1. Columbia Junior Science Journal (CJSJ)
Focus: Natural Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences
Why It Stands Out:
The Columbia Junior Science Journal (CJSJ) is one of the most prestigious platforms for high school students to publish their research. Established in 2015 as a spin-off of the Columbia Undergraduate Science Journal, CJSJ provides a professional-level platform for young researchers to showcase their work. It accepts both original research papers (2-3 pages) and review articles (4-5 pages) in fields ranging from biology and chemistry to engineering and social sciences.
Submission Tips:
- Follow the journal’s strict formatting guidelines, including the use of provided templates for research papers and review articles.
- Ensure your research is original, hypothesis-driven, and clearly communicated to both scientific and lay audiences.
- Submit by the September 30, 2025 deadline for the 2024-2025 volume.
Why Choose CJSJ?
CJSJ is free to submit and offers a rigorous peer-review process, providing valuable feedback from experts in the field. Being published in CJSJ not only enhances your academic profile but also connects you with a global community of young scientists.
2. Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI)
Focus: STEM
Why It Stands Out:
JEI is a free, peer-reviewed journal that publishes original hypothesis-driven research by middle and high school students. Founded by Harvard and MIT graduate students, JEI provides detailed feedback from STEM professionals, making it an excellent learning experience for young researchers.
Submission Tips:
- Focus on original research with clear hypotheses and methodologies.
- Structure your paper with sections like Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion.
- Submit on a rolling basis, but be prepared for a review process that can take 6-8 months.
Why Choose JEI?
JEI’s mentorship-oriented approach helps students refine their research and writing skills, making it a great stepping stone for aspiring scientists.
3. National High School Journal of Science (NHSJS)
Focus: STEM and Social Sciences
Why It Stands Out:
NHSJS is a free, student-run journal that accepts both original research and literature reviews. The journal is peer-reviewed by high school students under the guidance of adult academics, ensuring a supportive and educational review process.
Submission Tips:
- Choose a topic within STEM or social sciences and ensure your research is well-documented.
- Submit on a rolling basis, but expect a 1-2 month review period.
- Consider this journal as a backup if you’re also applying to more selective publications.
Why Choose NHSJS?
NHSJS is a great way to gain early exposure to the academic publishing process while receiving constructive feedback from peers and mentors.
Why Publish in These Journals?
Publishing your research not only enhances your academic profile but also provides valuable experience in the world of scholarly communication. These free journals offer constructive feedback, mentorship, and a platform to share your work with a global audience. Whether you’re conducting a science experiment, analyzing historical events, or exploring social issues, these journals provide an accessible way to showcase your hard work and creativity.