Top High School Research Journals: How to Publish Your Research and Understand the Review Process

Publishing research in high school is an impressive achievement that can significantly enhance your college application, build your skills, and connect you with mentors. High school research journals like the Journal of Emerging Investigators, National High School Journal of Science, and The Concord Review offer unique opportunities for students to publish original research in fields from STEM to humanities. In this guide, we’ll break down the review process, timeline, and requirements for publishing in high school journals, providing a roadmap to help you navigate your way to publication.

Why Publish in High School Research Journals?

Publishing in a high school journal gives you experience in peer review and academic writing, important skills if you’re interested in STEM fields, history, or any research-intensive subject. The review process for these journals also helps students improve their research quality, preparing them for future academic challenges. The benefits include:

• College Admissions Edge: Research experience is valued in competitive admissions.
• Skill Development: You’ll build strong research, writing, and revision skills.
• Mentorship: Some journals connect you with professionals or graduate students who review your work.
• Career Exploration: Publishing early can clarify your career interests.

Top High School Research Journals and Their Review Processes

Below is an overview of the most well-regarded high school research journals, along with how their review processes work. Most of these journals follow a similar structure: submission, initial review, peer review, revisions, and final acceptance. Let’s go through each step in detail.

1. Initial Submission & Screening

The first step after submitting your work to a journal like The National High School Journal of Science (NHSJS) or Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI) is an initial screening. This process checks if your submission meets the basic guidelines, such as originality, formatting, and adherence to the journal’s requirements.

• Outcome: If your paper meets the basic requirements, it will proceed to peer review. Some journals may reject submissions at this stage if they do not meet the minimum standards or if the topic is outside the journal’s scope.
• Duration: This phase can take between a few days to a week.

2. Peer Review Process

The peer review process is where the real feedback begins. This stage often involves multiple reviewers, which could be high school students, graduate students, or professionals in the field. Journals like JEI and Young Scientists Journal assign reviewers to assess the quality, methodology, clarity, originality, and overall contribution of your work. Here’s how it works:

• Reviewers’ Role: They examine the scientific rigor, clarity, and originality of your paper. If you’ve submitted to a journal focused on high school STEM research, like JEI, reviewers will pay close attention to your experimental design, data analysis, and interpretations.
• Outcome: Reviewers recommend whether the paper should be accepted with revisions, rejected, or accepted as is (the latter is rare for high school journals).
• Duration: Peer review can last from 4 weeks to several months, depending on the journal.

3. Revisions Based on Feedback

Once you’ve received feedback, it’s time for revisions. High school journals like The Concord Review and STEM Fellowship Journal expect students to take reviewer feedback seriously and make appropriate changes. Common revision areas include clarifying methodology, strengthening arguments, improving data analysis, or correcting formatting.

• Process: This may involve a single round of revisions or multiple rounds. It’s common to be asked to clarify data interpretation, add citations, or improve the structure of your paper.
• Outcome: After revising, you’ll resubmit for further review. In some cases, journals may require another round of peer review to ensure revisions are satisfactory.
• Duration: Revisions can take from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the scope of feedback and the journal’s timeline.

4. Final Acceptance and Publication

After revisions, the journal’s editorial team will review the final version of your paper. The final decision—whether to accept or reject your paper—is made based on how well you addressed the reviewers' feedback.

• Final Outcome: If accepted, your paper is published in an upcoming issue of the journal. Some journals, like Journal of Student Research, publish accepted papers online, making them accessible to a global audience.
• Duration: Once accepted, publication can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the journal’s publication schedule.

Examples of Review Processes in Specific High School Journals

Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI)

• Peer Review Process: Conducted by graduate students and professional scientists.
• Timeline: Typically 6-8 weeks for initial review.
• Cost: A $35 submission fee, with need-based waivers available.
• Mentorship Requirement: A mentor or parent must submit on behalf of the student.

The Concord Review

• Focus: High school history research papers.
• Review Process: Essays are reviewed by experts in history, who assess for historical insight, writing quality, and originality.
• Timeline: Known for its selectivity, with only about 5% of submissions accepted.
• Cost: $70 submission fee; $200 publication fee upon acceptance.

Young Scientists Journal

• Peer Review Process: Managed by students aged 12-20, with feedback provided by student editors and professionals.
• Timeline: Typically several months.
• Cost: Free to submit and publish.

STEM Fellowship Journal

• Peer Review Process: Primarily data science-focused and reviewed by students and professional reviewers.
• Timeline: Extended to 4-5 months.
• Cost: CAD 400 upon acceptance.

Journal of Student Research

• Review Process: Faculty-reviewed, with a 12-24 week timeline for peer review.
• Mentorship: Submission must be guided by a teacher or advisor.
• Cost: $50 submission fee; $200 publication fee upon acceptance.

Key Tips for Successfully Publishing in High School Research Journals

To improve your chances of getting published in high school research journals, consider these tips:

1. Select the Right Journal: Align your work with the journal’s focus, whether it's history, STEM, or interdisciplinary research.
2. Follow Submission Guidelines: Every journal has specific guidelines. Ensure your paper meets their standards before submitting.
3. Seek Mentorship: A mentor can provide guidance on experimental design, data analysis, and writing quality, which can be especially helpful for STEM or advanced research projects.
4. Be Prepared for Revisions: Most high school journals require revisions. Take reviewer feedback seriously and make improvements accordingly.
5. Plan for Costs: Some journals, like JEI and The Concord Review, have submission and publication fees, while others, like Young Scientists Journal, are free.

Final Thoughts on Publishing in High School Journals

Navigating the publishing process can be challenging, but it’s an invaluable experience that builds academic and professional skills. From understanding the basics of peer review to learning how to handle constructive criticism, publishing in a high school research journal can set you apart in college applications and future academic pursuits. Whether you’re submitting to a STEM journal like JEI or a humanities-focused publication like The Concord Review, taking the time to understand the process can make all the difference.

Consider looking into Nova Research, or reaching out to a teacher or mentor who can help you polish your work and provide guidance throughout the submission process. With the right preparation and persistence, you can share your research with a broader audience and gain recognition for your hard work.