollars. The level of creative talent showcased by award recipients was impressive for their age groups.
Essay contests provide fantastic platforms for students and individuals to exhibit their writing abilities, explore meaningful topics, push their creative boundaries, and compete for substantial prizes all at once. While not every writer can win awards, the experience of crafting powerful submissions, potentially receiving constructive feedback, and aiming for recognition against competitive fields helps strengthen writing skills and confidence over the long run. Researching credible contests and crafting standout entries strategically tailored to each prompt’s unique criteria can help participants maximize their chances of success.
Andrew Stroud