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How to Get Your Paper Published in The Concord Review
For high school students passionate about research and academic writing, submitting your work to The Concord Review can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Recognized as the premier academic journal dedicated to publishing history essays by high school students, The Concord Review provides a prestigious platform to showcase your research, writing, and intellectual exploration. While the opportunity to be published in this renowned journal is an impressive accomplishment, the acceptance process is highly competitive. To stand out, your submission must demonstrate originality, thorough research, and exceptional writing skills.
This guide will outline the essential strategies and steps to help you craft a compelling submission and increase your chances of success.
1. Understand the Submission Guidelines
Before you begin writing, carefully review The Concord Review’s submission guidelines. These guidelines specify the key requirements for submissions, including paper length (4,000 to 6,000 words), formatting, and citation style. Familiarizing yourself with these details early ensures that your paper meets the journal’s standards. Overlooking submission requirements could lead to disqualification, no matter how strong your research and writing are.
Make sure you understand the expectations for scholarly writing and citation accuracy. For example, The Concord Review emphasizes the use of proper citation formats such as Chicago or MLA. Following these standards demonstrates your attention to detail and adherence to academic norms.
2. Choose a Compelling and Original Topic
The success of your submission heavily depends on the topic you select. Choose a historical topic that fascinates you and offers opportunities to contribute new insights or perspectives to existing research. Avoid topics that are overly broad or commonly written about unless you can provide a unique angle.
For example, rather than writing a general essay on the Civil Rights Movement, you might focus on a lesser-known figure, event, or region that played a significant role. A specific, intriguing topic not only highlights your originality but also allows you to delve deeper into the nuances of history.
3. Conduct Thorough and Credible Research
Quality research is the foundation of a strong history paper. Use a wide range of reputable sources, including academic books, peer-reviewed journal articles, primary documents, and credible websites. Dive deep into your subject to develop a nuanced understanding of the context, key events, and perspectives related to your topic.
Be sure to evaluate the credibility of your sources. Primary sources, such as letters, speeches, or government documents, provide firsthand accounts, while secondary sources, such as analyses by historians, offer critical context. Combining these perspectives strengthens your arguments and demonstrates your ability to engage with a variety of materials.
4. Craft a Strong and Focused Thesis Statement
Your thesis statement is the backbone of your paper, providing a clear and concise argument that guides the entire essay. A well-crafted thesis should take a specific, arguable position supported by the evidence gathered during your research.
For example, instead of stating, "The New Deal helped America recover from the Great Depression," consider a more specific argument: "The New Deal’s public works programs transformed America’s infrastructure and redefined the federal government’s role in economic recovery, but its policies also reinforced racial inequalities in employment."
Your thesis should appear early in your paper—typically in the introduction—and be consistently woven throughout your arguments to maintain a logical flow.
5. Write, Revise, and Refine
Once you’ve completed your research and developed a clear thesis, begin drafting your paper. Focus on clarity, organization, and compelling arguments. Each paragraph should support your thesis, with evidence presented in a structured and cohesive manner.
After completing the first draft, take time to revise and refine your work. Pay attention to transitions, coherence, and grammar. Use active voice and avoid unnecessary jargon. Editing is a critical phase that can elevate your paper from good to excellent.
6. Seek Feedback from Trusted Mentors
Before submitting your paper, seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers who can provide constructive criticism. Having fresh perspectives on your work helps identify areas that need improvement. Ask for specific feedback on your thesis clarity, argument structure, and use of evidence.
Incorporate this feedback thoughtfully to strengthen your paper. Remember, revisions based on constructive criticism often result in significant improvements.
7. Submit Your Paper
When you’re confident in the quality of your paper, submit it following the process outlined in The Concord Review’s guidelines. Double-check every detail, from citation formatting to word count. Ensure your submission is free of errors and meets all requirements.
Patience is key after submission, as the review process may take several weeks or months. Use this time to reflect on what you’ve learned and continue exploring other research opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Publishing in The Concord Review is a remarkable achievement that can boost your academic profile and showcase your dedication to scholarly pursuits. By following these steps—choosing a compelling topic, conducting thorough research, crafting a strong thesis, seeking feedback, and adhering to submission guidelines—you maximize your chances of success.
If you’re looking to hone your research and writing skills further, consider programs like Nova Scholar, which pair high school students with mentors from top universities. With expert guidance and resources, you can develop advanced research projects that stand out in competitive arenas like The Concord Review.
Good luck with your research and submissions—your hard work and intellectual curiosity can lead to extraordinary opportunities!
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