Field
Humanities, Pscyhology
Publishing in the Whitman Journal of Psychology (WWJOP) is a great opportunity for high school students to share original work in psychology and the behavioral sciences through a free, peer-reviewed platform.
Because WWJOP emphasises strong methodology, thoughtful analysis, and clear communication, the process can seem a little intimidating at first. This guide breaks everything down simply, helping you understand what WWJOP looks for and how to prepare a competitive submission.
What Kind of Work Can You Submit?
WWJOP accepts empirical research papers, literature reviews or theoretical essays, and applied or commentary articles. Empirical papers typically follow standard APA sections such as Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. Literature reviews and theoretical essays synthesise existing research to build or critique ideas, while applied/commentary articles explore real-world implications or perspectives.
WWJOP also accepts podcasts exploring psychology topics that are engaging, relevant, and thought-provoking for teenage listeners. Each episode should be around 20 minutes long, and may be in either audio or video format.
Across all submissions, WWJOP values clarity, strong reasoning, ethical research practice, and meaningful contributions to fields such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and behavioural economics.
Eligibility
The primary author must be a high school student (grades 9–12). Manuscripts must be original, unpublished, and not under consideration elsewhere. Students may receive support from mentors or teachers, but the work must reflect the student’s own thinking, writing, and scholarly independence.
Publication Fee
WWJOP is free to submit to and publish. No submission or publication fees are required.
Submission Process
Students submit manuscripts through the WWJOP online portal here when submissions are open. Authors should ensure that all contributor information is accurate and that figures, tables, and citations follow APA and WWJOP guidelines - you can find the details in the RISE guide to apply to WWJOP. The journal is not currently accepting submissions, so students should check the WWJOP website for updates and upcoming submission windows.
Review Timeline
WWJOP follows a multi-step review process:
Initial Editorial Screening
Peer Review by trained high-school and higher-level reviewers
Revision Cycle
Final Decision
Most decisions take about 15–20 weeks from initial submission. Authors are expected to respond promptly and thoughtfully to reviewer and editor comments.
RISE Tips for Getting Accepted
Based on top submissions reviewed by RISE, competitive WWJOP papers generally:
State a clear and focused research question or hypothesis early in the manuscript.
Use structured APA-style organization to guide readers through the paper.
Connect results, evidence, or theory directly to the main research question.
Discuss limitations, alternative interpretations, and the scope of conclusions.
Maintain concise and formal academic writing without unnecessary jargon.
Use visuals (graphs, tables) purposefully to clarify key arguments.
Follow ethical research standards, including proper citation, accurate reporting, and acknowledgment of support or mentorship.
Application Deadline
WWJOP opens submissions periodically, but is currently not accepting submissions.
Sample Papers
Past publications and sample submissions are available here.
RISE Research Program
If you’re a high school student aiming for competitive journals, RISE Research gives you the chance to work one-on-one with mentors from leading universities worldwide. With individualised guidance and support in building independent research projects, students often produce high-quality work suitable for top publications, while also developing a strong academic profile. The program is flexible, accessible globally, and open for applications throughout the year. To explore eligibility, pricing, and how to begin, visit the RISE Research website and take the next step in your academic journey!
Check out more guides
