Questions? Email us

Enrollment

1.   Printed Viewbook/Prospectus Single publication. One printed piece. (If you have more than one piece in your package/campaign, use Category 2.)
2.   Printed Enrollment/Admissions Package Multiple printed pieces in a campaign such as viewbook/prospectus, information booklet, search/travel piece, direct mail, etc. 
3.   Enrollment/Admissions Video: In-House Single. Created by your school internally without outside professional help of any kind. (If you have had outside help, use Category 4.)
4.   Enrollment/Admissions Video: Outsourced Single. Created by a professional filmmaker or company, or created by the school using some outside help, and submitted by the school or the professional.
5.   Virtual Tour Single.
6.   Admitted Student Welcome Submit as many examples as needed. Any kind of yield marketing to encourage a student to enroll. (Video, swag, personal contact, etc.)

Fundraising

7.  Fundraising Appeal Single. Printed or digital. For annual giving, campaign, or any other fundraising need. 
8.  Fundraising Video: In-House Single. Created by your school internally without outside professional help of any kind. For annual giving, campaign, or any other fundraising need. (If you have had outside help, use Category 9.)
9.  Fundraising Video: Outsourced Single. Created by a professional filmmaker or company, or created by the school using some outside help, and submitted by the school or the professional. For annual giving, campaign, or any other fundraising need.
10. Annual Report/Report of Gifts/Donor Report Single. Printed or digital.

Advertising

11. Paid Advertising Single or series (max 8). Print ad, radio commercial, Facebook or Google ads, outdoor (billboards, transit, mall, etc.), or another medium where space is purchased. For any one purpose such as enrollment/admissions, fundraising, or special event, etc.

Photography

12. Still Photography: In-House Single or series (max 6). Created by your school internally without outside professional help of any kind.
13. Still Photography: Outsourced Single or series (max 6). Created by a professional photographer or company and submitted by the school or the professional.

Website

14. Website: Homepage
15. Website: Homepage Redesign Before and after. Submit a screenshot of the previous design for “before” and submit the current URL for “after.”

Identity Makeover

16. Graphic Identity Redesign Submit as many examples as needed. Before and after for a single purpose such as the entire school’s visual identity, a program, a fundraising effort, or an event, etc.

Magazine

17. Magazine: Overall Design Single issue. Writing will not be considered.
18. Magazine: Writing Submit 3 articles on any topic. Design will not be considered. Articles can be from different issues of the magazine but must be all for the same school.
19. Magazine: Cover Design Submit up to 3 covers from any year. Writing will not be considered.
20. Magazine: Photography/Imagery Submit up to 3 pages or spreads. Pages can be from different issues of the magazine but must be all for the same school. Examples of imagery: artwork, infographics, presentation of data, etc.

Inbound Marketing

21. Social Media Campaign Submit up to 10 examples. Posts on Facebook, Instagram and/or other channel(s) with one focus such as Giving Day, graduation, admissions, results day, reunion, or special event, etc.
22. Blog Post Single. Design will only be considered if it’s relevant to the post.
23. Podcast Single episode.
24. Fun Video Single. For any kind of holiday or event such as back-to-school, holiday, snow day, school spirit, etc.

Once & Done  

25. Logo Single. For any one purpose such as school, fundraising, or sports, etc.
26. Special Event Submit up to 10 examples. For one event such as Head of School announcement, strategic plan, anniversary, capital campaign, conference, etc.

Biggest Risk

27. Out of the Box Concept Submit as many examples as needed.

Got questions? Check out the FAQs.

Can’t find the answer there? Email us.

Judging Criteria

1. Originality: Is it new, different, unlike the others? Consider concept, presentation, and individual components in deciding how fresh it feels.

2. Persuasiveness: Does the entry accomplish what it sets out to do? Would it persuade you to act (inquire/apply, for an enrollment piece; give, for a fundraising piece; feel proud or connected, for a magazine)?

3. Copy/Script/Dialog:  Does it make a positive impact? Does it convey its message clearly? Is it enjoyable to read or, for videos and podcasts, listen to? Is it interesting, well-written, well-edited, and error-free? If it tells a story, does it have a clear arc and point? Is it creative, fresh, and compelling? Is it effective in achieving the purpose of the piece?

4. Visual Elements: Depending on the piece, these could include photography, video, graphics, typography, graphic design, and/or artwork. Are they appropriate to the piece? Compelling, fresh, and interesting? Are photos/video of high quality in terms of composition, lighting, and other technical aspects? Do they contribute to the overall effect and story?

5. Execution: Does the piece excel in the effective use of design, color, typography, graphic elements, audio, digital elements, layout, navigation, user-experience? Is it readable, understandable, clear, compelling? Is it creative and modern?  Is it technically excellent?

6. Overall Appeal: What’s your gut feeling about this project? Do you like it?

All categories will be judged on criteria 1-6 with the following exceptions.  

PHOTOGRAPHY: These categories will be judged on criteria 1,2,5,6

• 12. & 13. Still Photography

• 20. Magazine: Photography/Imagery

DESIGN: These categories will be judged on criteria 1,2,4,5,6

• 15. Website: Homepage Redesign

• 17. Magazine: Overall Design

• 19. Magazine: Cover Design

COPY: These categories will be judged on criteria 1,2,3,6

• 18. Magazine: Writing

• 22. Single Blog Post

PODCAST: This category will be judged on criteria 1,2,3,5,6

26. Single Podcast Episode

GRAPHIC IDENTITY: These categories will be judged on criteria 1,4,5,6

• 16. Graphic Identity Redesign

• 25. Logo

Categories where entries can be “any format” will require the judges to use their best judgment in applying the criteria.