Scholastic Awards vs NYT Student Editorial: 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 contest is a single 450-word 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 live side-by-side comparison of Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and New York Times Student Editorial Contest, built from ExtracurricularHub's verified catalog.
| Scholastic Awards | NYT Student Editorial | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Application deadline | December 1, 2026 (verified July 4, 2026) | April 8, 2027 |
| Grade eligibility | Grades 7–12 | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In-person — National | Virtual / online |
| Time commitment | Varies | ~2 hrs/week |
| Organizer | Scholastic Inc. / Alliance for Young Artists & Writers | The New York Times Learning Network |
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the nation's longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in grades 7–12. Over $450,000 in scholarships and cash awards are given annually to young writers and visual artists.
New York Times Student Editorial Contest
Craft a compelling editorial for a national writing competition. Open to high school students, this free opportunity builds writing skills for college and beyond.
Full NYT Student Editorial details, FAQs, and application link
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Scholastic Awards or NYT Student Editorial?
Both are free: neither Scholastic Awards nor NYT Student Editorial charges a participation fee. Budget only for travel or materials if the program is in person.
Can I apply to both Scholastic Awards and NYT Student Editorial?
Yes — applying to both is common and there's no penalty. Selective programs reject strong applicants routinely, so treating Scholastic Awards and NYT Student Editorial as one combined chance is the smart strategy. Track both deadlines and reuse essay material where the prompts overlap.
Which is better for college applications, Scholastic Awards or NYT Student Editorial?
Neither is automatically "better" — admissions readers care about what you did there, not the logo. 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 contest is a single 450-word sprint with one national winners' list. Scholastic rewards a body of work; the Times rewards one perfectly-built argument. Serious writers do both. Pick the one whose work you'd actually finish, and go deep.
What grades can apply to Scholastic Awards and NYT Student Editorial?
Scholastic Awards: grades 7–12. NYT Student Editorial: grades 9–12. Eligibility can shift between cycles — confirm on each program's official page before planning your year around it.