nyt college essay contest 2023

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New York Times Student Editorial Contest: All You Need to Know

By Eric Eng

If you could have a heart-to-heart with anyone about something that truly matters to you, who would it be, and what would you tell them? This is the question the New York Times Student Editorial Contest is posing to students worldwide in its latest cycle. This yearly writing competition invites students with a desire to make a difference to express their thoughts on personal and societal issues.

Let’s talk more about the New York Times Student Editorial Contest. We’ll walk you through the contest rules and offer tips to help you craft a winning piece. If you’re thinking about entering the contest, you’ve come to the right spot.

What Is the New York Times Student Editorial Contest?

The New York Times Student Editorial Contest, now in its 11th year, is all about getting students to write opinion essays on topics they really care about. But for the 2024 cycle , they’ve mixed things up a bit. Instead of the usual opinion piece, they want students to write an open letter.

They ask: “What’s bothering you? Who could do something about it? What could you say to them that would persuade them to care, or to make change? And … what if we all read your letter? How could you make us care too?”

There’s no cash prize, but the contest is super popular, with thousands of entries each year. They only pick a handful of winners, though. In 2023, they got a whopping 12,592 submissions but only chose 11 winners —less than 0.1%! So, if you win, it’s a big deal and says a lot about your writing skills. Your winning piece will also be published in the New York Times.

What Are the New York Times Student Editorial Contest Guidelines?

Before you jump in, it’s super important to know the rules of the contest. Here’s all you need to know:

Eligibility

• If you’re aged 13 to 19 and in middle or high school anywhere in the world, you’re good to go.
• College students, sorry, this one’s not for you. But if you’re in high school and taking a college class or two, you’re still eligible.
• If you’re in your first year of a two-year CEGEP in Quebec Province, you can join in too.
• Even if you’re 19 or under and done with high school but not yet in college (maybe you’re on a gap year or something), you can still enter.
• The kids and stepkids of New York Times employees can’t enter, and neither can students who live with those employees.

Essay topic

Write an open letter to someone specific and get them to think or do something about an issue.

You’ve got some freedom in choosing who to address your open letter to. It could be your parents, teachers, school board members, mayor, a member of Congress, a big-shot CEO, an artist, entertainer, or even a symbolic entity like “Silicon Valley” or “The Kremlin.”

The key is to think about who actually has the power to change things related to your issue, whether it’s on a local or global level. Your letter should be clear about what’s bothering you and what you want your audience to do about it. And make sure it’s not just meaningful to you and the person you’re writing to, but also to anyone else who might read it.

Essay format

• Write your entry as if it’s an open letter, not a formal essay. Try to keep it short and sweet, under 460 words. Your title and any sources you use won’t count towards this limit.
• Back up your points with evidence from at least two sources: one from The Times and another from somewhere else. Make sure your sources are reliable and clearly show where your evidence comes from, whether it’s a direct quote or paraphrased.
• Make sure everything you submit is your own work and hasn’t been published before. Avoid plagiarism and using AI tools.
• Include a short, informal “artist’s statement” to talk about how you wrote your piece and did your research.

The New York Times Student Editorial Contest usually kicks off around March and wraps up in April. The 2024 cycle ran from March 13 to May 1. Winners usually get announced 8-10 weeks after the submission deadline, so around June or July.

If you’re thinking about joining the next cycle, it’s smart to start getting ready early. Even though the format might stay the same, it’s always wise to be ready for any twists. If they go back to an older contest format, you can tweak your prepared work to fit.

New York Times Student Editorial Contest: Writing Tips

What makes a winning entry for the New York Times Student Editorial Contest? Thankfully, they’ve laid out their judging criteria . We’ll break them down and offer some specific tips to help you achieve and excel at them:

Description: “Open letter calls attention to an issue or problem and prompts reflection or action on it.”

Your open letter has to do a couple of things at once. First, it needs to shine a spotlight on an issue that really matters to you, something you’ve experienced firsthand. But it also has to get your readers thinking or even spur them into action. To make this work, choose an issue that you’re passionate about and know inside out.

For instance, if you’re into environmental causes , you might want to write about how plastic waste is wrecking marine life. To really make your point hit home, use real examples and personal stories that show why this issue is so crucial. Share how it’s affected you or your community, drawing on your own experiences volunteering at beach cleanups, so your readers can really relate.

When it comes to getting people to reflect or take action, you’ve got to make a solid case. Don’t just point out the problem. Offer up solutions or ways to make things better. Give practical steps that individuals, groups, or even policymakers can take to tackle the problem head-on.

For our example above, you could suggest pushing for stricter rules on single-use plastics or organizing clean-up events in your area. The goal is to get your readers to see things differently and feel motivated to make a real impact.

2. Audience

Description: “Open letter directly addresses a specific individual, group, organization or institution appropriate to the issue, but also is written to be read by a public general audience.”

Think about who you’re aiming your letter at. Pinpoint a specific person, group, or organization that can really make waves on the issue you’re fired up about. If you’re all about boosting mental health awareness in schools, you might direct your letter at school bigwigs or the Department of Education.

It’s crucial to tailor your letter to this specific audience. Use language and examples that resonate with what matters to them. To make your letter connect with a wider audience, keep it lively and relevant. Pretend it’s going to be read by anyone flipping through The New York Times. Making your letter relatable to a broad audience boosts the chances it’ll spark crucial conversations and drive real change.

3. Analysis and persuasion

Description: “Open letter convincingly makes a case for why the recipient and public should care about or take action on the issue. It provides relevant background information, valid examples and reliable evidence to support the argument all in a clear and organized fashion.”

When you’re writing your entry to the New York Times Student Editorial Contest, it’s super important to back up what you’re saying with solid evidence and examples. Start off by giving a quick but thorough rundown of the issue you’re tackling, covering its backstory, current state, and possible outcomes.

If you’re delving into how social media impacts mental health, for example, you could throw in some stats about the rising levels of anxiety and depression in young folks, as well as studies that link heavy social media use to not-so-great mental health outcomes.

To beef up your argument, use credible sources like quotes or stats from well-respected studies. You could mention a study from a reputable journal that highlights the link between social media use and increased feelings of loneliness and isolation. This not only strengthens your argument but also shows just how urgent this issue is.

You could also talk about a buddy who got cyberbullied on social media and how it really messed with their mental well-being. These kinds of stories make the problem more relatable and humanize it for your readers.

4. Language

Description: “Open letter is clearly written as a letter. It has a strong voice and uses language, style and tone appropriate to its purpose and audience. It features correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.”

Go for a style that’s crystal-clear, straight to the point, and grabs attention from the get-go. Keep things simple and skip the fancy words or technical jargon. Instead of saying “utilize,” just stick with “use,” which is more direct and easier to understand.

Make your letter feel like a friendly chat with the person reading it, using a tone that’s warm and genuine. This helps convey your passion and how deeply this issue matters to you.

