About

The Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop, run by the esteemed Kenyon Review literary journal, is one of the premier creative writing summer programs for high school students. Hosted on the Kenyon College campus in Ohio, the program runs two intensive two-week sessions each summer. Known for its immersive writing culture and serious intellectual atmosphere, Kenyon attracts students who want to hone their craft in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and hybrid forms. Tuition is about $2,750, with need-based financial aid available.

Although Kenyon does not publish admissions data it likely accepts about 180–200 students total across its two sessions. Without supplying the program notes its admissions is “highly selective” that admits “only a small percentage of applicants” — likely under 20%. Applications include a personal statement and teacher recommendations, and Kenyon pays close attention to these elements when reviewing applications. Rising juniors and seniors are the main applicant pool, though advanced sophomores are occasionally admitted. Selection emphasizes voice, originality, and commitment to writing over grades or standardized scores.

Students live in Kenyon College dorms and spend their days in workshops and writing seminars led by published writers and Kenyon Review faculty. The emphasis is on generating new work and experimenting with form. Days include craft talks, readings, and intensive small-group workshops where students share and critique each other’s work. Evenings feature guest author readings, open mics, and informal peer writing sessions. The program’s environment is deliberately immersive, encouraging students to live and breathe writing during their two weeks on campus.

Kenyon is one of a small handful of creative writing programs that carry meaningful admissions weight—recognized as selective, rigorous, and tied to a top-tier literary journal. While two weeks is shorter than many STEM or research programs, admissions officers know Kenyon as one of the very best for high school students with a serious interest in creative writing.