5 Accessible Journals for High School Students to Publish Their Research
Yash Mundada
Jun 2, 2024
Publishing research as a high school student is an excellent way to demonstrate academic dedication and intellectual curiosity. However, navigating the world of academic journals can be daunting, especially when it comes to selecting journals that are approachable for first-time researchers. If you’re looking to publish your research without facing the steepest hurdles, here are five accessible journals that are perfect for high school students.
1. Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI)
The Journal of Emerging Investigators is one of the most recommended journals for high school students conducting original research in STEM fields. JEI stands out for its extensive peer-review process, which provides students with detailed feedback to refine their work. While the process can take several months, the journal is well-regarded for its approachability and high acceptance rate for hypothesis-driven research.
Subject Areas: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
Type of Research: Original hypothesis-based research
Why It’s Accessible: JEI provides constructive feedback, making it a valuable learning experience for young researchers.
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 70-75%
2. National High School Journal of Science (NHSJS)
The National High School Journal of Science is run and peer-reviewed by high school students under the guidance of adult academics. Its quick turnaround time and broad subject coverage make it an appealing choice for high school researchers. NHSJS accepts both original research and literature reviews, which means students without access to labs or data collection opportunities can still submit their work.
Subject Areas: STEM and Social Sciences
Type of Research: Original research and literature reviews
Why It’s Accessible: High acceptance rates and a rolling deadline make it beginner-friendly.
Acceptance Rate: Around 60-70%
3. Journal of Student Research (JSR)
The Journal of Student Research accepts submissions across a wide range of disciplines, from STEM to the humanities. It is particularly appealing to high school students because it allows for the publication of various types of academic work, including AP Capstone projects, research posters, and traditional research articles.
Subject Areas: Multidisciplinary (STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences)
Type of Research: Original research, literature reviews, and academic posters
Why It’s Accessible: JSR’s flexibility and high acceptance rates make it a solid option for first-time publishers.
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 70-80%
4. International Journal of High School Research (IJHSR)
The International Journal of High School Research is a peer-reviewed journal that caters specifically to high school researchers. It accepts a variety of research types, including literature reviews, making it accessible to students without extensive lab access. However, IJHSR does require students to find three qualified reviewers for their submissions, which can take extra effort.
Subject Areas: Behavioral Sciences, Social Sciences, STEM
Type of Research: Original research and literature reviews
Why It’s Accessible: Designed for high school students, with a straightforward submission process.
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 20-30%
5. Young Scientist Journal (YSJ)
The Young Scientist Journal, run by Vanderbilt University’s Center for Science Outreach, highlights the achievements of high school researchers. It accepts both original research and literature reviews, making it a suitable choice for students across disciplines. The journal’s streamlined submission process and focus on high school-level work make it an ideal starting point.
Subject Areas: STEM and Social Sciences
Type of Research: Original research and literature reviews
Why It’s Accessible: A dedicated platform for high school students with manageable requirements.
Acceptance Rate: 10-15%
Why Publish in These Journals?
Getting published in a high school-friendly journal not only boosts your college applications but also provides a valuable learning experience. Each of these journals offers beginner-friendly processes, constructive feedback, and reasonable acceptance rates, ensuring that young researchers can showcase their work confidently.
At RISE, we specialize in guiding students through the research and publication process, ensuring they choose the right journals for their work and submit polished, compelling papers. If you’re ready to take the next step in your academic journey, start with one of these accessible journals and let your research shine!