Let your personality shine in your writing , showing your excitement for the cause. Use a style and tone that match your audience and the message you want to convey. And remember, even though it’s a personal letter, it still needs to be error-free. Make sure your grammar, spelling, and punctuation are spot-on to keep things looking polished and professional.

5. Guidelines

Description: “Writing follows all contest guidelines, including the citation of trustworthy sources (at least one Times and one non-Times source in the Works Cited section).”

To really get your entry noticed, stick to the contest rules. That means following their citation format and including a Works Cited section. Carefully read the contest guidelines and make sure your entry meets all the requirements.

If you want to stand out, go beyond the basics. Use a variety of sources to back up your points. Include one from The New York Times to show you’re in tune with current events, and add another from a different source to demonstrate your thorough research. Ensure all your citations are accurate and follow the contest rules. This demonstrates your attention to detail and respect for intellectual property.

New York Times Student Editorial Contest: Sample Winning Works

Another great way to get a feel for what the New York Times Student Editorial Contest is all about is to check out the past winners. These essays really impressed the judges, so there’s a lot you can learn from them to help with your own entry. Let’s take a look at a few of the Top 11 winners from the 2023 cycle.

1. “ The Case for an AI Pause ” by Gabriel Huang, 17, from Tower Hill School, Wilmington, Delaware

Summary: Huang’s essay makes a strong argument for putting the brakes on AI development for a bit. He points out the risks AI poses to society, like deep fakes, chatbots spewing racism and sexism, and the looming threat of lots of jobs disappearing. Huang thinks hitting pause would give governments and policymakers a chance to catch their breath and figure out how to regulate AI tech properly.

What makes it stand out

Huang’s essay dives into a relevant and controversial topic: the risks of AI. He suggests hitting the pause button on AI development for a bit to give everyone a chance to figure out how to regulate it properly. This topic likely got the judges and readers thinking, considering how important AI is in today’s world.

Then, Huang backs up his argument with solid evidence and reasoning. He points out the dangers of AI, like deep fakes and people losing their jobs, and explains why we need to take a breather on AI development. He wants us to think about what uncontrolled AI could mean for us and to support the idea of pausing its development. This call to action gives his message urgency and pushes us to do something about it.

Also, Huang lays out his ideas in a clear and logical way, making it simple for readers to get on board with his argument. This is key for getting complex ideas across to a wide audience.

2. “ Proud Menstruating Student ” by Cindy Chen, 13, from Beijing Ritan Middle School, Beijing

Summary: Chen’s essay boldly tackles the stigma surrounding menstruation. She draws from her personal experience to highlight the shame and embarrassment often associated with it. She calls for a change in societal attitudes and advocates for destigmatizing menstruation.

Chen takes a bold and personal approach and tackles a topic that’s often seen as taboo. The judges probably liked how she wasn’t afraid to share her own story and challenge the status quo. She starts things off with a super vivid anecdote about getting her first period in class, showing just how awkward and shameful menstruation can feel.

Chen then calls on folks to rethink how they view menstruation and to educate themselves and others. You can really feel her urgency in lines like, “I refuse to be ashamed any longer. When our parents, schools, and government officials fail us, we must stand up for ourselves.” This call to action gives her message weight and pushes readers to take real steps to destigmatize menstruation.

Here, Chen hits the contest’s theme right on the head, which is to get people thinking or acting on a specific issue. She doesn’t just talk about the stigma around menstruation. She challenges readers to question why it exists and what can be done to change it.

Chen’s essay is packed with a strong voice and clear purpose, two things that can really make an entry shine. She writes with so much passion and conviction, which makes her argument super compelling. Plus, her essay is well-structured and easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide audience.

3. “ It Is So Hard to Be Trans ” by Callisto Lim, 16, from Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Houston

Summary: Lim’s essay really dives into the tough stuff faced by transgender folks. They talk about the hurdles and discrimination, especially with new laws trying to limit transgender rights and healthcare access. Lim gets personal, sharing how they’ve felt pushed to the sidelines and scared because of how society and politics treat transgender folks.

Lim’s essay in the New York Times Student Editorial Contest really makes an impact for a few reasons. First off, they bring a lot of emotion and personal stories into the mix, showing just how discriminatory policies affect real people. Lim gets real, sharing experiences like being compared to a school shooter and feeling scared for just being themselves. These stories make the essay hit home and make you really feel for what transgender individuals go through.

The essay hits the contest’s theme right on the nose. It’s not just about pointing out the problems—Lim calls for action against discriminatory laws. “We cannot sit here and let anti-trans bills become law across the country,” they write.

Lim writes with a strong voice and clear purpose. They’re passionate and convincing. This is key for getting complex ideas across to a wide audience, as it keeps folks interested and engaged. All in all, Lim’s essay is a heartfelt plea for understanding and acceptance. It’s informative, persuasive, and just really well-done.

The New York Times Student Editorial Contest is a great opportunity for young voices to speak up about important stuff and push for change. In their essays, students show off not just their writing chops, but also how well they get complex issues and how much they care about making things better.

The contest gets students thinking hard, digging deep into research, and getting their point across clearly, which is super empowering. Looking at the awesome essays from past winners, it’s clear the contest is all about inspiring and boosting the voices of the next wave of thinkers and doers.

Who can join the New York Times Student Editorial Contest?

If you’re between 13 and 19 years old and in middle or high school anywhere in the world, you’re eligible. If you’re the child or stepchild of a New York Times employee, though, or you live with one, you can’t enter.

Who is the topic of the New York Times Student Editorial Contest?

You have the freedom to write about any issue you’re passionate about. For the 2024 cycle, they asked participants to write an open letter to someone who can make a difference regarding the issue they chose.

How many entries does the New York Times Student Editorial Contest receive?

They receive thousands of entries every year. In the 2023 cycle, they got 12,592 submissions, but only 11 of those were chosen as winners.

What do you win at the New York Times Student Editorial Contest?

While there aren’t any cash prizes, winning this contest is a big deal. Your winning piece gets published in the New York Times, which can really make your college applications shine.

When is the deadline for the New York Times Student Editorial Contest?

Usually, it runs from March to April, and they announce the winners around June or July. For the 2024 cycle, the deadline was May 1st.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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The Best Student Writing Contests for 2023-2024

Help your students take their writing to the next level.

When students write for teachers, it can feel like an assignment. When they write for a real purpose, they are empowered! Student writing contests are a challenging and inspiring way to try writing for an authentic audience— a real panel of judges —and the possibility of prize money or other incentives. We’ve gathered a list of the best student writing contests, and there’s something for everyone. Prepare highly motivated kids in need of an authentic writing mentor, and watch the words flow.

1.  The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

With a wide range of categories—from critical essays to science fiction and fantasy—The Scholastic Awards are a mainstay of student contests. Each category has its own rules and word counts, so be sure to check out the options  before you decide which one is best for your students.

