Completing a research paper is a huge milestone for high school students. It reflects months of hard work, exploration, and critical thinking. But before you click that 'submit' button, it’s crucial to ensure your paper is in top shape. This checklist will help you polish your work and make sure you meet all necessary requirements.
1. Understanding the Requirements
Before finalizing your paper, take a moment to fully grasp the submission requirements.
Start by checking if there are specific formatting styles applicable, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. Guidelines can differ, so don’t just assume. Missing these details can lead to unnecessary delays. For instance, a study found that 30% of papers submitted were returned for resubmission due to format errors.
If you're submitting your paper to JSSHR Essay Competition 2025, be sure to double check your eligibility, our essay topics, the judging criteria, and rules and deadlines, so your submission will be valid.
2. Formatting and Presentation
The way your paper looks is as important as the content you’ve developed. Failure to adhere to formatting rules could distract readers from your argument. Here are some key formatting aspects to check:
Margins: Make sure margins are set appropriately (often 1 inch on all sides).
Font and Size: Common requirements are Times New Roman in 12 pt font.
Spacing: Confirm whether the paper should be single or double-spaced.
Page Numbers: Include page numbers starting from the first page of content.
A professional presentation can make a lasting impression on your reviewers.
3. Conducting a Final Proofread
Errors can sneak into your writing, so a careful proofreading session is essential.
Consider these methods to improve your proofreading:
Take a Break: Set your paper aside for several hours. Coming back with fresh eyes makes it easier to spot mistakes.
Read Aloud: Speaking your paper out loud can highlight awkward phrases or errors you might not catch by reading silently.
Utilize Tools: Employ spell-check and grammar tools as a second layer of assurance.
A thoroughly proofread paper shows your dedication and respect for the reviewing process.
4. Reviewing Citations and References
Citations are vital for academic integrity and supporting your claims.
To verify your citations, follow these steps:
Consistency: Ensure all citations follow the same format from your style guide, whether APA, MLA, or another.
Completeness: Double-check that every source you used is listed in your bibliography or works cited page.
Double-check URLs: Confirm that any online sources are still accessible and correctly linked.
Inaccurate citations can severely undermine the credibility of your research.
5. Confirming Submission Guidelines
Every institution has specific requirements for paper submissions.
Make sure to review these guidelines carefully:
Deadline: Ensure you are aware of the submission deadline.
Method of Submission: Clarify whether your paper needs to be submitted online or as a hard copy.
Additional Materials: Sometimes, extra documents like cover letters or abstracts are required.
Following these guidelines can help you avoid unnecessary last-minute problems. We listed out the submission guidelines on the submission page before you submit your paper to JSSHR.
6. Seeking Feedback
Before you submit your research paper, consider getting feedback from classmates or teachers. Fresh perspectives can help enhance your work.
Try these approaches to gather valuable feedback:
Peer Review: Swap papers with a friend to gain insights from fellow students who understand your field.
Teacher Consultation: Ask a teacher to review your paper or sections of it for constructive criticism.
Feedback can refine your arguments and clarify your points.
7. Creating a Submission Checklist
Building a final checklist can be a lifesaver as you prepare to submit your paper. Here are some items to include:
Formatting requirements (font type, size, spacing)
Proofreading tasks completed
Confirmed accuracy of citations
Feedback obtained from peers/teachers
Required submission documents
A checklist streamlines the submission process and helps you celebrate your hard work.
Final Thoughts
Submitting a research paper is an exciting yet anxious moment.
This checklist will empower you to ensure your work is polished and ready for review. Take your time and verify every detail against your institution's requirements. Each step contributes to the quality of your paper.
As you prepare, remember to take a deep breath and appreciate how far you have come. A well-prepared submission can leave a great impression.
We look forward to reading your submissions to JSSHR Essay Competition!
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