<p>I just have a few questions about this competition. I'm very interested to participating in the Scholastic Competition, specifically the Writing one. </p>
<p>Questions:
1. How competitive is the Scholastic Writing/Art Competition.
2. Generally, how many applicants receive honors for their work. (H Mention, Silver/Gold Keys)
3. How long do we have to finish/work on our piece. (site said that submission forms would be up in October)
4. How good does Scholastic Writing Awards look on college apps.
5. Is it possible to receive an award, even though I haven't had any professional work in writing (although I have been writing independently)</p>
<p>Any other information would be greatly appreciated.
thanks :)</p>
1 Like
<ol>
<li>It really depends on the region. I would say RAL is the most competitive since there aren’t as many sponsors for the writing competition as the arts one( i.e. you’ll be competing with people across the country). i would say it’s probably less competitive now though considering last year California got a regional affiliate. </li>
<li>I know about 10% of people receive gold keys. No idea about H Mentions or Silvers. Well, I do have a vague idea. I remember reading info for one region and they said about 15% receive silvers and 30% honorable mentions. i THINK. don’t take my word for it. but i’m positive about the gold key percentage.</li>
<li>again, depends on the region. read the guidelines.</li>
<li>national awards, fantastic. regional keys, i’m really not sure. i’d still like to know the answer to this myself even though i’ve already graduated : ) </li>
<li>No, you must be published in at least several magazines and one national newspaper. otherwise you’re pretty much screwed.</li>
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<p>…just kidding. yes, DEFINITELY. i never did any professional work in writing and i earned a gold key my junior year.</p>
<p>^thank you so much, for your input!</p>
<p>I might do this contest this year. I write so much but never show it to anybody except my little sister who can’t yet read.</p>
<p>AB: np</p>
<p>rc: seriously, do it. or you’ll regret it. i was so excited when i got my gold key : ) heck, im still excited about it, haha. it’s nice to receive validation from people that are not your teachers and family, but actual professionals. and dont restrict yourself to just a couple of submissions, send a lot of stuff. my junior year i submitted two things; a piece of writing in the personal memoir category and one in the journalism category. the journalism piece was TOTALLY last minute and that’s what ended up winning my gold key (i didn’t receive anything for my memoir). you never really know which piece may win so bombard them!</p>
<p>oh yeah, i forgot to mention. RAL (region at large) does not give out honorable mentions or silver keys. only gold keys. another reason why it’s more competitive to win any award, period.</p>