How To Enter

Students in grades 7-12, ages 13 and up, may begin submitting work in September by uploading to an online account at Scholastic and connecting to their local region. There are entry fees, but those can be waived for students in need.

2.  YoungArts National Arts Competition

This ends soon, but if you have students who are ready to submit, it’s worth it. YoungArts offers a national competition in the categories of creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story, and spoken word. Student winners may receive awards of up to $10,000 as well as the chance to participate in artistic development with leaders in their fields.

YoungArts accepts submissions in each category through October 13. Students submit their work online and pay a $35 fee (there is a fee waiver option).

3. National Youth Foundation Programs

Each year, awards are given for Student Book Scholars, Amazing Women, and the “I Matter” Poetry & Art competition. This is a great chance for kids to express themselves with joy and strength.

The rules, prizes, and deadlines vary, so check out the website for more info.

4.  American Foreign Service National High School Essay Contest

If you’re looking to help students take a deep dive into international relations, history, and writing, look no further than this essay contest. Winners receive a voyage with the Semester at Sea program and a trip to Washington, DC.

Students fill out a registration form online, and a teacher or sponsor is required. The deadline to enter is the first week of April.

5.  John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

This annual contest invites students to write about a political official’s act of political courage that occurred after Kennedy’s birth in 1917. The winner receives $10,000, and 16 runners-up also receive a variety of cash prizes.

Students may submit a 700- to 1,000-word essay through January 12. The essay must feature more than five sources and a full bibliography.

6. Bennington Young Writers Awards

Bennington College offers competitions in three categories: poetry (a group of three poems), fiction (a short story or one-act play), and nonfiction (a personal or academic essay). First-place winners receive $500. Grab a poster for your classroom here .

The contest runs from September 1 to November 1. The website links to a student registration form.

7. The Princeton Ten-Minute Play Contest

Looking for student writing contests for budding playwrights? This exclusive competition, which is open only to high school juniors, is judged by the theater faculty of Princeton University. Students submit short plays in an effort to win recognition and cash prizes of up to $500. ( Note: Only open to 11th graders. )

Students submit one 10-page play script online or by mail. The deadline is the end of March. Contest details will be published in early 2024.

8. Princeton University Poetry Contest for High School Students

The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize recognizes outstanding work by student writers in 11th grade. Prizes range from $100 to $500.

Students in 11th grade can submit their poetry. Contest details will be published this fall.

9. The New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest

This contest is also a wonderful writing challenge, and the New York Times includes lots of resources and models for students to be able to do their best work. They’ve even made a classroom poster !

Submissions need to be made electronically by November 1.

10.  Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

The deadline for this contest is the end of October. Sponsored by Hollins University, the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest awards prizes for the best poems submitted by young women who are sophomores or juniors in high school or preparatory school. Prizes include cash and scholarships. Winners are chosen by students and faculty members in the creative writing program at Hollins.

Students may submit either one or two poems using the online form.

11.  The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers

The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers is open to high school sophomores and juniors, and the winner receives a full scholarship to a  Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop .

Submissions for the prize are accepted electronically from November 1 through November 30.

12. Jane Austen Society Essay Contest

High school students can win up to $1,000 and publication by entering an essay on a topic specified by the Jane Austen Society related to a Jane Austen novel.

Details for the 2024 contest will be announced in November. Essay length is from six to eight pages, not including works cited.

13. Rattle Young Poets Anthology

Open to students from 15 to 18 years old who are interested in publication and exposure over monetary awards.

Teachers may choose five students for whom to submit up to four poems each on their behalf. The deadline is November 15.

14. The Black River Chapbook Competition

This is a chance for new and emerging writers to gain publication in their own professionally published chapbook, as well as $500 and free copies of the book.

There is an $18 entry fee, and submissions are made online.

15. YouthPlays New Voices

For students under 18, the YouthPlays one-act competition is designed for young writers to create new works for the stage. Winners receive cash awards and publication.

Scroll all the way down their web page for information on the contest, which accepts non-musical plays between 10 and 40 minutes long, submitted electronically. Entries open each year in January.

16. The Ocean Awareness Contest

The 2024 Ocean Awareness Contest, Tell Your Climate Story , encourages students to write their own unique climate story. They are asking for creative expressions of students’ personal experiences, insights, or perceptions about climate change. Students are eligible for a wide range of monetary prizes up to $1,000.

Students from 11 to 18 years old may submit work in the categories of art, creative writing, poetry and spoken word, film, interactive media and multimedia, or music and dance, accompanied by a reflection. The deadline is June 13.

17. EngineerGirl Annual Essay Contest

Each year, EngineerGirl sponsors an essay contest with topics centered on the impact of engineering on the world, and students can win up to $500 in prize money. This contest is a nice bridge between ELA and STEM and great for teachers interested in incorporating an interdisciplinary project into their curriculum. The new contest asks for pieces describing the life cycle of an everyday object. Check out these tips for integrating the content into your classroom .

Students submit their work electronically by February 1. Check out the full list of rules and requirements here .

18. NCTE Student Writing Awards

The National Council of Teachers of English offers several student writing awards, including Achievement Awards in Writing (for 10th- and 11th-grade students), Promising Young Writers (for 8th-grade students), and an award to recognize Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines.

Deadlines range from October 28 to February 15. Check out NCTE.org for more details.

19. See Us, Support Us Art Contest

Children of incarcerated parents can submit artwork, poetry, photos, videos, and more. Submissions are free and the website has a great collection of past winners.

Students can submit their entries via social media or email by October 25.

20. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry & Prose

The Adroit Journal, an education-minded nonprofit publication, awards annual prizes for poetry and prose to exceptional high school and college students. Adroit charges an entry fee but also provides a form for financial assistance.

Sign up at the website for updates for the next round of submissions.

21. National PTA Reflections Awards

The National PTA offers a variety of awards, including one for literature, in their annual Reflections Contest. Students of all ages can submit entries on the specified topic to their local PTA Reflections program. From there, winners move to the local area, state, and national levels. National-level awards include an $800 prize and a trip to the National PTA Convention.

This program requires submitting to PTAs who participate in the program. Check your school’s PTA for their deadlines.

22. World Historian Student Essay Competition

The World Historian Student Essay Competition is an international contest open to students enrolled in grades K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools, as well as those in home-study programs. The $500 prize is based on an essay that addresses one of this year’s two prompts.

Students can submit entries via email or regular mail before May 1.

23. NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship

The National Society of High School Scholars awards three $2,000 scholarships for both poetry and fiction. They accept poetry, short stories, and graphic novel writing.

Apply online by October 31.

Whether you let your students blog, start a podcast or video channel, or enter student writing contests, giving them an authentic audience for their work is always a powerful classroom choice.

