Quick Facts
- Standard Review Timeline: 8 weeks (median/average) to receive the initial review decision
- 95% of papers receive an initial decision within: 14 weeks (after submission)
- Review Type: Rigorous 3-step process with expert reviewers
- Expedited Option Available: 2-week turnaround for $280 to receive the initial review decision (details below)
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 (1-2 weeks)
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 (~8-12 weeks for Step 2 and 3 combined)
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.
Initial Review Decision:
After completing all 3 review steps, author(s) receive one of four decisions:
- Accept – Ready for publication with minimal changes
- Minor Revisions – Small modifications needed before acceptance; will undergo re-review
- Major Revisions – Significant changes required; will undergo re-review
- Reject – Not suitable for publication in current form
Revision Process
If your manuscript receives a “major revisions” or “minor revisions” decision, you’ll have the opportunity to address reviewer concerns and resubmit. Submissions are returned to authors with detailed comments designed to improve the work.
Revised manuscripts undergo another round of review (approximately 4 weeks for standard submissions) to ensure all concerns have been adequately addressed.
Typesetting/Publication Process
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, AI and plagiarism checking, and proofreading by our Editorial Staff, accepted submissions are published online. Final publishing takes 4-6 weeks.
Expedited Review Service
For time-sensitive research, we offer an expedited review track. All Fast Track options are non-refundable.
Fast Track – I
Eligibility: All submitted manuscripts
Timeline: 2-week turnaround from payment receipt (initial review decision only)
Cost: $280 (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. Author(s) will receive an initial review decision in 2 weeks (accept, major revisions, minor revisions, or reject). Your manuscript must comply with our submission guidelines. Failure to do so may delay your expedited service.
How to Request: Email submissions @ (our website) with the following subject line “EXPEDITED REVIEW REQUESTED”, along with the author’s name, email used for submission, and manuscript title.
Important Note: This service accelerates only the initial review cycle. If revisions are requested, the review of your resubmitted manuscript will follow our standard, non-expedited timeline (approximately 4 weeks). 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.
Fast Track – II
Eligibility: Only manuscripts that have received an initial review decision AND where the reviewers have requested revisions.
Timeline: 2-week turnaround from payment receipt (covers all revision(s) for the designated manuscript)
Cost: $280 (invoice must be paid before expedited review begins, single payment covers all revision(s) for the designated manuscript
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. Author(s) will receive a review decision on their revised manuscript in 2 weeks (accept, major revisions, minor revisions, or reject). Author(s) may be asked for additional revisions if their revision(s) fail to address reviewer comments. All review decisions will be returned in 2 weeks for a single fee.
How to Request: Email submissions @ (our website) with the following subject line “EXPEDITED REVIEW REQUESTED”, along with the author’s name, email used for submission, and manuscript title.
Important Note: This service accelerates review on all revision(s) for the designated manuscript. If further revisions are requested, the review of your resubmitted manuscript will follow the expedited timeline (2 weeks). Expedited review maintains the same quality standards as our standard process and does not guarantee acceptance. You will receive a review decision, which may result in acceptance, minor revisions, major revisions, or rejection.
Fast Track – III
Eligibility: Only accepted manuscripts.
Timeline: 5 business days to receive the manuscript proofs, then 5 business days to publication after the author(s) confirm the manuscript proofs.
Cost: $280 (manuscript proofs will be deilvered 5 business days after the invoice is paid)
Process: Author(s) will receive manuscript proofs 5 business days after the payment is made. After the author(s) confirm the manuscript proofs, the manuscript will be published online within 5 business days.
How to Request: You will receive an email from our publishing team that confirms receipt of your final manuscript materials. Please reply to that email requesting Fast Track – III.