Getting your research published
What does it mean to have your research published? In nutshell, getting published means that the research work has gone through a process of “peer -reviewing”.
Publications use a process call “peer review”, which means that the fellow researchers or experts in that field of research have analyzed, critiqued, and ultimately approved of your research. They have accepted your research as legitimate. This process is usually “double blinded”, meaning that the reviewer does not know who the research belongs to, and the author does not know who the reviewer is. Getting your research approved and printed in an academic journal is the ultimate hope and dream come true for every high school researcher.
But getting the research published is far more complicated process then it seems. Not every publication site or journals have the same level of rigor and reputation. Credible academic journals follow high standards of “peer review” and rigorous selection criteria. Publishing in reputable journals is hard and not accessible for most high school students, and students need to be careful not to fall for predatory publishing sites and journals out there. Some journals restore to false advertising and false promises to attract students. Students should carefully evaluate and consider following factors to determine publisher’s credibility: [3]
1. Peer review process: All reputable journals follow a rigorous peer review process to verify the quality of the research article
2. Time of publication: It usually takes a long time to go through the peer review and publishing procedure with credible journals. From submission to getting reviewed and finally to get approved for publication, the process can take months and even a year. Beware of fast publishing journals which suggest loose standard of the review policy.
3. Who is on the editorial board? Credible journals have editorial boards or other governing bodies whose members are renowned experts in that area of research.
4. Ranking of publication or journal sites: Ranking is a great way to assess the credibility and quality of academic journals
5. Publication fees: In “pay to get published” type journals or subscription-based journals usually authors may be required to pay for submission or publication. But most reputable journals are open access to all journals.
6. Selectivity: Reputable publications or journals are extremely competitive and selective in their selection process; they provide very strong external feedback of their researchers.
Hopefully now you have a better understanding of how to evaluate the credibility and quality of research publications and journals out there. Be wise and don’t fall prey to false promises and advertising.
What type of research can be published?
Almost any type of research can be published if it is authentic, academically relevant and performed under mandated guidelines. If the research involves conducting an actual experiment to prove or disapprove a theory, to answer a valid research question and includes subject testing, data collection, data analysis, then it sets the bar high. This type of experimental research is considered stronger in rigor and holds greater chance of publication. If the research or the written paper involves literature review, then the content and synthesis of the paper should be extraordinary and very strong to be considered for publication.
Where to get published?
Not all the publications hold the same value. Getting your research accepted in a highly selective journals most certainly makes a stronger case for your college application. Not only getting published in a reputable journal establishes your credibility as a researcher it also opens future door in the world of academia. First types of journals that students should consider are highly selective high school and college level publications like “The Concord Review” and “The Columbia Junior Science Journal”. These journals follow a rigorous “peer review” process and accept only limited number on research papers. For example, The Concord Review accepts only 45 student research papers each year out of estimated close to 1000 submissions. The Columbia Junior Science Journal selects only 15-20 papers per year. Next level of journals are rigorous, peer-reviewed publications. These journals are peer-reviewed by the researchers who hold doctorate degree in that field, these reviewers will then give in-depth feedback to the students. Examples of some of these highly prestigious peer reviewed journals are “The Journal of Emerging Investigators” or “The Journal of Student Research”. [2]
Here are some of the most highly selective journals to consider when trying to look for a reputable publication site: [3]
1. Journal of student research
Multidisciplinary
Journal of Student Research (jsr.org).
Journal of Student Research (JSR) is an Academic, Multidisciplinary, and Faculty-reviewed Journal (Houston, Texas) devoted to the rapid dissemination of current research published by high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.
2. The Columbia Junior Science Journal
Sciences, Engineering
The Columbia Junior Science Journal (cjsjournal.org)
The Columbia Junior Science Journal is a high school research journal seeking one- to two-page original research papers or two- to five-page review articles. They provide high school students with a platform to publish manuscripts in the fields of natural sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and social sciences. Selected CJSJ authors demonstrate the ability to communicate research projects to the public and scientific community. CJSJ promotes the development of young researchers versed in technical and communication skills.