If you like this list of student writing contests and want more articles like it, subscribe to our newsletters to find out when they’re posted!

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7 Essay Writing Contests to Look Out For in 2023

7-minute read

• 28th December 2022

Essay contests are not only a great way to exercise your essay-writing skills but also an awesome way to win cash prizes, scholarships, and internship or program opportunities. They also look wonderful on college applications as awards and achievements.

In this article, you’ll learn about 7 essay writing contests to enter in 2023. Watch the video below, or keep reading to learn more.

1. Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest 

Deadline: Now–April 30, 3023

Who may enter:

This is an international contest for people of all ages (except for residents of Syria, Iran, North Korea, Crimea, Russia, and Belarus due to US government restrictions).

Contest description:

●  The contest is organized by Winning Writers, located in MA, USA.

●  They accept stories and essays on any theme, up to 6,000 words each. This contest defines a story as any short work of fiction and an essay as any short work of nonfiction.

●  Your stories and essays must be submitted in English.

●  You may submit published or unpublished work.

Entry fee: USD 22 per entry

●  Story: First Prize is USD 3,000.

●  Essay: First Prize is USD 3,000.

●  10 Honorable Mentions will receive USD 300 each (any category).

●  The top 12 entries will be published online.

Official website

Please visit the competition’s official website for more information on judges and submissions.

2. 2023 Calibre Essay Prize 

Deadline: Now–January 15, 2023, 11:59 pm

Who may enter: All ages and any nationality or residency are accepted.

●  This contest is hosted by the Australian Book Review.

●  Your essay must be between 2,000 and 5,000 words.

●  You may submit nonfiction essays of all kinds, e.g., personal, political, literary, or speculative.

●  You may enter multiple essays but will need to pay separate fees for each one.

●  Your essay must be unpublished.

Entry fee: AU 30 for non-members

Prize: AU 7,500

Official website:

For more information on this contest, please visit its official website.

3. John Locke Institute Essay Competition 

Deadline: June 30, 2023

●  Students from any country.

●  Students aged 15 to 18 years by the competition deadline.

●  Students aged 14 years or younger by the competition deadline are eligible for the Junior prize.

●  The contest is organized by the John Locke Institute.

●  Your essay cannot exceed 2,000 words.

●  There are seven subjects or categories for essay submissions: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Psychology, Theology, and Law.

Entry fee: Free to enter

●  The best overall essay winner receives an honorary John Locke Fellowship, which comes with a USD 10,000 scholarship to attend one or more summer schools or gap year courses.

●  There is also a prize for the best essay in each category. The prize for each winner of a subject category and the Junior category is a scholarship worth USD 2,000 toward the cost of a summer program.

●  All winning essays will be published on the Institute’s website.

For more information about this competition and the John Locke Institute, please visit the official website . Also, be sure to check out our article on all you need to know about this contest.

4. The American Foreign Service Association 2023 Essay Competition 

Deadline: April 3, 2023

●  Students in grades 9–12 in any of the 50 states, DC, the US territories, or if they are US citizens or lawful permanent residents attending high school overseas.

●  Students attending a public, private, or parochial school.

●  Home-schooled students.

●  Your essay should be 1,000–1,500 words.

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●  You will select a country or region in which the United States Foreign Service has been involved at any point since 1924 and describe how the Foreign Service was successful or unsuccessful in advancing American foreign policy goals – including promoting peace – in this country or region and propose ways in which it might continue to improve those goals in the coming years.

●  Your essay should follow MLA guidelines.

●  Your essay should use a variety of sources.

●  The first-place winner receives USD 2,500, a paid trip to the nation’s capital from anywhere in the U.S. for the winner and their parents, and an all-expense-paid educational voyage courtesy of Semester at Sea.

●  The runner-up receives USD 1,250 and full tuition to attend a summer session of the National Student Leadership Conference’s International Diplomacy program.

Please visit the American Foreign Service website for more information.

5. The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) 2023 Essay Contest 

Deadline: Mid-February 2023–June 1, 2023

Who may enter: High school (including homeschooled), college, and graduate students worldwide.

●  The 2023 essay contest topic is marriages and proposals.

●  High school students may focus on Pride and Prejudice only or bring in other Austen works.

●  Undergraduate and graduate students should discuss at least two Austen novels of their choice.

●  Your essay must be in MLA format and 6 to 8 pages (not including your Works Cited page).

●  Your essay must be written in English.

●  First place wins a USD 1,000 scholarship.

●  Second place wins a USD 500 scholarship.

●  Third place wins a USD 250 scholarship.

●  Winners will also receive one year of membership in JASNA, publication of their essays on this website, and a set of Norton Critical Editions of Jane Austen’s novels.

For more information and submission guidelines, please visit JASNA’s official website .

6. 2023 Writing Contest: Better Great Achievements by EngineerGirl

Deadline: February 1, 2023

●  Students in Grades 3–12. If international or homeschooled, please select your grade level based on if you were attending a public school in the U.S.

●  This contest is organized by EngineerGirl.

●  Students should write a piece that shows how female or non-white engineers have contributed to or can enhance engineering’s great achievements.

●  You should choose one of the 20 Greatest Engineering Achievements of the 20th Century as a topic and explore the technologies developed in the last century and the new ones being developed today. Make sure to follow the specific guidelines for your grade level.

●  Essays should be 650–750 words based on your grade level.

●  Please visit the contest’s website to see specific requirements based on your grade.

Winners in each grade category will receive the prizes listed below:

●  First-place winners will be awarded USD 500.

●  Second-place entries will be awarded USD 250 .

●  Third-place entries will be awarded USD 100 .

For more information and submission guidelines, please visit the official website .

7. World Historian Student Essay Competition

Deadline: May 1, 2023

Who may enter: Students enrolled in Grades K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools and home-study programs worldwide.

●  Your essay must address the following issue: In what way has the study of world history affected my understanding of the world in which I live?

●  Your essay should be 1,000 words.

Prizes: USD 500

For more information and submission requirements, please visit the contest’s official website.

Essay contests are a great way to expand your writing skills, discuss a topic that is important to you, and earn prize money and opportunities that will be great for you in the long term. Check out our articles on writing thesis statements, essay organization, and argumentative writing strategies to ensure you take first place every time.

If you need help with your essays and would like to make sure that every comma is in place, we will proofread your first 500 words for free !

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New York Times' Student Editorial Contest - 7 Tips to Help You Win

“You can make anything by writing,” goes the quote by C.S. Lewis, and the prolific author, wasn't wrong! 

Your words, if crafted clearly, can shape opinions, change minds, uncover the truth, and much more. 

If you’re a high school student with a passion for writing concise and persuasive arguments, then you should consider applying for the New York Times’ Annual Student Editorial Contest ,  which invites students from across the U.S. to send in their best writing on topics they’re passionate about.

