How to Win JSHS (Junior Science and Humanities Symposium): Complete Guide

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is one of the most prestigious research competitions for high school students in the United States.
Unlike traditional science fairs, JSHS focuses on original research presentations and recognizes students who can communicate their research effectively.

Winning JSHS—or even placing in the top 12—is a credential that stands out on college applications and opens doors to scholarships, internships, and recognition.

This guide breaks down exactly how to win JSHS, from understanding the competition structure to crafting a winning presentation.

What is JSHS?

Competition Overview

JSHS (Junior Science and Humanities Symposium) is a national competition that:

• Focuses on original research presentations
• Recognizes excellence in research communication
• Awards scholarships and recognition
• Selects top students for the JSHS National Symposium

Key Differences from Other Competitions

JSHS vs. ISEF:

• JSHS: Focuses on research presentations and communication
• ISEF: Focuses on project displays and judging

JSHS vs. Science Fairs:

• JSHS: Emphasizes research quality and presentation skills
• Science Fairs: Often focus on project displays and demonstrations

JSHS Unique Features:

• Presentation-based competition
• Strong emphasis on research communication
• Scholarship opportunities
• National recognition for top performers

JSHS Competition Structure

Regional Competitions

JSHS is organized into regional competitions across the United States. Each region:

• Holds its own JSHS competition
• Selects winners to advance to nationals
• Awards regional scholarships and recognition

National Symposium

Top performers from each region advance to the JSHS National Symposium, where:

• Students present their research
• Top 12 students are selected
• Scholarships are awarded
• National recognition is given

Competition Format

JSHS competitions typically include:

1. Research Paper Submission: Written research paper
2. Oral Presentation: 12-minute presentation + 3-minute Q&A
3. Judging: Evaluation by expert judges
4. Awards: Recognition and scholarships

How to Win JSHS: The Complete Strategy

Step 1: Choose a Strong Research Topic

What Makes a Winning JSHS Topic:

• Original Research: Must be your own original work
• Scientific Rigor: Methodologically sound
• Clear Impact: Addresses a meaningful question
• Presentable: Can be communicated effectively in 12 minutes

Topic Selection Tips:

• Choose something you're passionate about
• Ensure it's researchable within your timeline
• Make sure it has clear scientific merit
• Consider topics that connect to current research

the YRI Fellowship helps students select and refine research topics that are perfect for JSHS competition. For comprehensive science fair strategies, see How to Win ISEF and How to Win Science Fairs. Learn how to publish research papers to boost your JSHS application.

Step 2: Conduct Rigorous Research

Research Quality Matters:

JSHS judges evaluate:

• Methodology: Is your research methodologically sound?
• Data Quality: Is your data rigorous and well-analyzed?
• Originality: Does your research add new knowledge?
• Scientific Merit: Does your research matter?

Key Requirements:

• Original research (not just a literature review)
• Rigorous methodology
• Clear data analysis
• Reproducible results
• Ethical research practices

Step 3: Write a Strong Research Paper

JSHS Paper Requirements:

• Length: Typically 8-12 pages
• Format: Scientific paper format (IMRaD)
• Sections: Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion
• Citations: Proper scientific citations
• Figures: Clear, professional figures and tables

Writing Tips:

• Follow scientific paper conventions
• Be clear and concise
• Support claims with data
• Use proper scientific language
• Get feedback from mentors

the YRI Fellowship provides comprehensive paper review and writing support to ensure your JSHS paper meets the highest standards.

Step 4: Create a Compelling Presentation

JSHS Presentation Format:

• 12 minutes: Oral presentation
• 3 minutes: Question and answer
• Visuals: Slides or poster (depending on format)
• Delivery: Clear, confident communication

Presentation Tips:

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation as a narrative
• Start Strong: Hook the audience in the first minute
• Be Clear: Explain complex concepts simply
• Use Visuals: Effective figures and diagrams
• Practice: Rehearse until it's natural

What Judges Look For:

• Clear communication of research
• Understanding of methodology
• Ability to answer questions
• Confidence and professionalism
• Scientific rigor

Step 5: Prepare for Questions

Common JSHS Questions:

• Why did you choose this research topic?
• What are the limitations of your study?
• How does your research contribute to the field?
• What would you do differently?
• How does your research connect to current knowledge?

