Award submission best practices
Use this page when preparing a stronger awards submission with clear results, proof points, and a compelling story.
Submission playbook
Build an award entry judges can understand quickly.
Strong award submissions are clear, specific, proof-driven, and tailored to the award. Use the sections below to move from eligibility and criteria to story, results, differentiation, and final review.
01 / Criteria
Understand what the award is actually asking for.
Thoroughly review the award criteria and guidelines. Identify what judges are looking for, the specific requirements, eligibility rules, and any restrictions before you start writing.
Look for
- Required categories, word counts, attachments, photos, or links.
- Judging language such as innovation, impact, community benefit, student experience, or measurable outcomes.
- Patterns in past winners that can help shape your submission.
02 / Start early
Give yourself time to gather proof and review.
Begin the submission process well in advance of the deadline. Rushed submissions often miss important details or fail to highlight the strongest achievements.
Use the extra time for
- Researching requirements and past winners.
- Gathering supporting materials and measurable results.
- Multiple review rounds with a fresh set of eyes.
- Checking whether early-bird pricing or discounted entry fees are available.
03 / Story
Turn answers into a compelling narrative.
Answer every question or submission requirement, but avoid flat, one-line responses. Tell the work through the lens of a story so judges can understand why it mattered and what changed.
Why was this project, program, or achievement important?
What did the team do, and what challenges did they solve?
What changed for students, guests, clients, associates, or the campus community?
04 / Results
Back up the story with facts, figures, and outcomes.
Use data and measurable results to make the submission credible. Concrete evidence helps judges understand the scale and value of the work.
Examples of proof
- Sales growth, participation, attendance, or adoption numbers.
- Customer satisfaction ratings, survey results, or qualitative feedback.
- Media coverage, social engagement, client response, or community impact.
05 / Differentiate
Show what makes the work stand out.
Highlight the good, but be specific about what made this achievement different from standard work or from what other teams may submit.
Call out
- Unique features, innovative approaches, or new practices.
- Challenges, roadblocks, or turnarounds the team overcame.
- The part of the work that would be hardest for another team to replicate.
06 / Tailor
Fit the submission to the award, not the other way around.
Customize the submission to match the award's purpose, mission, theme, and judging language. Put yourself in the judges' shoes and make the relevance obvious.
Before submitting, ask
- Does this directly answer the award prompt?
- Are the strongest details aligned to the judging criteria?
- Can a judge understand the value without knowing our internal context?
07 / Proof
Proofread for clarity, consistency, and impact.
Thoroughly proofread the submission to eliminate errors, typos, and inconsistencies. Keep it concise, but make sure it still feels engaging and complete.
Final review
- Check names, titles, campus/account details, dates, and links.
- Remove repetitive wording and tighten long answers.
- Ask someone unfamiliar with the project to review for clarity and impact.
Next step
Find an award window, then shape the entry.
The award timeline lists opportunities teams can monitor throughout the year. Check deadlines and current criteria before preparing a nomination.