Scholastic Gold Key: Is It Good for a College Application?
by
Indigo Research Team
&
Published:
November 30, 2024
Last Updated:
November 30, 2024
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If you want to impress a college admissions committee, showing off your creativity is the way to go. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, especially the Scholastic Gold Key prize, is an amazing opportunity for high school students to showcase their talents. A Gold Key doesn't just mean getting a medal — it means being recognized and having the tools to build your academic and artistic career.
This article explains the value of these awards and how they can boost your college applications. It also uncovers steps on how to enroll. Now, let’s find out why this coveted award is worth your time and energy.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the oldest and most prestigious competition for creative teenagers in grades 7–12, age 13 and up. Established in 1923, this program honors the creativity, innovation, and talent of young artists and writers. Over the years, it has become an effective platform for students to express themselves creatively and excel academically.
About 330,000 pieces of art and literature are submitted each year in 28 scholastic categories. The submissions are reviewed by a committee of scholars and artists, who then decide the winners for regional and national awards. Earning recognition, especially the Gold Key, shows that the participant is dedicated to their craft. And this can make a huge impact on your applications when getting into colleges.
By giving creative teenagers access to exposure and exposure, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards inspire a new generation of visionaries eager to make a difference.
Still wondering “Is a scholastic gold key good?” The answer is yes. Here are five reasons why:
A Scholastic Awards Gold Key is one of the top awards for high school students, which marks artistic and literary excellence. It's the highest honor of a contest that has been celebrating creative genius since 1923. This platform has launched the careers of numerous famous alumni, from Stephen King to Sylvia Plath, and Andy Warhol.
A Gold Key is more than just a symbol of talent — it shows that you're committed to doing things creatively with dedication and flair. This is a nice edge to put on your college and scholarship applications. It shows admissions officers that you've done well in a nationally recognized program.
Entering your work into the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards gives you special exposure. Over 330,000 entries are submitted each year, so being recognized ranks your piece as one of the best in the country.
Scholastic Art And Writing regional awards and national competitions showcase your skills to the vast world beyond your school or neighborhood and make you famous as a budding artist or writer. Winning works are usually displayed in galleries or magazines. This level of exposure can catch the eye of college admissions officers, grant committees, and even industry experts. By entering the competition, you allow your piece to rise and touch an expanded audience with your creativity.
The best part of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is hearing back from the expert judges. These professionals, who include professional artists, authors, and professors judge your work in terms of creativity, technical expertise, and whether it takes on a unique identity or a voice. It’s the feedback that they provide that can help you polish your creativity and hone your craft.
Good constructive feedback is a great way to learn, so you can see where you can improve. Even though you don't win any award, at least having your work judged by professional peers can help you to make sense of your art and set you up for whatever creative endeavors may come your way.
Participating in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards means joining a community of like-minded creatives. From the local contests to the national competitions, the competition builds an inclusive network of other students like you who love art and writing.
It is also typical of program alumni — who have gone on to be famous artists and writers — to interact with participants, giving their insights and experiences. Being a part of this community can provide you with the chance for long-term friendships, mentorship, and relationships beyond your academic and professional career.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards offer more than awards. They could be financially rewarding as well. If you win a Scholastic Awards Gold Key, for example, you will be entitled to scholarships worth up to $12,500. This amount can help in making college much more manageable.
Besides the financial value, a scholarship from such a high-level program can also be a huge addition to your CV. It highlights your achievement and talent to universities and prospective employers.
To apply to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is easy, especially when you meet the requirements. You must be a student in grades 7–12. Students in the 12th grade can submit a portfolio as well as individual pieces. The entry process starts with creating an account on the Scholastic Awards website and uploading your art or text.
You have to pay $10 per entry or $30 for portfolios. Submissions to the competition usually open in September and close in December. Specific deadlines may vary by region, so check your region’s Scholastic Awards deadline to make sure that your paper is ready on time.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards offers regional and national prizes that give young artists more recognition and visibility. Regional entries are judged and given one of three prizes — Gold Key, Silver Key, or Honorable Mention. The Gold Key is the ultimate and most elite certificate that confirms your work is exceptional.
Regional winners are honored in an awards ceremony and the Gold Key winning paintings are displayed in a public gallery for all to see. The Scholastic Gold Key winners then go on to compete in the national competition, where it is even more competitive. National medalists can win the National Gold Key or National Silver Key award, further cementing their status as top creative artists. High-school students who submit a portfolio can win up to $12,500 in scholarships.
If you're preparing for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, which includes the Scholastic Gold Key Award, you may consider indulging in research programs that will help sharpen your mind. Indigo Research can help provide the support you need. Our program offers students independent projects in art history, design, or modern art practice.
With the guidance of expert tutors and the vast bibliographical resources you have, you can think deeply about your chosen subjects and examine them from a professional perspective.
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