Back to Internship Guide
    Competition Prep Guide

    Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

    The most prestigious K–12 arts and writing recognition in the U.S. National Gold Medal carries serious weight.

    Eligibility

    • Grades 7–12, ages 13+
    • U.S., Canadian, or American school abroad
    • Original work in 28 categories across art and writing
    • Submit through your regional affiliate (varies by ZIP code)

    Annual Timeline

    1. September

      Online submission portal opens

    2. Dec–Jan

      Regional submission deadlines (varies by affiliate)

    3. Jan–Feb

      Regional Gold Keys, Silver Keys, and Honorable Mentions announced

    4. March

      National judging of Regional Gold Keys

    5. April

      National Medalists announced

    6. June

      National ceremony at Carnegie Hall (NYC)

    Preparation Strategy

    1

    Submit to multiple categories

    Top winners often medal in 3–5 categories. Identify your strongest 2–3 mediums and submit 2–3 pieces per category to maximize chances.

    2

    Know your regional affiliate's standards

    Regional acceptance rates vary widely. Some regions are far more competitive — research recent winners from your area to calibrate.

    3

    Prioritize voice over polish

    Judges consistently say they reward distinctive voice and risk-taking over technically clean work that follows familiar patterns.

    4

    Use the writing portfolio category strategically

    Seniors can submit a 3-piece portfolio for the $12,500 Gold Medal Portfolio award. Curate around a clear unifying theme.

    Common Pitfalls

    • Submitting class assignments that lack a personal voice.
    • Missing regional deadlines — they're earlier than the national portal suggests.
    • Treating each category submission identically — judges want variety, not duplicates.

    Official Resources

    Book Strategy Session

    Get a personalized prep plan for Scholastic Art & Writing Awards from a senior counselor.

    Other Competition Prep Guides

    Regeneron Science Talent Search
    America's oldest and most prestigious pre-college science research competition.
    Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair
    World's largest pre-college STEM competition. ~1,800 finalists from 75+ countries.
    Davidson Fellows Scholarship
    $10K / $25K / $50K scholarships for significant original work. ~20 winners selected annually.
    USA Computing Olympiad
    Tiered algorithmic programming competition. Platinum-division qualification is a top-tier CS credential.
    Congressional App Challenge
    Build an app, win recognition from your member of Congress, get displayed in the U.S. Capitol.
    AMC → AIME → USAMO Pathway
    The canonical US math competition pathway. USAMO qualification is among the strongest STEM admissions signals.