The McKinney Writing Contest is Rensselaer's writing competition for undergraduate and graduate students. All enrolled students are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities that the competition affords. You may win one or more of the prizes across a range of different categories (see below). Prizes are $300 for first prize, $175 for second prize, and $75 for third prize. However, some prizes may not be awarded at the discretion of the judges depending on the quality of the submissions. Occasionally, when the quality of entries warrants it, honorable mentions will be awarded. If you win a prize, you may put the prize on your resumé, which has been known to increase employment prospects. Even if you do not win a prize, you will gain practice in writing that will help you to develop a valued capability in your respective profession. Start the process now by looking at the submission guidelines.
Entries will be accepted in undergraduate and graduate divisions in each of the following categories.
Categories
Creative Prose & Drama
A single short story, personal essay, chapter from a novel or memoir, or a one-act play/screenplay. Graphic literature is welcome.
Poetry
A group of poems or a single poem from each entrant.
Academic Essay
An academic essay or research paper written for a class or independent study.
Writing for Games
One complete, playable game, analog or digital, that foregrounds narrative structure, rhetoric, and/or player interaction grounded in words.
Language and Image
All forms of visual communication that emphasize words are welcome in 2-d, 3-d, or 4-d.