Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a sampling of frequently asked questions regarding the Collegiate Advertising Awards. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, or have a more specific inquiry, please feel free to contact us directly.


Can I submit my entries online / digitally?

YES! 😎

Entries can now be submitted and paid for online! Simply choose the “Enter Online”button and fill out the entry form. You will be able to drag and drop your artwork/radio/video files into the gray box in section 8. There is no limit to the number of entries submitted. You will receive a confirmation email once the files have been downloaded. If you choose to finish your entries at a later time, you will receive a link via email to go back to your entries.

ACCEPTED FILE FORMATS: PDF, JPEG, MP3 as well as all digital video formats. If you have a video file over 20mb and are concerned about upload time, we suggest that you provide a word document or pdf with a hyperlink to where the video can be viewed or contact us at 828-506-1000 for other options.

PAYMENT: When you finish submitting your entries, choose the black “Finish and Review” button at the bottom where you will have the option to review your entries and then proceed to our TLS-secured payment page. A payment receipt will be emailed to you. The charge will appear on your credit card statement as “Awards Program Services.” If you choose to mail in your payment or request an invoice, payment must be received by January 24, 2020.

How is the judging conducted?

All entries for each category are placed together for judging by a panel of design and higher education marketing professionals with decades of combined experience. Entries are judged on: Creativity, Layout/Design, Typography, Production, Quality & Overall Effectiveness.

Judges Choice trophies and Beautiful, Gold, Silver, and Bronze certificates are issued by both Group and Category. Judge’s Choice trophiess are presented to Division winners receiving a perfect score from the judges.

What materials are eligible?

All advertising/marketing materials developed, produced and/or distributed during the calendar year 2019 are eligible for the 2019 program.

When will the winners be announced?

Winners will be posted on the Collegiate Advertising Awards’ website, www.CollegiateAdAwards.com/winners.  An email will be sent out notifying the organization designated on the entry form (#6). All awards will also be sent to the organization designated on the Entry Form (#6). Duplicate awards may be purchased. Duplicate awards may be purchased.

How much are entry fees?

POSTMARKED BY OR ON DECEMBER 2, 2019

SINGLE ENTRIES – $50.00/each

TOTAL AD CAMPAIGNS – $75.00/each

SERIES ENTRIES – $75.00/each

POSTMARKED AFTER 12/02/19 BUT ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 10, 2020 (LATE ENTRIES)

ADD ONE TIME LATE FEE OF $25 (NOT PER ENTRY)

How can I pay the entry fees?

Enclose one check for the total amount of all entries with a copy of each Entry Form, together, in an envelope marked “Payment”. (Make checks payable to: Creative Images, Inc.)

Payments can also be sent under separate cover if needed.

Visa, MasterCard, or American Express are also accepted.

* Please be sure to check the correct box on the entry form to indicate how payment will be provided.

Where do I ship my entries?

Ship all entries to:

Creative Images, Inc.
“COLLEGIATE AD AWARDS”
141 Willets Road
Sylva, NC 28779

How do I submit my mailed entries?

MOUNTED ITEMS: Mount all one sided materials… newspaper ads, magazine ads, posters, billboards, outdoor transit, logos, letterhead, etc., on a display board with the Entry Form attached. Photos of billboards or outdoor transit are acceptable. No specific size requirements in mounting. PDF Files are accepted.

PRINTED MATERIALS: For multiple sided entries, (brochures, annual reports, direct mail, magazines, handbooks, etc.) place the entry in an envelope or box along with the Entry Form. PDF Files are accepted.

RADIO SPOTS: Submit radio entries on a CD in an envelope with an Entry Form attached.

VIDEO/TV: Submit television and special video productions on DVD. Video entries should be submitted in an envelope with an Entry Form attached.  Digital files such as MP4, AVI, MOV and WMV are preferred.

CAMPAIGNS/SERIES: Submit total advertising campaigns and series entries in a large envelope or box. Make sure an Entry Form is attached securely to outside of envelope or box. All media including TV & Radio should be included for campaigns. PDF Files are accepted.

WEBSITE: Write the url as the Name of Entry (See #1 on the Entry Form).

SOCIAL MEDIA: Entries may be submitted as a link, pdf and.or print.

MOBILE & APPS: Mobile website/app entries must be accessible via iTunes or placed on media with appropriate download instructions. They will be judged on a mobile device.

Click here to download an entry form.

What is the best category for my entry?

Select the category that you feel best describes your entry. The judges will reassign entries into a more suitable category if the need arises.

Will my entries be returned to me?

Mailed entries will not be returned. Collegiate Ad Award entrants agree that all entries may be reprinted non-exclusively in Yearbooks and other promotional materials affiliated with Creative Images, Inc. Entrants hold or will secure the necessary licenses for use of all creative content embodied in any of the entries.

May I submit the same entry in additional categories?

Yes, you may enter the same entry in additional categories, but you must include an additional entry fee as well as send a duplicate copy of the entry to be judged. All categories are judged separately.

How many winners per category?

There is no set number of awards. Depending on the number of entries per category and the quality of the materials the judges assign appropriate awards depending on the entry’s overall score. The judges reserved the right to assign no winner to a category if the quality of submissions does not meet their expectations.