Publishing research as a high school student can seem intimidating, but don't worry! It's entirely doable, and it is a highly rewarding experience! Regardless if you want to publish in a science-based journal, review in the humanities, or multidisciplinary, the process is largely the same. The following discussion will help break down each task and help you stay organized, be clear, and help ensure it is interesting!
1. Pick a focused, relevant topic
The first - and likely the most important - step is choosing a topic. Your topic should be:
Interesting to you: Nothing fuels perseverance like passion.
Relevant: Address a new issue or a gap in the literature.
Narrowed down: Climate change is too broad, but the impact of urban green spaces on local temperatures in Mumbai is focused.
Tip: Look through the last few issues of your preferred journal to find what is relevant and perhaps where your contribution will be unique.
2. Conduct background research
Before you can provide new knowledge, you need to learn what is known. Use:
Google Scholar
JSTOR
Your school or local library databases.
As you read take notes on:
Key findings
Methods
Gaps or unanswered questions
Organize your notes by theme or question so that locating it later is easier.
3. Develop a Purposeful Research Question or Hypothesis
The foundation of a good research paper begins with a well-defined question or hypothesis. For example:
Research Question: How does screen time influence the academic performance of high school students?
Hypothesis: Students whose average screen time is three or more hours a day will report lower GPA than students whose standard screen time is less.
Try to ensure your question is specific, measurable and can be researched with available resources and in a timely manner.
Make sure your question is specific, measurable and able to be researched through available resources in a timely manner.
4. Formulate a Sound Method
How will you answer your research question? This is what your methodology was! Most methodologies are either:
Surveys/questionnaires: Great to collect opinions, or self reported information.
Experiments: Good for testing cause and effect.
Interviews: Great for rich, qualitative data.
Analysis of data: If you already have access to data from a previous study.
Ethics: If the research involves people, you must get consent and follow your school's ethical guidelines.
5. Make a Written Outline
A detailed outline will help you write in a logical fashion. Generally speaking, the outline for a typical research paper is as follows:
Title
Abstract (a small summary)
Introduction (background for study, and research question)
Methodology (how you did your research)
Results (what you found)
Discussion (what your results mean)
Conclusion (summary and implications)
References (sources you relied on)
Draft bullet points for each of the sections before you begin writing.
6. Drafting the Content
Now, take your outline and write your draft. To keep your draft concise and readable:
Introduction: Set the stage, identify what your research question is and why it is important.
Methods: Explain exactly what you did, such that another person could replicate your study fully.
Results: Present your data as clearly as possible; using tables or graphs if it makes sense.
Discussion: Interpret what your results show; present your study limitations, and discuss how your findings relate to existing research and findings.
Conclusion: Restate your key points and identify avenues for future research.
Tip: Use clear and simple language. Your audience should be able to understand your writing regardless of background. Avoid jargon unless you have defined it.
7. Revise and Edit Ruthlessly
Excellent writing is rewriting. After the first draft:
Have a break: or a pause on the draft, so you can approach your writing with fresh eyes.
Read for clarity: Is it easy to follow the argument you are presenting?
Cut the unnecessary words: Make every sentence work for you.
Check for grammar and spelling: Use tools such as Grammarly, but also proof your work yourself.
Seek out collaborators for input: Educators, mentors, and peers can often identify issues that you may have missed.
8. Read and Follow Submission Guidelines Closely
Every journal has its own submission requirements. Before you go to submit:
Format your article according to the journal’s requirements (font size, line spacing, reference style, etc.).
Confirm the total word count and breakdown for different sections (abstract, methods, etc.).
Assemble any supplementary materials (such as a cover letter, author's biography, etc.).
Tip: You might want to think about submitting to a journal that publishes high school research (like the Journal of Emerging Investigators or The Concord Review) because you might have a better chance of being accepted.
9. Draft an Engaging Title and Abstract
You only get one chance to make a first impression with your paper – your title and abstract!
Title: Be specific and informative. An example would be " The Effect of Exposure to Blue Light on Sleep Patterns of High School Students".
Abstract: In 150-250 words (depending on the journal), you should cover your research question, methods, main findings, and implications.
It is a good practice to write the title and abstract last, when your paper is complete and you have a good sense of what you accomplished in your research.
10. Submit Paper, and Respond to Reviewers Feedback
After you have submitted your work, all you can do is be patient! Academic review often takes weeks or months. If you wait and get a response with comments or request for revision:
Carefully read through the comments objectively.
You should revise your paper, making sure to address each point.
If you were invited to revise and resubmit, please do! If you were rejected, find another target journal and keep working!
Just keep in mind that even professional researchers experience journal rejection every now and then. Use the feedback to improve your paper and incorporate into your ongoing research metaskills.
Extra tips for standing out
Be original: Rather than just rehashing what has already been published and providing a review of what has been published, add something new.
Use visuals: Charts and graphs can give the reader a faster understanding of the data.
Cite correctly: Acknowledge all source material, and summarize using the format requested by the journal.
Be professional: Review your work, format it, and display it in a professional manner.
Recommended Journals For High School Writers
Journal of Emerging Investigators
The Concord Review
Curieux Academic Journal
STEM Fellowship Journal
Review the website of each journal to get submission procedures and due dates.
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