3 Different Ways Teens Can Get Published
School awards are great, but it’s even more impressive when teen writing and research is published in third-party media. From online competitions to self-publications, there are lots of options for motivated students.
Here are 3 of the many ways that teen writers can get published:
1. Enter a highly selective competition sponsored by a publication like The New York Times or the Harvard Crimson
National newspapers and even some of the most reputable college publications like the Harvard Crimson love to support the work of talented student writers.
Each year, dozens of newspapers run competitions, some of the winners of which are actually published in their print and online editions. This is seriously incredible!
As just one example, The New York Times hosts essay, opinion, multimedia, art, poetry and podcasting contests for high school students. You can create new work, or use something you’ve already prepared.
Winning isn’t easy, but if you do, this will go a long way toward creating a STANDOUT entry on your application.
2. Publish student research in on online journal
It is becoming increasingly common for teens to publish *serious* academic research. There’s a spectrum of selectivity, and publication in a carefully vetted and highly respected journal is a major boost.
Research your options and you’ll find journals publishing teen work (almost always supervised by an academic or scientist) in subjects ranging from History to Biology to Economics. The more credible journals tend to have a rigorous selection process (and charge nominal, not high, fees).
It’s a good idea to exercise some caution - there are a few fraudulent journals out there that will publish the work of anyone who pays the fee. Many of these publications are known to selective college admissions officers, and they are unlikely to benefit your admissions prospects.
3. Self-Publish Your Collection
Digital self-publishing is a great way to showcase a collection of writing or artwork in a way that can be linked to your college applications. For example, Medium is a commonly used online platform that’s well-suited to this purpose.
NOTE: This is a great example of a “What You Make of It” opportunity. Done well, and thoughtfully, a Medium site linking to a series of your pieces within a coherent theme is a way to demonstrate talent and accomplishment. There’s no guarantee it will be read carefully, but it’s probably one of the few ways that a college admissions officer can read your work that is not part of a responsive application essay.
Done poorly, self-publication definitely won’t help (and it might even hurt). If you are going to make the effort, do it properly and create something that makes you proud.
In the ever-escalating college admissions arms race, publication has become a way to stand out. It’s even a line on the Common App. Just remember: substance is as important as form. Appearing as a one-off “featured writer” in your local newspaper probably won’t help unless it’s part of a larger journalism theme for you. If you want it to count, seek out one of the MANY publications that promote and feature the work of talented teens.
P.S. There are tons of unique and interesting activities in our amazing Extracurricular Database, including quick citizen science projects, competitions, publications and Standout Projects. Click here to learn more and help your teen make the most out of summer!