How High School Students Can Successfully Publish – with Docent Research

Publishing research as a high school student is a remarkable achievement—and with guidance from Docent Research, it’s more accessible than ever. Docent helps students develop high-quality research and publish in respected, peer-reviewed journals tailored to young scholars.

Start with a topic that genuinely interests you. Narrow it into a specific research question and review existing literature to identify a gap or angle you can explore. A strong foundation in theory and existing knowledge can lead to powerful insights—even without experiments or data collection.

In STEM, for example, one student conducted a literature-based comparison of sorting algorithms, analyzing their efficiency in different computing environments using existing benchmarks. With Docent’s help, she refined her analysis into a structured, publishable paper.

In psychology, another student explored the portrayal of anxiety disorders in young adult novels. Using psychological frameworks and critical reading strategies, he evaluated how accurately mental health is represented in popular fiction. His theoretical analysis was eventually accepted for publication in a student-focused journal.

When writing your paper, follow a standard structure: Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion. Use charts or diagrams if they help illustrate your points more clearly. Be honest, logical, and concise.

Revise your draft multiple times. Seek feedback from mentors, teachers, or peers. Strong editing is essential for publication.

Docent Research supports students from start to finish—from identifying a research question to submitting to appropriate journals. With dedication, curiosity, and expert guidance, you can publish meaningful work and stand out in college applications and beyond.