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THE WOES OF JOURNAL SUBMISSION
For undergraduate students, like myself, submitting a paper to an academic or peer-reviewed (meaning grad or undergrad student) journal can be an intimidating process. While publishing is an important step for those interested in academic or research careers, the challenges associated with submitting a paper can be overwhelming. In my case, I found concerns about the expectations of academic writing and the possibility of critical feedback on my work to be a deterrence.
Personally, journal submissions were, at first, unnerving for me based off the fear of rejection. This was mostly because, as an undergraduate, my ability to submit to journals was limited (usually to just that of specifically undergraduate or graduate student-run journals). As undergrads, we often have limited experience with research and academic writing beyond our coursework. Unlike graduate students or established researchers, the norms and expectations of academic publishing may not appear as being familiar. Writing for a journal requires adherence to strict formatting guidelines, citation practices, and a level of scholarly depth that may not come naturally to students who focus mainly on work for their classes. This lack of familiarity can lead to anxiety about whether our work meets the required standard, making the submission process feel overwhelming.
Imposter Syndrome
After beginning my process towards publication, I actually found the most significant obstacle to be imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is a common psychological phenomenon in academia, it affects individuals who feel they do not belong or are not competent enough despite their achievements. I imagine that many undergraduates struggle with these same feelings of inadequacy when comparing themselves to graduate students and faculty members who have published extensively. I always found (and continue to find) myself thinking that my work was not significant or original enough to warrant publication, causing me to hesitate or avoid submitting papers altogether. Believe or not, the fear of being exposed as “not good enough” is a powerful deterrent.
Facing Criticism
Receiving critical feedback is an essential part of the academic publishing process, but I have found that it can be particularly discouraging for undergraduate students who are not accustomed to having their work critiqued by peers or professors. Unlike grades, which provide a clear assessment of performance, journal reviews can be extensive, sometimes harsh, and can ask you to alter significant pieces of your approach. While constructive criticism is meant to improve the quality of research, it can feel personal or discouraging, especially for undergrads who have invested significant time and effort into their work (maybe for the first time ever). Without adequate support or guidance, the struggle to interpret and respond to feedback can lead to frustration and self-doubt.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite these challenges, there are ways to make the process less daunting. As undergrads, we often have access to our university's mentorship programs, writing support and workshops, and of course our librarians, faculty members, and professors. Speaking to university faculty and advisors can help us view the submission process as a learning experience rather than a pass-or-fail endeavor. Additionally, student-run undergraduate research journals, which are designed specifically to showcase the scholarship of undergraduate students, can provide a more accessible entry point into the world of academic publishing.
Below I have linked to three (3) separate undergraduate journals. Each has their own unique submission process and level of rigor. Feel free to explore each website to learn more!
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