Argumentative writing is a critical skill you need to excel in college, and winning competitive essay competitions is a great way to showcase your clarity of thought, ability to build cohesive arguments, and write concisely.

What is the Student Editorial Contest all about?

Now in its 11th year, NYT launched the contest to encourage students to write convincing evidence-backed opinion essays on topics they are passionate about — LGBTQ+ rights, school shootings, Black Lives Matter, anti-Asian hate, memes, art repatriation, video game culture, and pineapple on pizza, to name a few — in 450 words or less. The key here is to choose a topic you care deeply about and convince readers that they should care too. 

Who can apply for the contest?

All middle school and high school students around the world aged 13-19 can apply for the contest.  You can apply even if you’re in a gap year but must not be enrolled in a college at the time of application. Students attending their first year of a two-year CEGEP in Quebec Province, Canada, can also apply.

Note:  you are ineligible if you are the child or stepchild of an NYT employee or if you live in the same household as an NYT employee.  

What do the contest winners get?

Winning essays will be published on the NYT’s Learning Network , an online resource for teaching and learning. There is no financial award.

Is the contest prestigious?

The Student Editorial Contest is highly selective and prestigious. While there is no financial award, NYT receives thousands of entries every year and selects only a handful of winners. In 2023, the paper received 12,592 submissions and selected 11 winners. That means 0.09% of all submissions won! 

What are the rules of the contest?

Your editorial submission must meet the following requirements:

1. Be 450 words or less  

This word limit does not include the title and your reference list.

2. Submit original writing  

You cannot submit an essay published in a school newspaper or elsewhere.

3. Cite your sources

You must use at least one NYT article source and another external source.

4. You must be the author of your own work  

While other people (teachers. parents, etc) may review your work, your final submission must reflect your own ideas in your voice.

How will your submission be judged?

NYT journalists, Learning Network staff members, and educators from across the U.S. judge the essays and pick the winners. This is done based on the following criteria:

1. Viewpoint

Your essay has a clear argument and provides an evidence-based call to action for a cause.

2. Evidence

Your essay cites reliable sources and uses compelling evidence to support your argument

3. Analysis and persuasion

Your essay argues a particular point of view by providing historical context, acknowledging counter-arguments, using examples, and developing claims. 

4. Language

Your essay uses the correct grammar and punctuation and is free from errors. Additionally, it uses a language and style appropriate for an editorial and is an engaging read

5. Guidelines

Your essay follows all the contest rules, including citing and least one NYT and one non-NYT source

When is the submission deadline?

Tentatively, submissions for the 2024 contest will open from March 15 to April 19, 2024. 

What did previous winners write about?

Previous years’ winners have written compelling essays on the joys of multigenerational living , the cultural insensitivity of “voluntourism,” ,   navigating life with an incarcerated parent , the importance of student journalism , stigma and shame young girls feel when they get their period , and many more. You can find a list of the 2023 winning and runner-up essays here , and the 2022 essays here .  

Without further ado, here are 7 tips to help you win the contest!

1. Think of a relevant topic, especially one you can connect with personally

You only have 450 words to make your case, so choose a topic you have the strongest connection with. NYT says that the best writing they see is from students who are personally attached to the subject matter. For example, Ketong Li wrote about the ethical problems with voluntourism after traveling to Myanmar, while Lucas Cohen-d’Arbeloff wrote  about the impact of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill based on the experiences of his two dads.

2. Find a good reviewer to give you constructive feedback on your draft

While the idea and writing must be your own, NYT acknowledges that editorial writing is a collaborative process in newsrooms, with staff coming together to shape an argument. Thus, it's important you have a mentor, ideally, someone with editorial experience, who can help you make more sense of your thoughts, help you think critically, and finally craft an effective argument.

3. Break out of your “filter bubble”

NYT encourages you to include a diversity of opinions in your essay, addressing their merits and finally making your own independent argument. Additionally, NYT pays special attention to your citations: you must use at least one NYT article as a source and one or more from other reliable publications when presenting differing arguments. 

4. Make good use of the NYT’s resources

The NYT has a trove of resources to help you ace the contest, including a step-by-step lesson plan on argumentative writing ,  a webinar on teaching argumentative writing , and NYT columnists have videos explaining how to write editorials .  

5. Learn from previous winners

You will gain a deeper understanding of the kind  of editorials NYT looks for by reviewing previous years’ winning submissions . Additionally, two winners of the 2020 contest have annotated essays explaining how they crafted their winning writing:  Ananya Udaygiri on “How Animal Crossing Will Save the World”  and Abel John on “Collar the Cat!”  Ananya and Abel have also recorded videos with advice on choosing a topic  and how to cite evidence in your submission .

6. Keep your audience in mind

Remember, you’re writing for NYT readers. To that end, your tone and writing style should reflect the NYT’s editorial voice. You would learn a lot by reading and analyzing the NYT’s daily editorials! 

7. Practice, practice, and practice

Few people are gifted writers, and fewer still can make their point in 450 words! We highly recommend that you simulate the contest by choosing different prompts and writing editorials, and then incorporate any feedback that you receive. NYT has a list of prompts  use can use to practice.

Our final verdict — what do we think of the contest?

The Student Editorial Contest is highly competitive and being one of the winners would add significant prestige to your college application.  It would also go a long way in helping you get into a top journalism school. We like that the competition is global and there are no financial barriers to entry (the contest is free!). The contest is thought-provoking and seeks unique perspectives on issues part of our lives. Even if you don’t win, you will gain a lot of important experience in argumentative writing which would certainly help you in university!

Bonus — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you are interested in doing university-level research in literature, media, and journalism, then you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form   here.

Also check out the   Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation , a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.

Kieran Lobo is a freelance writer from India, who currently teaches English in Spain.

Image Source: The New York Times

• competitions

Science News , Science News Learning

Science News and The New York Times announce 10 winners of the 4th Annual STEM Writing Contest

Together Science News and The New York Times Learning Network are pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 STEM Writing Contest . Ten talented young science communicators have been named winners for their ability to explain complex scientific topics such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), bioprinting, pyramids and glass frogs. The winning essays, which are published in The New York Times, were released in small batches over the course of the week.

In its fourth year, the STEM Writing Contest invited teenagers from all over the world to choose an issue or question in science, technology, engineering, math or health, and then write an engaging 500-word explanation that would be understood by scientists and nonscientists alike. Other thought-provoking topics this year included the impact of laughter on the human body, the effects of blue light from technology and multiple essays on artificial intelligence.

“We are thrilled to partner with The New York Times for the fourth year in a row on the STEM Writing Contest, which engages young people globally to explore and explain complex scientific ideas in accessible and exciting ways,” said Nancy Shute, Editor in Chief of Science News. “Science and technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace making the ability to communicate science clearly and concisely essential. It’s encouraging to see the immense potential of the next generation of science communicators. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!”

