When is the deadline to submit?
The deadline to submit your essay is Friday, April 21st at 11:59pm.
How do I submit my essay?
You submit your essay by filling out a Google form and attaching your essay to the form. You can access the form by clicking here: 2023 Outstanding Essay Submission
How will I know if I won?
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in May. Details for attending the awards ceremony will be emailed to all entrants.
Immediately following the awards ceremony, winners will be announced via an email sent to all entrants.
Do I have to include the quote in the prompt?
No, but you may include the quote if you'd like.
Can I use sources/research?
You may use outsides source in your essay, but it is not required. If you do choose to use outside sources, you must cite them. Entries that include uncited source material will immediately be disqualified.
How long should the essay be?
Your essay should be no fewer than 800 words, and no more than 1500 words.
Can I enter a short story, a play or a poem?
No. This contest is for essays, either a traditional academic essay or a creative nonfiction essay.
Can I enter twice?
No, only one entry per person will be accepted.
Do I have to be an SCC student to enter?
Yes, you must be a currently enrolled Sacramento City College student.
I have a Ph. D. in literature, and I'm currently enrolled in a yoga class at SCC. Can I enter this contest?
No. Entries will only be accepted from undergraduate students who have not already earned a degree from a four-year institution. (But congrats on that Ph. D.!)
Who will judge the contest?
The contest will be judged by members of the Outstanding Essay Contest Committe, who are all faculty members of SCC's English Department.
Can I enter an essay I wrote for my English class?
Yes! Just be sure your essay responds to the contest prompt.
My questions doesn't appear here. Who can I contact to ask my question?
You can contact Dawna DeMartini at demartd@scc.losrios.edu and/or Hayley Laird at lairdh@scc.losrios.edu.