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Sunday, October 25, 2026 Edition · Raleigh 48° Mostly Clear Watch Live Sign in Subscribe
GENIUS EYEGET NewsA service of The GET Network, Inc.
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GET EssayA GET News competition

Write it. Draw it. Get judged by people.

GET Essay is a free essay and art competition from GET News. Four seasons a year, six divisions from age 3 up, cash prizes, and winning work published in GET News.

Next contest

Q1 Winter 2027

Opens Nov 15, 2026, 12:00 AM EST
Theme for ages 13+The Economy on My Block: how prices, jobs, markets or new development are changing life where you live
Theme, rules and prizes

Entry is always free. No purchase or subscription is needed to enter or win, and buying anything never changes your chances.

Six divisions

Official Rules
Little Creators
Ages 3–7 · entered by a parent
Original artwork plus an optional caption of up to 50 words
Prizes $250 / $150 / $100
Junior Writers
Ages 8–12 · entered by a parent
Essay of 300–500 words
Prizes $500 / $250 / $150
Teen
Ages 13–17
Essay of 600–1,000 words
Prizes $1,000 / $500 / $250
Young Adult
Ages 18–24
Essay of 600–1,000 words
Prizes $1,000 / $500 / $250
Adult
Ages 25–54
Essay of 600–1,000 words
Prizes $1,000 / $500 / $250
Seasoned
Ages 55+
Essay of 600–1,000 words
Prizes $1,000 / $500 / $250

How judging works

STEP 1Screening

Every entry is checked for eligibility, length and originality. A staff member confirms any disqualification.

STEP 2First read

An automated reader scores each entry on the published rubric to build a shortlist. It never picks a winner.

STEP 3Human panels

Panels of judges score the shortlist with names removed. Their scores decide finalists and winners.

The rubric
40Content and ideas
30Craft
20Originality
10Theme and rules

GET Essay Flash

All Flash contests

A short monthly contest: 100 to 250 words, open the 1st through the 7th. First one opens December 1, 2026.

Readers and winners

Winners

Finalists from the Teen, Young Adult, Adult and Seasoned divisions are published here for Reader's Choice voting. One vote per member, age 13 and up.