The New York Times Learning Network received over 3,000 submissions from middle and high school students between the ages of 13-19, hailing from national and international locations. To provide some guidance, the Learning Network posted an educational activity called “ Think like a science journalist ,” created by Science News Learning, a program of Society for Science and Science News that offers evidence-based science journalism and classroom lesson plans to educators.

The judging panel was comprised of esteemed individuals from the STEM education, science journalism, and professional writing fields, including educators who consistently incorporate Science News Learning materials in their classrooms. Society for Science played a pivotal role in promoting the contest to teachers and their audiences, stressing the competition’s focus on science literacy and communication. After careful evaluation by the judges, 10 talented winners were selected. In addition to the winners, the judges recognized 11 runners-up and 23 honorable mentions from the finalist pool.

The 2023 STEM Writing Contest winners are:

Andrei Li: “ I Spy With My Little Muon: Peering Inside Pyramids With Cosmic Rays ” (age 18, Monarch Park Collegiate, Toronto, Ontario)

Catherine Ji: “ Whales and Cancer: A Deep Dive Into Cetacean Genes ” (age 14, New Trier High School, Wilmette, Ill.)

Daphne Zhu: “ Pine Beetle Infestation: Epidemic of North America’s Forests ” (age 15, Lynbrook High School, San Jose, Calif.)

Erica Frischauf: “ Hearing Colors and Tasting Sounds: What Is Synesthesia? ” (age 16, Lakewood High School, Lakewood, Ohio)

Judah Spiegel: “ Computing Creativity: Can A.I. Produce Art? ” (age 14, Albany High School, Albany, Calif.)

Justin Wang: “ Nature’s Solution to Plastic Pollution: The Amazing Power of the Wax Worm ” (age 16, Alhambra High School, Alhambra, Calif.)

Leah Li: “ Glass Frogs: Clearing the Mystery of Clotting ” (age 14, Milton Academy, Pearland, Texas)

Logan Ramanathan: “ 3-D Bioprinting: A Modern Day Prometheus ” (age 17, The Nueva School, Los Altos Hills, Calif.)

Siwen Cui: “ What the Nose Knows: The Underappreciated Olfactory Sense ” (age 18, Kent School, Kent, Conn.)

Yejin (Jenny) Son: “ An Awakening of a Geological Giant: The Next Deadly Eruption of Mount Baekdu ” (age 17, Chadwick International School, Songdo, South Korea)

Read more about the winners here:  https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/11/learning/ai-bioprinting-and-glass-frogs-the-winners-of-our-4th-annual-stem-writing-contest.html

Michael Gonchar, editor of The New York Times Learning Network, noted, “This is our fourth year running our STEM Writing Contest for middle and high school students, and just like in previous years, we are fascinated by the diverse range of topics — from the possibilities of bioprinting and muography to the powers of glass frogs and wax worms. We were thrilled to see the wide range of topics that students chose to explore and write about in this year’s contest.”

Applicants were required to submit entries guided by mentor texts provided by both Science News and The New York Times science section. Essays were then judged on how well a scientific concept was not only captured and explained but also on other writing elements, such as an engaging hook, an explanation of why the topic is important, accurate citation of expert sources, focus and clarity as well as analysis. Effective communication of scientific concepts is a critical skill that can benefit individuals of all ages, and this competition serves as an excellent platform to develop and hone these skills.

Thank you to all of our contest judges.

From the Society for Science Community:  Victoria Bampoh, Jennifer Donnelly, Phebe Martinez Fuentes, Terianne Hall, Lori Herbsman, Meghan Hess, Kehakashan Khan, Jefferson Marshall, Amanda Nix, Dawn Parker, Amy Telford, Peggy Veatch, Jieun Yoo

From The New York Times Science-Journalism Community:  David Brown, Shannon Stirone

From The Learning Network Community:  Kathryn Curto, Shannon Doyne, Jeremy Engle, Caroline Gilpin, Michael Gonchar, Annissa Hambouz, Simon Levien, Keith Meatto, Natalie Proulx, Trishna Ramsamooj, Katherine Schulten, Vanessa Vieux

Related Stories

Learn about the Great American Eclipse with Society for Science

This Women’s History Month celebrate the female leaders of Society for Science!

Marcel Chotkowski LaFollette and the pioneering female journalists who helped to shape Science News

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Deadline Approaches for Modern Love College Essay Contest

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Submissions are currently open for the New York Times Modern Love College Essay Contest . The prize is awarded to a current U.S. college student for an essay that “illustrates the current state of love and relationships.” The winner will receive $1,000 and publication in the New York Times Sunday Styles section and on nytimes.com . Four runners-up will also receive publication in the Times Sunday Styles section and on nytimes.com.

The New York Times Modern Love column has sponsored its college essay contest two previous times—in 2008 and 2011—and received thousands of submissions each year from students representing hundreds of colleges and universities throughout the country. Caitlin Dewey won the 2011 prize for her essay “Even in Real Life, There Were Screens Between us,” and Marguerite Fields won the inaugural prize in 2008 for her essay “Want to Be My Boyfriend? Please Define.” The essays of previous finalists can also be read on the New York Times website.

For more information about the Modern Love column, read Jones’s article “How We Write About Love.”

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New York Times Students Editorial Contest

Competition Overview

Students ages 13 to 19 around the world, march 15 to april 19, 2023, 2 months after the contest has closed, competition details.

1. Introduction New York Times invited students to write short, evidence-based, persuasive essays through the New York Times Students Editorial Contest. Students can choose a topic of interest, then gather evidence from sources both within and outside The NY Times and write a concise editorial (450 words or fewer) to convince readers of their view. The Editorial should focus on a topic that matters to students, cite reliable sources that illustrate different perspectives, and persuade readers of the students’ opinions. Last year, the competition received a peak of 16,664 submissions came in, about 5,000 more than ever before.

2. Eligibility This contest is open to students ages 13 to 19 in middle school or high school worldwide (high school postgraduate students who haven’t enrolled in a college can apply). Students attending their first year of a two-year CEGEP in Quebec Province can also participate.  If students are directly related to New York Times employees or live in the same household as those employees are not eligible to enter this contest.

3. Results The results will be announced about two months after the contest has closed.

4. Prizes Having your work published on The Learning Network and being eligible to have your work published in the print New York Times.

How Will Your Work Be Judged?

The submission states a clear opinion and issues a call to action through an evidence-based argument.

Submission uses compelling evidence to support the opinion, and cites reliable sources.

Submission convincingly argues point of view by providing relevant background information, using valid examples, acknowledging counter-claims, and developing claims – in a clear and organized fashion.

Submission has a strong voice and engages the reader with language, style, and tone appropriate to its purpose and features correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. 

Submission follows all contest guidelines, including the citation of at least one Times and one non-Times source. 

• Student Awards

Submission Details

All entries must be submitted by April 19, 2023 at 11:59pm

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Competition

New York Times Personal Narrative Writing Contest

November 17, 2023.

