Submission Guidelines

We welcome research papers, critical essays, policy memos, creative scholarship, and multimedia storytelling from high school and undergraduate contributors worldwide. Every submission receives two rounds of peer review paired with mentor feedback.

Deadline for Summer 2025 issue: June 2, 2025

Email your manuscript and abstract to submissions@thestudentopinion.org.

Checklist

What to prepare

Manuscript

2,000–4,500 words (essays) or up to 12 pages (research). Use APA, MLA, or Chicago style.

Abstract

150-word summary with keywords, methodology snapshot, and why the topic matters now.

Artifacts

Optional: data visualizations, artwork, audio clips, or lesson plans to accompany your piece.

Timeline

Submission cycle

Phase Dates What to expect
Pitch & intent form Apr 8 – May 10 Submit short idea summary, receive pairing with mentor/editor.
Manuscript submission By Jun 2 Upload manuscript, abstract, and media assets.
Peer review Jun 3 – Jul 5 Two blind reviews + mentor feedback, revision roadmap.
Publication Jul 22 Issue launch, audio edition recording, classroom kit.
FAQ

Contributor questions

Who can submit?

Any student ages 14–22. Joint submissions and campus lab teams welcome.

Do I need a teacher sponsor?

No, but we encourage looping in a mentor to help with data ethics and permissions.

What rights do I retain?

You keep ownership. We publish under CC BY-NC-SA and provide DOI registration.

Can I submit previously published work?

We accept revised conference papers or blog essays if you hold rights to republish.

Download toolkit

Submission template (Google Docs + LaTeX), rubric, and peer review guide.

Toolkit (ZIP)

Office hours

Weekly drop-in on Saturdays with editors. RSVP for Zoom link.

RSVP