The New York Times 3rd Annual Personal Narrative Writing Contest

Creative

Contest Details

Eligibility

Students ages 11 to 19 anywhere in the world attending middle or high school can participate

Recommended Preparation Length

12 Weeks/ Sept. to Nov.

Program Duration

6 hours

Submission Deadline

Nov. 17, 2021

BackgroundThemeSubmission GuidelinesTimelinePrizes

The New York Times suggested that students should take part in its series of competitions as a way of gaining points for college applications. The personal narrative contest was designed to inspire readers to listen to their authentic voices. The personal Narrative essay competition was inspired by the New York Times Life Column, which began in 1996 and features "short, powerful stories about meaningful life experiences." Students who participate in the New York Times Personal Narrative Competition tend to be perceptive and have strong personal opinions.

The New York Times invites students to write a personal account of your own meaningful life experience. It can be anything from a specific moment in one's life to a short, powerful story.

1.It must be 600 words or fewer, not including the title.

2.Your essay should be original for this contest, meaning, it should not already be published at the time of submission, whether in a school newspaper, for another contest or anywhere else.

3.Keep in mind your audience. You’re writing for a family newspaper, so, for example, no curse words, please.

4.Submit only one entry per student.

5.While many of our contests allow students to work in teams, for this one you must work alone.

Deadline:Nov. 17, 2021

winners be announced:About two months after the deadline

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