NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship 2024-2025 is now open, sponsored by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). If you’re considering applying for this scholarship, read on to discover all the important details.
About NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship
NSHSS scholarships, provided by the National Society of High School Scholars, strive to lessen financial obstacles for high school students. These scholarships support students in various fields including Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, business, economics, public policy, environmental science, and more. The foundation’s objective is to assist the nation’s future leaders in realizing their aspirations.
Overview:
Award:
- Three (3) $2,000 awards for the Fiction category
- Three (3) $2,000 awards for the Poetry category
Eligibility:
- NSHSS members who are high school students graduating in 2024, 2025, 2026, or 2027.
Scholarship Details
How To Apply:
- Awards will go to students with the best submissions in the following categories:
- Poetry: Submit your original poetry in any style.
- Fiction: Submit a short story of up to 5,000 words in any genre.
- Winning entries will be published on the NSHSS website and judged based on creativity, technique, expression, and originality.
- All work must be your own.
- Plagiarism is not allowed.
- By submitting your work, you give NSHSS the right to publish it in various formats. However, you can still publish your work elsewhere.
- Students can apply to one or both categories, with only one entry per category allowed. Each student can only win one NSHSS Scholarship per academic year.
Application Requirements:
- A recommendation letter from an educator
- Upload your work to the application, including:
- Title of your work
- Chosen category
- Color headshot suitable for website posting
- Current transcript (official or unofficial)
- Academic resume
Application Opens: March 14, 2024 Closing Date: September 12, 2024, by 11:59 PM (EST)
Apply visa Official Website
For Fiction Category Applicants:
- Submit a short fiction piece.
- The word count should not exceed 5000 words and avoid single-spacing.
- Choose any genre, including graphic novels or stories.
For Poetry Category Applicants:
- Submit original poetry in any style.
- Styles can range from formal verse to free verse to experimental.
- Format the poem as you wish it to appear in publication.
Important Considerations:
- Follow Instructions: Adhere to the guidelines and rules provided. For instance, if asked for a 500-word piece, avoid writing 1000 words.
- Stay Relevant: Ensure your submission aligns with the given topic. Don’t force unrelated fiction or poetry into the assignment.
- Be Specific: Include necessary details in your writing. Avoid generalizations and focus on incorporating relevant information.
- Be Creative: Strive to showcase your creativity. Keep in mind that scholarship committees review numerous submissions, so aim to make yours stand out.
Tips to Make Your Scholarship Application Stand Out:
- Thoroughly Review Instructions: Carefully read and follow all instructions provided. Answer all questions and prompts accurately to ensure your application is well-received.
- Be Authentic: Present yourself genuinely in your application. Highlight your unique accomplishments and experiences to make a lasting impression.
- Meet Deadlines: Plan ahead and submit your application well before the deadline. Avoid last-minute rushes, which can compromise the quality of your submission.
- Be Thorough: Before submitting, review your application meticulously. Check for grammatical errors, ensure all sections are complete, and provide detailed responses to prompts.
- Leave a Lasting Impression: Use this opportunity to showcase your creativity and writing skills. Craft your application in a compelling way that captivates the judges’ attention.
Selection Process:
Applications will be evaluated based on creativity, technique, expression, and originality. It’s crucial for all submissions to be entirely original, as plagiarism is strictly prohibited.
What Are My Chances Of Winning An NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship?
Your chances of winning an NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship depend on various factors, including the quality of your submissions, your alignment with the scholarship’s criteria, and the overall competitiveness of the applicant pool. Here are some tips to enhance your chances:
- Tailor Your Application: Choose scholarships that align with your interests and strengths. By selecting opportunities that resonate with you, you can create compelling fiction and poetry pieces that showcase your talents effectively.
- Showcase Your Best Work: Submit your most outstanding and original pieces of creative writing. Focus on demonstrating creativity, skill, and originality in your submissions to captivate the judges’ attention.
- Follow Guidelines: Carefully adhere to all application instructions and guidelines provided by NSHSS. Ensure your submissions meet the specified criteria and format requirements to maximize your chances of success.
- Highlight Your Achievements: Emphasize any relevant achievements, awards, or experiences in your application that demonstrate your passion for creative writing and your dedication to your craft.
- Submit Early: Avoid waiting until the last minute to submit your application. By submitting early, you can avoid potential technical issues and demonstrate your commitment and preparedness to the selection committee.
By following these strategies and investing time and effort into crafting high-quality submissions, you can increase your likelihood of winning an NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship.
NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship FAQs
- Can I apply for both fiction and poetry categories?
Yes, students can apply for both categories if they wish to. They do not need to submit separate documents for each category.
- How do I apply for the scholarship?
The application process has been detailed above. After applying, follow these steps:
- Upload a copy of your work to the application, including:
- Title of the work
- Category you are submitting for
- Color headshot
- Academic resume
- Current transcript (official or unofficial)
- Upload a copy of your work to the application, including:
- When does the application process start?
The application process starts on May 4, 2023, and the closing date is October 2, 2023.
- Can all high school students apply for the scholarship?
Yes, all high school students are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
