Are you a high school student interested in publishing your research? Or perhaps you’re wondering how to stand out in college applications by demonstrating academic excellence? One powerful way to do both is by publishing in academic journals—yes, as a high school student!
Today, I’ve compiled a list of 8 reputable journals that accept submissions from high school students. Whether you’re in STEM or humanities, there’s an opportunity here for you.
Why Should High School Students Publish?
Before diving into the list, let’s understand why publishing matters:
- College Applications: Publication in an academic journal demonstrates genuine intellectual curiosity and research capability—qualities top universities actively seek.
- Skill Development: The process of writing a research paper teaches critical thinking, academic writing, and how to engage with expert feedback.
- Contribution to Knowledge: Even as a high school student, your unique perspective and research can contribute to broader academic conversations.
- Career Exploration: Publishing early helps you explore whether academic research is something you might want to pursue in college and beyond.
8 Journals for High School Students
📌 STEM (Science & Engineering)
1. Journal of Emerging Investigators
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Students with research experience
A peer-reviewed journal specifically designed for high school students conducting scientific research. Covers biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science.
Website: emerginginvestigators.org
2. Journal of Academia and Science (JAAS)
Difficulty: Easy / Beginner-friendly
Best for: Middle school and freshman students
Review period: 2-6 months. A great starting point for students just beginning their research journey.
Website: jaas.org
3. Journal of Student Science and Technology (JSST)
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Best for: Students with strong scientific background
Known for fast review cycle and high quality standards. Strict but rewarding peer review process.
Website: jsst.ca
4. Frontiers for Young Minds
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Non-native English speakers
Article difficulty is low, review cycle is relatively long. Great option for international students or those still building English academic skills.
Website: kids.frontiersin.org
5. International Journal of High School Research (IJHSR)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Students with completed research projects
Can publish research projects with fast review and high value. A solid credential for college applications.
Website: ijhsr.org
📚 Humanities & Social Sciences
6. The Concord Review (TCR)
Difficulty: Very Difficult / Highly Selective
Best for: Students with exceptional history or social science research
The only academic journal that publishes history research papers by high school students worldwide. Only publishes about a dozen articles per year—extremely prestigious.
Website: tcr.org
7. Young Scientist Journal (YSJ)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: STEM students seeking rigorous review
Moderate difficulty with strict but instructive peer review. Helps students improve their research through constructive feedback.
Website: ysjournal.com
8. Journal of High School Science (JHSS)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Students with some research foundation
Relatively fast review with moderate difficulty. Suitable for students who have already completed a research project and want to publish it.
Website: jhss.org
How to Get Started
1. Choose Your Topic
Pick something you’re genuinely interested in. Research takes time and effort—you’ll need passion to see it through.
2. Find a Mentor
Consider finding a teacher or professor who can guide your research. Many universities have programs for high school students.
3. Start Small
If you’re new to research, start with easier journals like JAAS or Frontiers for Young Minds. Build experience before targeting more competitive journals.
4. Understand the Format
Each journal has specific submission guidelines. Read them carefully—following instructions is part of the evaluation.
5. Be Patient
Peer review takes time. Some journals take months to respond. Use this time to improve your paper or start a new project.
My Thoughts
Publishing as a high school student is an incredible achievement, but it’s not the only path to college success. The skills you develop through research—critical thinking, academic writing, handling feedback—are valuable whether or not your paper gets published.
For Saoirse (entering Mitty High School), my recommendation is to start exploring interests in 9th grade, try a small research project in 10th grade, and aim for your first submission in 11th grade. This gives you time to develop skills without pressure.
Remember: the goal isn’t just publication—it’s learning to think like a researcher and contributing to knowledge, even in a small way. That’s what truly matters.
Resources
- Your School Counselor: Can help identify local research opportunities
- University Programs: Many offer summer research programs for high school students
- Online Platforms: Sites like AoPS and Research Buddy can help connect you with mentors
Note: Always check each journal’s website for the most current submission guidelines, deadlines, and requirements.
