For students aiming to apply to top U.S. universities, having strong grades is essential, but soft skills also play a crucial role in enhancing applications. Besides extracurricular activities, publishing research papers can significantly boost college applications.

For high school students, getting research papers published in prestigious journals can greatly increase the chances of being admitted to their dream universities. So, among the many scientific journals, which ones are best suited for publishing high school research?

Today, Embark mentors  share the top 8 high-impact journals for publishing student research.

Stanford Intersect

Eligibility: Open to high school students worldwide, with no restrictions on grade level or nationality. Any high school student interested in STEM fields can apply.

Subjects: Primarily focuses on natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities, but is not limited to these subjects.

Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI)

Eligibility: Open to middle and high school students of any grade level, including those outside the U.S.

Subjects: Publishes original research papers in natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics, and also accepts research in the humanities and social sciences.

Journal Overview: The Journal of Emerging Investigators is a peer-reviewed academic journal initiated and edited by middle and high school students. Its goal is to encourage and support young scholars in conducting original research in science and engineering and to publish their findings. Publishing in this journal can help students publicly share their research and lay the foundation for future academic work.

The Concord Review

Eligibility: Open only to high school students, with no nationality restrictions.

Subjects: Accepts papers in all subjects, including natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and arts.

Journal Overview: Established in 1987, The Concord Review  is an academic journal featuring essays written by high school students. It aims to encourage research and improve writing skills among high schoolers. The journal publishes four issues per year, each featuring four to six essays. Submissions must be at least 5,000 words and undergo a rigorous review process. Contributors must submit a research paper and have a teacher as an advisor. This journal helps applicants demonstrate their research and writing skills and showcases their passion for academics.

Young Scientist Journal

Eligibility: Open to middle and high school students globally, with no restrictions on grade level or nationality.

Subjects: Accepts all subjects, including natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Journal Overview: Founded in 2006, the Young Scientist Journal is a science research journal led by students worldwide. It aims to showcase outstanding scientific research by students and allows them to experience the research process and publish their findings. All submissions are edited and reviewed by students. Additionally, the Young Scientist Journal is recognized by the New York State Education Department and is acknowledged by several top U.S. universities as an academic journal.

The Journal of Student Research (JSR)

Eligibility: Open to high school and college students worldwide, including international students, with no restrictions on grade level or nationality.

Subjects: Accepts original research in all academic fields, including natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and engineering.

Overview: The Journal of Student Research is a peer-reviewed academic journal that provides a platform for high school and college students to publish their research. JSR adheres to academic publishing standards, and all articles undergo peer review. Additionally, JSR articles are included in many university libraries and academic research institutions.

The High School Journal

Eligibility: Open to high school students globally, with no restrictions on grade level or nationality.

Subjects: Accepts papers in all academic fields, including natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Overview: Published by the School of Education at the University of North Carolina, The High School Journal features academic research papers by high school students across various disciplines. Articles are completed independently by students and published after anonymous review. The journal aims to encourage academic research among high school students, helping them develop critical thinking and writing skills, and providing a platform to showcase their research.

National High School Journal of Science (NHSJS)

Eligibility: Open to all high school students globally, with no specific grade level or nationality restrictions.

Subjects: Focuses on STEM-related fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, computer science, and engineering.

Overview: The National High School Journal of Science is an academic journal edited by high school students, aimed at fostering a passion for science and inquiry. It accepts research papers in natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, technology, and related fields, with all papers undergoing peer review. The editorial team consists of high school students from around the world, providing opportunities to enhance academic skills and develop international perspectives and leadership.

Horizon Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences Research

Eligibility: Open to all high school students worldwide, regardless of nationality or grade level.

Subjects: Focuses on humanities and social sciences.

Overview: The Horizon Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences Research is an academic journal initiated by Horizon Research Publishing Corporation. It provides a platform for high school students globally to share their research findings in the humanities and social sciences. The editorial team is composed of experienced professors and professionals who rigorously review and edit each article to ensure quality and academic standards. Being published in this journal can help students showcase their academic achievements and research abilities.

These are the eight academic journals compiled by Embark researchers that are suitable for high school students to publish their papers. We hope this information is helpful to you.

In conclusion, publishing research in high-quality journals is an excellent way for high school students to demonstrate their academic potential and stand out in U.S. college applications. However, conducting impactful research and crafting publishable papers requires proper guidance and support. This is where Embark can make a difference.

Since its inception in 2016, Embark has been designing tailored scientific research training programs for teenagers, igniting their research potential. Our core team comprises graduates from top American universities with extensive academic expertise and teaching experience.

Embark collaborates with over 3,000 exceptional mentors from world-renowned institutions, including the Ivy League, MIT, Caltech, Johns Hopkins University, and Carnegie Mellon University. Through personalized one-on-one research mentorship, we craft unique research topics aligned with each student’s interests and strengths.

 Embark Exploration Program  helps students systematically develop research skills, build solid research frameworks, and connect their projects with real-world applications, ensuring they fully understand the significance of their work.

In addition, Embark empowers students to take the initiative in prestigious STEM competitions , encouraging them to delve deeper into their research interests and turn their ideas into reality. By unlocking their full potential, students are able to shine on the global stage and showcase their talents to the world.These invaluable experiences significantly boost students’ competitiveness in university applications, making them better prepared for future academic and professional pursuits.

For more information about the Embark Exploration Program and how we can help you achieve your research and academic goals, please visit our website[4] . Feel free to contact us  with any questions or to discuss collaboration opportunities—we’re here to support and guide you every step of the way.