Spring '25 Writing Contest! | The Writing Center | SIU

Enter your essay to win!

The SIU Writing Center is pleased to announce our Spring 2025 Writing Contest. We're celebrating the accomplishments of all our student writers, especially first-year student writers, and want to read your writing!

Who can enter?

All undergraduate students are welcome to submit their writing.

What writings can I submit?

We have three entry categories for submissions. The essay can be from a class taken in Spring 2024, Summer 2024, Fall 2024, or Spring 2025.

• General entries: Academic writing from any class (besides ENGL101/102) that is 750 words or more.
• ENGL101/102 - Research-based writing: Writing that relies on sources to make arguments or synthesize information. If you had to use multiple sources, cite those sources, and make an argument based on support from those sources, your essay probably fits into this category.
• ENGL101/102 - Exploratory writing: Writing that explores ideas broadly in a variety of genres. Narrative writing, analysis of texts, reflective essays, etc. fit into this category. 

What can I win? 

Each category will have a 1st place winner and a runner-up.

• 1st place prize: Apple AirPods Pro 2.
• Runner-up prize: $50 student center gift card 

There will be an Award Ceremony event in late April or early May where winners will be recognized and prizes awarded.

How do I enter?

• Step 1: Make an appointment at the Writing Center to review the essay you want to submit.
• Step 2: At the end of your session, your consultant will provide you with a QR code with a submission link.
• Step 3: Use the QR code to submit your essay.

Deadline: April 1, 2025.
Winners are announced on April 20.
Prizes awarded at Award Ceremony in late April or early May.