High School

Description:

For this contest, we invite you to write a personal narrative of your own about a meaningful life experience. We’re not asking you to write to a particular theme or to use a specific structure or style, but we are looking for short, powerful stories about a particular moment or event in your life. We want to hear your story, told in your unique voice, and we hope you’ll experiment with style and form to tell a tale that matters to you, in a way you enjoy telling it.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/10/learning/our-3rd-annual-personal-narrative-writing-contest.html

Writing Type

Essay, Prose, Nonf𝔦ction

Publication

International

The New York Times Announces Fourth Modern Love College Essay Contest

The New York Times recently announced its  fourth Modern Love College Essay Contest .

The Times is inviting college students nationwide to open their hearts and laptops and write an essay that tells the truth about what love is like for them today. In  previous contests, which attracted thousands of entries from students at hundreds of colleges and universities, the winning essays explored ambivalence about hooking up, the way technology is changing how we connect and how an aversion to labels can impact relationships.

“This is the fourth time we’re holding a college essay contest for Modern Love, and every time I’ve been so impressed by the quality of writing and depth of thought of a lot of these students,” said Modern Love editor Daniel Jones. “We’re looking forward to seeing what’s on their minds this year.”

The winning author will receive $1,000 and his or her essay will be published in a special Modern Love column in late April.

Submission Deadline: March 19, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. EST

Contest details appear at  nytimes.com/essaycontest . For more information, follow Modern Love on Facebook ( facebook.com/modernlove ) and the Modern Love editor on Twitter ( @danjonesnyt ).

Coalition Urges U.S. to Provide Visas to Afghans Who Worked with Press

Rubina madan fillion to join opinion.

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2023 Essay Contest Now Open: Ideas Have Consequences

The Buckley Institute is proud to announce that the 2023 essay contest for U.S. high school students and Yale undergraduates is  officially open .

The annual essay contest is comprised of one competition for American high school students and another for Yale undergraduates. 

The first, second, and third place winners in both competitions will win $1,000, $500, or $250 respectively and be invited to the Buckley Institute’s annual conference in New Haven on December 1 to receive their awards. 

The 2023 essay contest submission deadline is Sunday, October 22 at 11:59pm. This year’s essay contest asks students to respond to the following quote from Richard Weaver’s  Ideas Have Consequences , published 75 years ago, and answer the question below:

Certainly there is no more innocent-seeming form of debauchery than the worship of comfort; and, when it is accompanied by a high degree of technical resourcefulness, the difficulty of getting people not to renounce it but merely to see its consequences is staggering. The task is bound up, of course, with that of getting principles accepted again, for, where everything ministers to desire, there can be no rebuke of comfort. As we endeavor to restore values, we need to earnestly point out that there is no correlation between the degree of comfort enjoyed and the achievement of a civilization. On the contrary, absorption in ease is one of the most reliable signs of present or impending decay.

In his book  Ideas Have Consequences , excerpted above, Richard Weaver argues that “absorption in ease is one of the most reliable signs of present or impending decay.” Weaver wrote in 1948 but America has only become wealthier and more comfortable since. Has an obsession with opulence and comfort put America on a path to decay or has America’s unprecedented wealth allowed it to flourish?

See the full submission guidelines  here .

Meet the Winners of the 2024 Essay Contest and Read the Essays

This year, we asked early-career scientists and health professionals to identify a scientific question that is insufficiently addressed in biomedical research today. The winning essays are published in the July 15th issue of The Journal of Clinical Investigation .

After reading their essays, we were excited to learn more about our winners. Watch the interviews to find out who inspires them, what is the best part of doing research, and what the next big thing in their field will be.

Kevin S. Blake, Washington University in St. Louis

Kevin received his PhD in biology and biomedical sciences from Washington University in St. Louis in the Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology. His research under Gautam Dantas investigates the diversity and evolution of antibiotic resistance in human and environmental microbiomes. Kevin’s doctoral dissertation and postdoctoral work focus on the sequence-structure-function dynamics of the tetracycline destructase family of antibiotic-inactivating enzymes. He also has a special interest in writing about science for general audiences, on topics including microbiology, genomics, and evolution. In his free time, he enjoys running, reading, and playing with his dog.

Essay: Missing microbiomes: global underrepresentation restricts who research will benefit

Who inspires you as a scientist? Kevin is inspired by two scientists: Michael Baym and Stephen Jay Gould.

What is your favorite part about doing research? Kevin loves doing experiments.

What do you think is next in your field, or in what direction do you hope it will go?  Kevin shares his hopes for microbiome-based therapeutics.

Catherine M. Bridges, Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia; Medical University of South Carolina

Catherine recently completed the MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program at the Medical University of South Carolina, where she was awarded a predoctoral fellowship. For her graduate research, Catherine investigated the role of microglia in a mouse model of the rare neurodevelopmental disorder MEF2C haploinsufficiency syndrome. She is a transitional-year intern at Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, South Carolina. Catherine matched into residency in diagnostic radiology. Her research interests involve applying radiological techniques in women’s health. In her free time, Catherine enjoys spending time with her husband, playing board games, and gardening.

Essay: Illuminating maternal sepsis: a call for improved recognition and prevention

When are you inspired as a scientist? Catherine shares how patients inspire her research.

What is your favorite part about doing research?  Catherine is excited when she sees the results of an experiment.

What do you think is next in your field, or in what direction do you hope it will go?  Catherine hopes there will be increased attention and broader accessibility to women’s health.

Andrea M. Maxwell, University of Minnesota Medical School

Andrea is a sixth-year MD/PhD student at the University of Minnesota. Her thesis work focuses on sex/gender differences in the roles of social support, stress, and brain function in alcohol misuse. She received a Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral National Research Service award from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Andrea plans to pursue clinical training in psychiatry, focusing on addiction and reproductive psychiatry. Outside work, Andrea likes to camp, travel, take care of her backyard chickens, and read and write for fun. She and her husband are welcoming a baby boy in July 2024.

Essay: What happens to the brain during pregnancy?

Who inspires you as a scientist? Andrea was inspired by Dr. Sylvia Earle, whom she discovered in a book that her parents gave her when she was a child.

What is your favorite part about doing research?  Andrea enjoys working with an interdisciplinary team and writing about science.

What do you think is next in your field, or in what direction do you hope it will go?  Andrea explains that deep data collection will help us understand complex pathologies such as substance use disorder during pregnancy.

Subashan Vadibeler, University of Leeds; University of Oxford, UK

Subashan is an academic foundation doctor at St. James’s University Hospital, researching health inequities as part of the Child Health Outcomes Research at Leeds team. Born and raised in Malaysia, he attended medical school at the University of Malaya, developing an interest in urban poverty, child health, and the immune system. He later matriculated as a Rhodes scholar at Oxford University, where his research under Eileen Parkes focused on immune evasion mechanisms in cancers and viruses. He aspires to become a clinician–scientist working toward solutions for tropical infectious diseases. He finds balance through long-distance running.

