Publishing research in high school can do more than enhance a résumé. It demonstrates intellectual curiosity, initiative, academic maturity, and the ability to contribute to real scholarly conversations, which are all qualities highly selective universities value.
But many students struggle to answer practical questions:
Which journals actually accept high school research?
Are some journals more respected than others?
Do you need original research or are literature reviews accepted?
How selective are these publications?
Which journals fit STEM vs humanities research?
This guide breaks down reputable journals and publication opportunities for high school students across STEM, humanities, social sciences, psychology, and business.
Best Research Journals for High School Students
1. Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI)
The Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI) is one of the most respected research journals designed specifically for middle and high school students.
It is particularly well known for publishing original hypothesis-driven research in STEM fields, though some non-STEM work may also qualify if it follows a rigorous research methodology.
As it's so respected the review process is rigorous and can take 8 months, their feedback is detailed, and strong methodology and data analysis are essential.
Best for: Students conducting serious original research with strong mentorship support.
Subject areas:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Engineering
Environmental science
Some quantitative social sciences
2. National High School Journal of Science (NHSJS)
NHSJS is a peer-reviewed journal run by high school students and contributors from around the world.
It publishes work across science and social science disciplines and is often considered a more accessible publication option for students entering research for the first time.
Best for: Students seeking a credible and moderately selective publication opportunity.
Subject areas:
Natural sciences
Computer science
Psychology
Social sciences
3. International Journal of High School Research (IJHSR)
IJHSR accepts both original research papers and literature reviews across STEM and social science disciplines.
One unique feature is that students must secure three professors or postdoctoral researchers to review the work before publication.
IJHSR does accept literature reviews. Their reviewer coordination also takes awhile.
Best for: Students with strong mentorship networks or university research connections.
Subject areas:
STEM
Engineering
Social sciences
4. STEM Fellowship Journal
The STEM Fellowship Journal is an open-access publication supported by Canadian Science Publishing.
It focuses on STEM research and provides students with experience navigating a real academic review process.
Their review timelines are often 4–5 months, and clear scientific communication is heavily valued.
Best for: Students interested in formal STEM publication experience.
Subject areas:
Biology
Physics
Computer science
Engineering
Mathematics
5. Journal of Student Research (JSR)
JSR is a multidisciplinary journal that accepts submissions from high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.
Because of its broad scope, it is one of the more accessible publication venues for students across different disciplines.
Even though it's a student journal, structure and academic writing remain essential. It can also take a long time to be published.
Best for: Students seeking flexibility across research formats and disciplines.
Subject areas:
STEM
Humanities
Social sciences
Business
Interdisciplinary research
6. Journal of High School Science (JHSS)
JHSS is a peer-reviewed journal focused specifically on high school STEM research.
It is moderately selective and often serves as a practical publication target for students completing advanced independent projects.
Best for: Students pursuing STEM-focused college applications.
Subject areas:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Engineering
Mathematics
7. Stanford Intersect
Stanford Intersect is run by Stanford University undergraduates and focuses on the intersection of science, technology, and society.
The journal is known for being highly selective, so writing quality expectations are high.
Best for: Advanced students who show original insight and are interested in interdisciplinary analysis and societal impact.
Subject areas:
Technology ethics
Public policy
Science and society
Innovation analysis
8. Young Scientist Journal
Sponsored by Vanderbilt University, Young Scientist Journal is a selective publication platform recognizing strong high school STEM research.
Best for: Students with polished STEM projects and strong mentorship.
Subject areas:
Biological sciences
Physical sciences
Environmental sciences
9. The Concord Review
The Concord Review is one of the most prestigious journals for high school history essays.
It publishes exceptionally strong academic history research and is highly selective. So original argumentation and source analysis are critical.
Best for: Students who demonstrate serious historical scholarship and want to publish in a prestigious journal.
Subject areas:
History
Historical analysis
Political history
International relations
10. Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
JHSS publishes high school research in humanities and social science disciplines.
The journal is known for rigorous review standards and academic selectivity.
Best for: Students conducting advanced humanities or social science research.
Subject areas:
Sociology
Philosophy
Political science
Literature
Economics
11. Open Journal of Business and Management (OJBM)
OJBM publishes research related to business and management topics.
For students interested in economics, entrepreneurship, or finance, this can provide an opportunity to demonstrate specialized academic interest.
Best for: Students interested in business, economics, and entrepreneurship.
Subject areas:
Business
Finance
Management
Economics
12. Curieux Academic Journal
Curieux Academic Journal is a nonprofit publication platform accepting research across STEM, humanities, and social sciences.
It is often considered more accessible than highly selective journals.
Best for: Students seeking an approachable first publication opportunity.
Subject areas:
STEM
Humanities
Social sciences
13. Journal of Research High School (JRHS)
JRHS publishes research written exclusively by high school students across both science and humanities disciplines.
Best for: Students looking for a student-centered publication experience.
Subject areas:
Sciences
Humanities
Interdisciplinary research
14. Walt Whitman Journal of Psychology (WWJOP)
WWJOP is a student-led journal focused specifically on psychology research conducted by high school students.
Best for: Students interested in psychology, neuroscience, or behavioral science.
Subject areas:
Psychology
Behavioral science
Cognitive science
Why Publishing Research in High School Matters
Publishing research is not a requirement for admission to top universities.
However, for students pursuing highly competitive programs, especially in STEM, medicine, economics, public policy, or humanities research, publication can provide strong evidence of:
Advanced academic engagement
Independent thinking
Research and writing ability
Commitment to a field of interest
Long-term intellectual development
Selective universities are increasingly looking for students who go beyond classroom achievement. Strong grades alone are often not enough.
That said, admissions officers also understand that publication opportunities vary significantly by school, country, and access to mentorship.
A published paper will not compensate for weak academics or extracurricular depth, but meaningful research experience can strengthen an already strong application.
What Types of Research Can High School Students Publish?
Different journals accept different kinds of work. Before submitting, students should understand whether a journal accepts:
Original hypothesis-driven research
Literature reviews
Social science analysis
Engineering projects
Humanities essays
AP Capstone or independent research projects
Many journals also vary in selectivity, review timelines, and mentorship requirements.
How to Choose the Right Journal
The “best” journal depends on your goals, research quality, mentorship access, and timeline.
Students should evaluate:
Whether the journal accepts their research type
Review timelines
Selectivity
Subject alignment
Formatting requirements
Mentorship expectations
A highly selective journal may strengthen credibility, but a well-executed research project matters more than prestige alone.
Get Mentoring and Be Published in High School
ScienceFair works with Indigo Research to provide coaching with Ivy League and Oxbrige mentors to write and publish their research papers. Schedule a call with our team, and we'll help you build a plan that works for your specific project, timeline, and goals.
