My S, a senior in HS, is a co-author of a research paper that he submitted for possible publication to a peer-reviewed journal last December. A few weeks ago, the journal responded that they would like him to address some points in the paper and then resubmit. His mentor, a college professor, says that is a very good sign, and that the paper will very likely be accepted for publication once the issues are addressed. My S just resubmitted the paper after addressing the issues raised.
My question is: What should my son say about this in his early application, due on Nov 1st,? A final decision is unlikely by then given the leisurely pace of the academic peer-review process.
Should he write that the paper was submitted, and that the journal requested a resubmission? In other words, would admissions officers recognize that this means a publication is likely?
Or should he simply write that the paper is up on Arxiv, and being reviewed by the journal?
Not a resubmission. That’s not really what it is and is vague. Maybe something about currently being peer reviewed, has submitted requested addl info. (He’s got peer reviewers, not just resending, hoping for a shot.) Yes, it’s good news, usually a good sign. But what they actually do publish can depend on what else is in the works. Congrats to him.
Yes, adcoms at top schools will understand this. Is it a journal adult researchers also publish in? If impressive, he can decide to name it. The GC or a related teacher can mention it. (Guessing you already realize that.)
At any time after 11/1, he can update the colleges, if new info comes through.
Thanks for the quick response @lookingforward.
Yes, it is a journal that college professors publish in. I will have him change the wording as you suggest.
The phrase used is “ revised and resubmitted”
I think the bottom line is that something more clear is needed than just “resubmitted.”
Some use “revised and resubmitted” on their CV. But some note resubmitting isn’t clear why it was revised or what stage of review.
OP and his son need to figure the best way. Being at the point where they like it enough to ask for more or clarification is different than the usual open-ended “submitted” some kids will write. Maybe this is a case where a few words in addl info clarify?
@CheddarcheeseMN
Thank you both.
I will suggest he use “research revised and resubmitted after peer review”
The standard language is, “Under review at [Name of Journal]; revised and resubmitted.”
List all authors [Last name, first initials] as in the manuscript, with your son’s name bolded or underlined, and provide the manuscript title.
It’s best to use standard language. The research itself was not revised and resubmitted; the manuscript was. The revision is part of the peer-review process, not something that happens afterwards.
But this is not for a standard CV or job application.