How to Publish a Research Paper in High School: 8 Journals to Consider
If you’ve ever wondered how to publish a research paper in high school, you’re not alone. Getting published as a high school student is a major accomplishment that shows initiative, academic curiosity, and writing skill. Whether your interests lie in creative writing, science, or the humanities, publishing your work before college can make you stand out in the admissions process. Publishing in high school means you’re not just doing work for class—you’re contributing to a larger academic or creative community. According to one guide, publication by a high school student “is one of the most important external signals” a college admissions officer can evaluate.
Colleges appreciate tangible achievements that demonstrate both depth and dedication. When you publish a research paper in high school, you’re not just completing an assignment; you’re making your work visible. In many cases, you can include a link to your published work on your Common App.
If you’re ready to take the next step, here are 8 journals that accept submissions from high school students (or emerging writers) and can help you begin your publishing journey.
1. The Adroit Journal
A strong choice if you’re pursuing creative writing in high school and want a respected venue. The Adroit Journal publishes poems, short stories, essays, interviews, reviews, and art; it also offers a free online summer writing program for high school students. [1] While it is not a “research journal” in the STEM sense, the process of submission and publication via Adroit gives you real professional-experience with editing, formatting, and publication. Its submission guidelines show that high-schoolers are eligible to submit. If you’re writing a humanities or social-science research paper (or creative nonfiction) this could be a strong fit — especially if you emphasize analysis, methodology, or original insight rather than purely creative storytelling.
2. Alexandria Quarterly
The Alexandria Quarterly publishes both visual art and literature, in print and online. The journal celebrates diverse art and writing and is known to accept strong work “regardless of the writer’s age”. (You can highlight that high-school writers are welcome even if not explicitly limited.) Because it appears in both print + online, getting published here gives you a tangible physical publication to reference on applications. If your research paper has an element of visual work, mixed-media, or creative presentation, this journal may allow a broader interpretation beyond standard scientific format.
3. AGNI
Run by Boston University, the well-regarded literary journal AGNI publishes fiction, poetry, and essays. [3] While its primary audience is broader than high school, the fact that it accepts emerging writers means high-school authors can aim for it. Getting published in AGNI while still in high school would mark a significant achievement, as you’re engaging with a venue that editors treat seriously. If your research paper takes the form of a creative or humanities essay, this could be a strong target. (Note: check that the format is appropriate—AGNI is more literary than STEM research.)
4. Ember
The literary journal Ember: A Journal of Luminous Things publishes twice a year and features poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. [4] Though not exclusively for high school writers, submissions from ages 10 to 18 are strongly encouraged. If you’re in high school and your research paper has a creative nonfiction or cross-discipline angle, Ember offers a beautifully designed venue and could serve as a stepping stone to more technical research publications.
5. The Louisville Review
While peer-reviewed STEM journals may be your aim, don’t neglect creative or interdisciplinary options. The Louisville Review is a nationally recognized literary magazine with a special “Children’s Corner” section for writers in grades K-12. [5] Even though it might appear aimed at younger authors, the prestige of being associated with a serious literary magazine means you’ll still be getting professional experience. If your research paper has strong literary or critical-theory components, this could be a useful target.
6. Polyphony Lit
The Polyphony Lit is a student-run literary magazine by high school writers, for high school writers. [6] Their mission emphasizes that “when young writers put precise and powerful language to their lives it helps them better understand their value as human beings.” For a high school-written research paper (especially in humanities/arts/social sciences), publishing here allows peer-editing and publication built specifically for your age-group. This is a comfortable and supportive venue for a first publication.
7. Teen Ink
The Teen Ink is a widely recognized online magazine devoted entirely to teenage writing—from creative writing and nonfiction to reviews and essays. [7] The wide range of categories (community service, travel, environment, health, pop-culture, college essays) means you can adapt your research paper topic to fit their non-traditional research format. Publishing here will show you can communicate your findings clearly for non-specialist readers—a key skill when you ask how to publish a research paper in high school.
8. Blue Marble Review
The Blue Marble Review is a quarterly online literary journal that accepts submissions from writers aged 13-22 (which includes high school). [8] It takes poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and visual art. While not strictly a STEM research journal, if your work is interdisciplinary (for example, research with an artistic/visual component) then Blue Marble Review offers a credible outlet. Getting published here while still in high school gives you a voice in an international young-writer community.
Taking the Next Step Toward Publication
Learning how to publish a research paper in high school takes patience, persistence, and the right guidance. Start by refining your topic and methodology, choosing a journal that fits your subject area, and following the submission guidelines carefully. A teacher, mentor, or research advisor can be an invaluable resource for reviewing your draft and helping you navigate revisions before you submit.
Even if your first few submissions are not accepted, do not get discouraged. Each experience helps you grow as a writer, researcher, and critical thinker. Publishing in high school shows colleges that you take initiative and are ready to contribute meaningfully to your academic field.
If you want expert support on how to publish a research paper in high school, from choosing the right topic to preparing a strong submission, our team of experts can help. Schedule a free consultation to receive personalized guidance on your research, writing, and college preparation.