Entry guide · International

Bennington Young Writers Awards

Shape an ambitious literary piece and submit to a competition run by Bennington College.

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Competition & entry information

Writing: Creative Writing, Poetry, Essays & Real Stories
Location: International
Preparation level: Advanced
Opportunity: Competition

Who can enter?

Students in grades 9–12 worldwide. Grade 12 entrants must first complete the college’s non-binding application step.

What do you write?

Fiction, nonfiction or poetry; up to 1,500 words total under current rules.

How to enter

Select one category, follow the teacher/mentor and formatting requirements, and use the official portal.

Dates and planning notes

2026: 1 Nov 2026 · 2026–27 awards
Confirmed date
The live 2026–27 entry portal confirms 1 November. The official rules give 11:59pm Eastern Time. Grade 12 application requirements apply.
2027: 1 Nov 2027 · annual schedule
Annual rule
The official page gives a recurring 1 September–1 November window. Confirm the live edition before submitting.

Current rules prohibit generative AI at brainstorming, drafting and revision stages. Check the full rules before preparing an entry.

Official sources

Official website / entry information ↗

Checked 4 October 2026. Preparation levels are editorial guidance, not a prediction of winning. Recheck the live rules, fees and eligibility before entering.

Turn your target into stronger writing

Prepare with purpose.

Academic Essays · History · Literature

International Writing
Competition Coaching

For students pursuing demanding academic or literary goals, including those considering university overseas.

Preparation focusResearch, argument and originality

Working towardsA carefully chosen international target

Choose a target that matches the student’s interests and readiness.
Read closely, evaluate sources and develop independent ideas.
Build a sustained argument or a distinctive literary voice.
Prepare original work within the organiser’s authorship rules.

What students build: A substantial piece of academic or literary work that reflects the student’s own interests, thinking and effort.

Discuss the International course →

Your preparation focus

Develop a distinctive literary voice.

Read closely and examine choices in craft.
Shape structure, detail and rhythm with purpose.
Revise independently within the award’s rules.

Explore the 20-week course →

Students complete their own work. Coaching respects the organiser’s rules on feedback, editing and AI; where entry editing is restricted, teaching uses separate practice tasks.