3. Journal Of Emerging Investigators
Biological and Physical Sciences
Home | Journal of Emerging Investigators
The Journal of Emerging Investigators is an open-access journal that publishes original research in the biological and physical sciences that is written by middle and high school students. JEI provides students, under the guidance of a teacher or advisor, the opportunity to submit and gain feedback on original research and to publish their findings in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Because grade-school students often lack access to formal research institutions, we expect that the work submitted by the students may come from classroom-based projects, science fair projects or other forms of mentor-supervised research. JEI is a non-profit organization run and operated by graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and professors from across the United States.
4. The National High School Journal of Science
Sciences
The National High School Journal of Science is a free, online, student-run and peer-reviewed research journal that is targeted towards high school students. Striving to bring science to a wider audience and engaging students in learning beyond the classroom walls, our journal hopes to expose young people to new ideas and topics. This high school student-run science journal always welcomes aspiring scientists to submit articles and to get involved with our publishing process.
5. International Journal of High School Research
Multidisciplinary
Home – International Journal of High School Research (ijhighschoolresearch.org)
IJHSR has been published since 2019 and is the renowned high school research journal. All manuscripts published by IJHSR are indexed internationally by EBSCO, which makes it available to be searched by most libraries around the world. IJHSR selects the highest quality of high school student research work in all areas of science, including the behavioral and social sciences, technology, engineering, and math. IJHSR publishes both original research and literature review articles. Six issues are published each year. IJHSR has a rolling admission without a deadline and has an open access to public. A publication is a higher level of presentation and requires higher level of detail and work, therefore it is more highly valued when compared to poster or oral presentations.
6. International Scholastic Journal of Science.
The International Scholastic Journal of Science is an entry-level, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to publishing the original research of secondary students in all areas of the natural sciences. The ISJOS is edited by Dr. Jonathan Eales. Papers submitted to the ISJOS undergo an editorial selection process and are then forwarded to a member of the Peer Review Board, which consists of current and former secondary school science teachers. Following peer-review and acceptance, the editor consults with the author to revise the paper according to the suggestions of the reviewer. Upon revision, the paper is sent to the reviewer for final approval. The ISJOS publishes papers on a rolling basis as they are received throughout the year. The International Scholastic Journal of Science is an online, Open-Access Journal with no author or submission fees.
7. IEEE Access
Multidisciplinary
IEEE Access: The Multidisciplinary Open Access Journal
IEEE Access is a multidisciplinary, online-only, gold fully open access journal, continuously presenting the results of original research or development across all IEEE fields of interest. Supported by article processing charges (APCs), its hallmarks are rapid peer review, a submission-to-publication time of 4 to 6 weeks, and articles that are freely available to all readers.
8. Questioz
Multidisciplinary
Questioz is an international online journal of high school research that is dedicated to promoting research and the spirit of intellectual enquiry spanning all academic disciplines - Humanities, Natural Sciences, Math, Engineering and Social Sciences - among high school students globally. Questioz is run by high school students.
It provides high school students the opportunity to showcase and garner recognition for their academic work on an international platform, and to make their contributions to their field of study known to a global audience. Questioz only publishes research articles from high school students with an advisor. We won’t be able to entertain student research papers without advisors.
9. Curiex Academic Journal
Multidisciplinary
Home | Curieux Academic Journal
The Curieux Academic Journal is a youth-led nonprofit founded in 2017 to publish exceptional research by high school and middle school students. We currently operate in California but have editors from across the nation. Submitting your paper to Curieux is a great way to get experience in the craft of academic writing, learn from our editors, and help your ideas blossom. We are open to submissions from any academic subject including the sciences and humanities. We are dedicated to helping students nationwide reach their potential and dive deeper into research.
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10. Young Scientist journal
Young Scientists Journal (ysjournal.com)
We are the Young Scientist’s Journal, an internal peer-review science journal written, reviewed, and produced by school students aged 12-20. We are based in UK. Over the past decade, we have connected students from over 50 countries and have been the vehicle of choice for many in getting their work published. Print issues of the journal are release twice a year, packed with original research, review, articles, reports, and interviews.
[1)The Complete Guide To Publishing Your Research In High School (lumiere-education.com)
[2] THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO PUBLISHING YOUR RESEARCH IN HIGH SCHOOL (counselmore.com)
[3] How to Build an Independent Research Project in High School (collegeessayguy.com)
[4]] Pioneer | 4 Misconceptions About Where Can High Schoolers Publish Research (pioneeracademics.com)
[5] Top Journals for High School Students (crimson-research-institute.com)