Category: News
New York Times Writing Contests · Independent Student Guide · Editorial Library
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How to Find Your Story for a NYT Contest (2026)
A craft process for finding a genuine story for a NYT Learning Network writing contest: how to notice, narrow, and test an idea before you draft a single line in 2026. Read article →
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Building a Year-Round Writing Habit That Wins NYT Contests (2026)
A year-round practice system for NYT Learning Network contestants: how to build a sustainable weekly writing habit so you arrive at every six-week contest window already prepared, not scrambling. Read article →
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Common Reasons NYT Contest Entries Get Overlooked (and How to Fix Them) (2026)
The craft mistakes that sink otherwise-good NYT Learning Network entries — weak openings, off-prompt drift, over the word count, generic voice — and the fix for each (2026). Read article →
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How to Revise a NYT Contest Entry: From Draft to Submission (2026)
A craft-focused revision workflow for any NYT Learning Network contest: cut to the word limit, sharpen the lead, strengthen evidence, and proof before the U.S. Eastern Time deadline. Read article →
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What Are the New York Times Learning Network Writing Contests? A 2025-26 Guide (and How to Choose Yours)
The New York Times Learning Network runs a year-round series of free writing contests for students aged 13 to 19 anywhere in the world, from the flagship Student Editorial Contest to Personal Narrative, STEM… Read article →
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What Judges Look For in a Winning NYT Contest Entry: Rubrics Explained (2026)
How does the New York Times Learning Network actually judge its student writing contests? This independent guide explains the judging process — from a huge entry pool to a shortlist to winners — and… Read article →
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The 2025-26 New York Times Writing Contest Calendar: Every Contest and Deadline
A month-by-month guide to the New York Times Learning Network’s free student writing contests across the school year — from the Summer Reading Contest in June to the Student Editorial Contest in spring. This… Read article →