Essay: The (unresolved) antibody paradox

Who inspires you as a scientist? Subashan shares how the high prevalence of dengue disease in Malaysia directed his research focus.

What is your favorite part about doing research?  Subashan enjoys being challenged and tackling novel scientific questions.

What do you think is next in your field, or in what direction do you hope it will go?  Subashan is optimistic that increased attention to tropical infectious diseases will advance the field.

Sarah Voss, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

In the suburbs of Fort Worth, Texas, Sarah spent her childhood as a nationally ranked springboard diver until she hopped off the diving board and into the research lab. Her undergraduate research experiences catapulted her into PhD work at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in the lab of Joshua Modell, where she studies bacterial defense systems and fundamental phage biology. In her free time, Sarah loves to creatively express herself, whether that’s through the footprints she painted on her living room ceiling, solving a rock-climbing puzzle, or mastering a new yoga move.

Essay: The enemy of my enemy is my friend

Who inspires you as a scientist? Sarah chose Jane Goodall as a role model.

What is your favorite part about doing research? Sarah loves discussing science and sharing ideas with her peers.

What do you think is next in your field, or in what direction do you hope it will go?  Sarah tells us what is next in phage therapy research.

How Kamala Harris fares against Trump in the 2024 polls

With President Joe Biden exiting the 2024 presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris now becomes the overwhelming front-runner to be the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee.

Harris’ biggest challenge lies further ahead, though: She   has been polling   the same as Biden — or just slightly better — against Republican nominee Donald Trump, according to multiple surveys taken before Biden withdrew from the 2024 contest.

And Biden was running behind Trump in many national and battleground-state polls — which precipitated the president’s withdrawal.

In  NBC News’ latest national poll , conducted more than a week after Biden’s dismal debate performance but before the assassination attempt on Trump, both the president and Harris trailed Trump by 2-point margins among registered voters, though the actual percentages for each candidate were slightly different. Trump led Biden 45%-43%, while he took 47% to Harris’ 45% in their matchup. Both ballot tests fell within the poll’s margin of error.

Similarly, a post-debate  national Fox News poll  found Trump ahead by 1 point against both Biden (Trump 49%, Biden 48%) and Harris (Trump 49%, Harris 48%) among registered voters.

But other polls have shown Harris slightly outperforming Biden by 1 or 2 points — though, critically, still trailing Trump at this point in some key matchups.

A  national CBS News/YouGov poll  of likely voters conducted after the assassination attempt found Trump leading Biden by 5 points among likely voters, 52% to 47%, while it showed Harris trailing by 3 points, 51% to 48%.

And in  New York Times/Siena College battleground polls  of Pennsylvania and Virginia, Harris performed 2 points better than Biden did among likely voters in these two states.

Importantly, all of these results are within each poll’s margin of error — and so is the difference between Biden’s and Harris’ numbers. Also important: It’s possible these numbers could change after the news of Biden’s exit from the 2024 race. But for the moment, Biden’s numbers and Harris’ numbers look quite similar.

Where Harris runs stronger — and weaker — than Biden

While the recent NBC News poll found Biden and Harris running 2 points behind Trump nationally, the survey found some  important differences among demographic groups .

For one thing, Harris slightly outperformed Biden among Black voters, leading Trump among this demographic by 64 points (78% to 14%). That compares with Biden’s 57-point lead among Black voters (69%-12%).

 On the other hand, the NBC News poll showed Trump doing slightly better among white voters when matched up with Harris instead of Biden, leading her by 16 points among these voters, compared with his 14-point advantage here against Biden.

Among other demographics — by age, by gender, among Latino voters — there was almost no difference between Biden or Harris.

Indeed, the biggest differences between Biden and Harris in the poll went well beyond demographics.

Among the roughly one-quarter of Republican registered voters in the poll who said they were unsatisfied with Trump as the GOP’s nominee, Trump ran ahead of Biden by 46 points, 63%-17%. But when Trump’s opponent was Harris, more of these dissatisfied GOP voters flocked to Trump. The Republican’s lead with that group grew to 57 points, 73%-16%.

Meanwhile, the voters who preferred a third-party candidate in the poll’s multicandidate ballot test seemed more open to Harris coming in as a fresh face in the 2024 race.

Trump and Biden were virtually tied with these third-party-interested   voters in a head-to-head matchup. Trump took   32% and   Biden took   31%, with a plurality declining to make a two-way choice, saying they were undecided, would pick another candidate, or something else.

But when Harris was the choice against Trump, more of those respondents made a pick in the two-way ballot test. The vice president went ahead of Trump among these “other” voters, 46% to 39%, suggesting a higher upside with voters currently   considering a third-party candidate.

Biden, Harris and Trump have almost equal positive-negative scores

The NBC News poll also  showed  Biden, Harris and Trump with almost equal positive-negative scores with the electorate.

• Trump: 38% positive, 53% negative (-15 net rating)
• Biden: 36% positive, 53% negative (-17 net rating)
• Harris: 32% positive, 50% negative (-18 net rating)

That said, while Harris had a slightly lower positive score in the poll, 15% of voters said they’re “neutral” about her, compared with just 11% who are neutral on Biden.

That suggests an opportunity for Harris to grow — or fall — with this sliver of voters in the middle.

Mark Murray is a senior political editor at NBC News.

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Our 2024-25 Student Contest Calendar

Ten challenges that invite teenagers to engage, experiment, reflect and create — via writing, photography, audio, video and more.

By The Learning Network

Our annual Contest Calendar is probably the single most powerful thing we publish all year. Teachers tell us they plan their classes around our challenges, and tens of thousands of teenagers around the globe participate by creating narratives, reviews, videos, opinion pieces, podcasts, illustrations, photo essays and more.

For us, these contests are an honor and a joy to host. We love learning from young people — about what moves them and makes them mad, what intrigues and confuses and delights and defines them.

This year, we are bringing back some recent and longtime favorites, as well as introducing a few new challenges.

To begin, we have two options this fall in response to the U.S. election, though students around the globe are welcome. In September, we open with a series of special forums that invite teenagers to have thoughtful conversations about their civic and political identities, values and beliefs. Then, if they choose, they can work alone or with others to make something in response — whether in writing, video, audio or visual art. (Students can participate in one or both challenges, and we have a related invitation for educators .)

In the spring, we’re offering “My List,” a twist on our long-running review contest. This time, students can choose any collection of three to five works of art or culture to group in some way and then tell us why we should — or shouldn’t — check them out.

We’ll be posting the full rules and guidelines for each contest here when it opens. but for now you can look at the related resources we’ve provided, as well as last year’s rules, which will largely remain the same for our returning contests.

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