If you love to write, why not turn your words into awards and opportunities? ✍️ Whether you’re in high school or college, entering an essay writing contest can boost your confidence, build your portfolio, and even earn you money or scholarships.
This guide covers the best essay writing contests for students in 2025, including eligibility, deadlines, prizes, and how to enter. From global competitions to niche student-only contests, there’s something here for every aspiring writer.
🎯 Why You Should Enter Essay Writing Contests
Not sure if contests are worth your time? Here’s what you gain:
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Cash prizes (sometimes thousands of dollars!) 💸
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Scholarships and tuition support
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Publication in national or international platforms
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Feedback from real editors or professors
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A strong resume boost for college or job applications
Plus, it’s a fun way to challenge yourself creatively and meet other passionate writers.
📚 Top Essay Writing Contests for Students in 2025
Here’s a handpicked list of the most reputable and rewarding contests to enter this year. 🔥
| Contest Name | Eligibility | Prize | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Locke Essay Competition | High school & college students | Up to $2,000 + publication | June 30, 2025 |
| Jane Austen Society Essay Contest | High school, undergrad, grad | $1,000 + publication | May 20, 2025 |
| EngineerGirl Writing Contest | Grades 3–12 | Up to $500 | February 2025 |
| Scholastic Art & Writing Awards | U.S. students grades 7–12 | National awards + scholarships | December 2025 |
| World Historian Essay Contest | Grades K–12 globally | $500 | May 1, 2025 |
| International Essay Contest for Young People (Goi Peace Foundation) | Ages up to 25 | Up to $1,000 + trip to Japan | June 15, 2025 |
| Profile in Courage Essay Contest | U.S. high school students | Up to $10,000 + trip | January 15, 2025 |
🧠 Tip: Always double-check deadlines and submission guidelines on the official websites, as dates can change slightly year to year.
✍️ Types of Essays You Can Submit
Each contest is unique, but most fall under these popular categories:
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Argumentative or persuasive essays
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Personal narratives or reflections
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Historical or political analysis
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Creative nonfiction
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Social issues or global challenges
Be sure to match your writing style to the contest’s theme. For example, the John Locke contest prefers deep, philosophical analysis, while the EngineerGirl Contest rewards STEM creativity and communication.
💡 How to Increase Your Chances of Winning
Want to stand out from hundreds or even thousands of entries? Follow these tips:
✅ Do:
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Read previous winning essays (many contests post them)
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Stick to the word count and formatting rules
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Craft a strong, clear thesis or central idea
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Revise! Edit your work or ask a teacher to review it
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Submit early to avoid tech issues
🚫 Don’t:
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Copy content—plagiarism results in disqualification
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Submit generic essays—tailor your piece to the contest prompt
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Ignore grammar, structure, or formatting
🔧 Free Tools to Help You Prepare
Here are some writing tools and platforms to help you polish your contest entry:
| Tool | What It Does | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Grammarly | Fix grammar, clarity, and tone | grammarly.com |
| Hemingway Editor | Improve readability | hemingwayapp.com |
| EasyBib | Create citations and bibliographies | easybib.com |
| ChatGPT on Study Doll | Get writing prompts or outlines | Built-in here! 🎯 |
🧾 Real Example: A Student Success Story
Name: Asha, age 17
Contest: Goi Peace Foundation International Essay Contest
Topic: “What is your vision of a peaceful future?”
Result: 2nd Place – $700 prize + publication
“I never thought I could win something internationally, but I submitted a personal story about my community and it resonated. Now my essay is online for the world to read.” 🌍
📌 Before You Submit: Final Checklist
Use this quick checklist to make sure your contest submission is solid:
✅ Topic clearly responds to the prompt
✅ Word count meets contest requirements
✅ Proofread for spelling and grammar
✅ Formatted correctly (APA/MLA if required)
✅ Uploaded or emailed by the deadline
Bonus tip: Submit a day early just in case the website crashes! 🚨
🚀 Start Writing. Start Winning.
Essay contests aren’t just for top students—they’re for anyone who loves writing and has a story or idea to share. 📝✨ Whether you win a prize, earn publication, or just grow your confidence, entering a contest is always worth it.
🎓 Need Help with a Winning Essay?
At Study Doll, we help students craft polished, powerful essays—whether it’s for class, scholarship applications, or international competitions. Get guidance from expert writers to bring your vision to life.
👉 Start your custom essay project now
🔗 https://studydoll.com/orders/stud/new
Good luck, future contest winner! 🥇🎉
