How to Amplify Your College Resume Writing Series: Scholastic Contest Flash Fiction By Sarah O'Neill Supreme Editing Chester County PA

By Sarah O’Neill Chester County Supreme Editing As a college admissions consultant, I am often asked: does writing still matter? With the advent of bot-generated writing, everyone is up in arms. But, I am here to tell you that writing is still an asset, it is still a sought-after medium for original storytelling, and it is still valued in the college admissions community. Let’s talk about some contests that are still vital and up and running as you prepare to apply to college. Even if you are not a future Humanities major, if you can earn a Gold Key in Scholastic, you can enrich your resume and heighten your chances of being admitted to top schools by showing originality of thought and a multidimensional side of yourself. Scholastic Writing Contests and Categories From their Website: What is the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards? “The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. The Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to identify students with exceptional artistic and literary talent and present their remarkable work to the world through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Through the Awards, students receive opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarships. Students across America submitted nearly 350,000 original works this year in 29 different categories of art and writing.” https://www.artandwriting.org/the-alliance/ Writing Category: Flash Fiction Mastering the Art of Flash Fiction Flash fiction, a story format of 1,000 words or fewer (about four double-spaced pages), has gained immense popularity over the past decade. It’s concise, impactful, and — despite its brevity — bursting with creativity. But what exactly makes flash fiction so captivating, and how can you craft a story that packs a punch? Let’s break it down. The Allure of Flash Fiction Think of flash fiction as a scaled-down version of a traditional short story, where the larger narrative is hinted at rather than explicitly laid out. It’s like a lightning bolt — quick, dazzling, and leaving readers pondering its meaning long after the story ends. This genre forces you to “write tight,” making every word pull its weight. There’s no room for fluff or unnecessary exposition; everything must serve the story. In an era where attention spans are shrinking and digital media dominates, it’s no surprise that flash fiction is thriving. Its efficiency and accessibility align perfectly with the fast-paced rhythm of modern life. Setting the Stage Getting started can be daunting, but here are some tips to help you find inspiration: Draw from Your Experiences: Let memories or fragments of your past emerge, then twist and expand them into a story. Borrow from Media: A snippet of a song, a random lyric, or an old photograph can spark an idea. Just steer clear of overused tropes. Explore Visual Prompts: Artwork, magazine clippings, or online images can ignite your imagination. Imagine the story behind the picture. The Building Blocks of Flash Fiction Title: Your title is your first impression. Make it intriguing and unique. For example, “William and the Pink Snack” is far more enticing than “The Cat.” Character: Flash fiction typically focuses on 1–2 characters. Introduce your main character and give a glimpse of their personality by the end of the first paragraph. Borrow traits from people you know to make characters authentic. Point of View: Choose your perspective — first person (“I”), third person (“she” or “he”), or the less common second person (“you”). Stick to one POV throughout for clarity. Setting: Anchor the reader in time and place early on. Use subtle details to convey the setting without overwhelming with descriptions. For instance, a character yanking up their hood tells us it’s cold and they might be in a hurry or upset. Dialogue: If you include dialogue, make it purposeful. It should reveal character traits or advance the plot. Avoid chit-chat and ensure each character has a distinct voice. Crafting the Story Arc Flash fiction, though brief, still follows the traditional story structure: beginning, middle, and end. The Beginning Dive straight into the action. Introduce the main character and the story’s central problem or desire. Hook the reader within the first few sentences. The Middle Build tension. Your character should face a single, worthy conflict. Focus on showing, not telling. Let readers experience the moment as it unfolds. Add a twist or unexpected element to keep it fresh and engaging. The End Resolve the story — or at least hint at a resolution. Open-ended conclusions can be just as satisfying if done well. Consider circling back to the beginning for a full-circle effect. A final twist or bittersweet revelation can leave a lasting impression. What to Avoid Excessive Telling: Show the action rather than narrating it. Low Stakes: Make sure the problem or conflict feels significant. Overwriting: Keep it concise. Every word should serve a purpose. Flat Characters: Give your characters depth, even in just a few words. Lack of Cohesion: Ensure the story flows logically from start to finish. Ready to Try? Start small. Add one sentence at a time, letting ideas take shape organically. Whether you’re inspired by a song lyric, a photograph, or a fleeting thought, the possibilities are endless. Flash fiction challenges you to distill a story to its purest essence — no excess, just brilliance. So, grab a pen or open your laptop. A tiny, lightning-bolt story is waiting to strike. Thank you for reading! Sarah O’Neill Supreme Editing Chester County Teacher