Quick Facts
- Standard Review Timeline: 8 weeks (median/average)
- 95% of papers receive an initial decision within: 14 weeks
- Review Type: Rigorous 3-step process with expert reviewers
- Expedited Option Available: 2-week turnaround for $250
Overview Timeline
Standard Process: After submission, initial editorial screening takes 1-2 weeks, followed by approximately 8 weeks for peer review. From July-December, the peer review process may extend up to 12 weeks due to increased submission volume. After receiving reviewer feedback, authors have time to prepare revisions, and revised manuscripts undergo an additional 4-week review cycle. Final publishing takes 1-2 weeks once the manuscript is accepted.
Peer Review Process
The National High School Journal of Science follows a comprehensive 3-step peer review process to ensure high quality publications and an educational process.
Step 1: Initial Editorial Screening
The submitted paper is reviewed by our Editorial Staff for basic requirements, scope alignment, and overall suitability. Papers are either rejected at this stage or advanced to peer review.
Step 2: Expert Peer Review
Manuscripts that pass initial screening are sent to one or two qualified peer reviewers for detailed evaluation. Our reviewers include graduate students, postdocs, and professional scientists with expertise in the relevant field.
Step 3: Scientist Advisory Board Review
The paper is evaluated by a member of our Scientist Advisory Board, consisting of dedicated researchers and professors. This board provides valuable feedback that benefits the original author.
Review Decision:
After completing all review steps, submissions receive one of four decisions:
- Accept – Ready for publication with minimal changes
- Minor Revisions – Small modifications needed before acceptance
- Major Revisions – Significant changes required; will undergo re-review
- Reject – Not suitable for publication in current form
Revision Process: All submissions are returned to authors with detailed comments designed to improve the work. Careful measures are taken throughout to preserve the integrity of the peer-review process. If your manuscript receives a “major revisions” or “minor revisions” decision, you’ll have the opportunity to address reviewer concerns and resubmit. Revised manuscripts undergo an additional review cycle (approximately 4 weeks for standard submissions) to ensure all concerns have been adequately addressed.
Final Steps: Only when the manuscript has been reviewed favorably and reviewers agree on acceptance will the manuscript be accepted for publication. After final copyediting, layout formatting, and proofreading by our Editorial Staff, accepted submissions are published online. Final publishing takes 1-2 weeks.
Review Time Statistics
| Completion Percentage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Median and Average | 8 weeks |
| 2/3 of papers | 10 weeks |
| 3/4 of papers | 11 weeks |
| 95% of papers | 14 weeks |
Note: During July-December submission periods, timelines may be extended due to higher submission volumes.
Expedited Review Service
For time-sensitive research, we offer an expedited review track.
Timeline: 2-week turnaround from payment receipt to initial review decision
Cost: $250 (invoice must be paid before expedited review begins)
Process: Same rigorous 3-step review process conducted on an accelerated timeline using our dedicated reviewer pool and priority scheduling with the Scientist Advisory Board.
How to Request: Include “EXPEDITED REVIEW REQUESTED” in your submission email along with the author’s name, email used for submission, and manuscript title.
Important Note: Expedited review maintains the same quality standards as our standard process and does not guarantee acceptance. You will receive an initial review decision, which may result in acceptance, minor revisions, major revisions, or rejection.
