Scholastic Awards vs NYT Open Letters: Which Program Is Right for You?
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the century-old portfolio credential — many categories, regional-to-national medal ladder, and the strongest brand recognition in high school creative work. The NYT Open Letters contest (the rebranded Student Editorial Contest) is a single short-form sprint with one national winners' list. Scholastic rewards a body of work; the Times rewards one perfectly-built argument. Serious writers do both.
Below is a side-by-side comparison of Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and New York Times Open Letters Contest (formerly Student Editorial). A blank row is a fact we do not hold — not a zero, and not a no.
| Scholastic Awards | NYT Open Letters | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $15 | |
| Application deadline | ||
| Grade eligibility | Grade 12 | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person | Online |
| Location | National, USA | New York, NY, USA |
| Program dates | ||
| Application destination | artandwriting.org | nytimes.com |
| Organizer | Scholastic Inc. / Alliance for Young Artists & Writers | The New York Times Learning Network |
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
New York Times Open Letters Contest (formerly Student Editorial)
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Scholastic Awards or NYT Open Letters?
Scholastic Awards: $15. Confirm each figure on the program's official page before budgeting.
Can I apply to both Scholastic Awards and NYT Open Letters?
The application destinations are evaluated independently. Scholastic Awards: artandwriting.org. NYT Open Letters: nytimes.com. Review each provider's current instructions before assuming either application is open or compatible with the other.
Which is better for college applications, Scholastic Awards or NYT Open Letters?
We do not rank enrichment programs by admissions value. Use the comparison to assess whether each program's documented constraints fit your situation, and check the details that decide it for you on each program's official page.
What grades can apply to Scholastic Awards and NYT Open Letters?
Scholastic Awards: Grade 12. NYT Open Letters: Grades 9–12. Eligibility can change between cycles, so confirm it on each program's official page before applying.