Preparation Tips:

• Anticipate likely questions
• Practice answering clearly
• Know your research deeply
• Be honest about limitations
• Connect to broader context

JSHS-Specific Strategies

Understanding JSHS Judging Criteria

JSHS judges evaluate:

1. Research Quality (40%)

   • Originality
   • Scientific rigor
   • Methodology
   • Data analysis

2. Presentation Quality (30%)

   • Clarity of communication
   • Visual aids
   • Organization
   • Engagement

3. Scientific Understanding (20%)

   • Depth of knowledge
   • Ability to answer questions
   • Understanding of context
   • Critical thinking

4. Overall Impact (10%)

   • Significance of research
   • Potential impact
   • Contribution to field

What Sets JSHS Winners Apart

Top JSHS performers typically have:

• Published Research: Many winners have published papers
• Expert Mentorship: PhD-level guidance
• Clear Communication: Ability to explain complex research simply
• Deep Understanding: Thorough knowledge of their research
• Professional Presentation: Polished, confident delivery

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistakes That Hurt JSHS Performance:

• ❌ Overly complex presentation (can't explain simply)
• ❌ Weak methodology or data
• ❌ Poor time management (rushing or going over)
• ❌ Inability to answer questions
• ❌ Lack of preparation
• ❌ Unclear visuals or slides

How to Avoid These:

• Practice your presentation multiple times
• Get feedback from mentors
• Simplify complex concepts
• Prepare for questions
• Use clear, professional visuals
• Manage your time effectively

Timeline for JSHS Success

12 Months Before JSHS

• Choose research topic
• Find mentor (professor, grad student, or through the YRI Fellowship)
• Begin literature review
• Design research methodology

6-9 Months Before JSHS

• Conduct research
• Collect and analyze data
• Begin writing research paper
• Get feedback on methodology

3-6 Months Before JSHS

• Complete research paper
• Submit to regional JSHS competition
• Begin preparing presentation
• Practice presentation delivery

1-3 Months Before JSHS

• Refine presentation
• Practice extensively
• Prepare for questions
• Get final feedback

Competition Week

• Final practice
• Review your research
• Prepare mentally
• Deliver confidently

How the YRI Fellowship Helps Students Win JSHS

the YRI Fellowship is designed to help students achieve JSHS success through:

1. Research Excellence

• 1:1 PhD Mentorship: Expert guidance on research design and methodology
• Publication Support: Help getting research published (many JSHS winners have published papers)
• Quality Assurance: Ensures research meets JSHS standards

2. Presentation Preparation

• Presentation Coaching: Guidance on structuring and delivering presentations
• Practice Sessions: Mock presentations with feedback
• Visual Design: Help creating effective slides and visuals
• Q&A Preparation: Practice answering likely questions

3. Competition Strategy

• JSHS-Specific Guidance: Understanding JSHS requirements and judging criteria
• Timeline Planning: Structured approach to meet JSHS deadlines
• Paper Review: Comprehensive feedback on research papers
• Competition Support: Guidance throughout the JSHS process

4. Proven Track Record

YRI students have:

• Won JSHS regional competitions
• Advanced to JSHS National Symposium
• Placed in top 12 at nationals
• Published research that strengthened JSHS applications

Real JSHS Success Stories

Case Study 1: The Biomedical Researcher

A YRI student conducted research on novel drug delivery methods. With YRI mentorship, they:

• Published their research in a peer-reviewed journal
• Won their regional JSHS competition
• Advanced to JSHS National Symposium
• Placed in the top 12 nationally

Case Study 2: The AI Researcher

A YRI student developed machine learning algorithms for medical diagnosis. With YRI support, they:

• Completed rigorous research with expert guidance
• Created a compelling JSHS presentation
• Won regional JSHS competition
• Received JSHS scholarship

Case Study 3: The Climate Researcher

A YRI student researched carbon capture methods. With YRI mentorship, they:

• Designed methodologically sound research
• Wrote a strong research paper
• Delivered an outstanding JSHS presentation
• Advanced to JSHS National Symposium

JSHS vs. Other Competitions

JSHS vs. ISEF

JSHS:

• Focus: Research presentations
• Format: Oral presentation
• Emphasis: Communication skills
• Recognition: Scholarships and national symposium

ISEF:

• Focus: Project displays
• Format: Poster and judging
• Emphasis: Project quality
• Recognition: Awards and medals

Can You Do Both? Yes! Many students compete in both JSHS and ISEF. Research that wins JSHS often also succeeds at ISEF.

JSHS vs. Science Fairs

JSHS:

• More selective
• Focus on research quality
• Presentation-based
• Scholarship opportunities

Science Fairs:

• More accessible
• Focus on project displays
• Judging-based
• Award recognition

Final Tips for JSHS Success

1. Start Early

Begin research 12-18 months before JSHS competition. This gives you time to conduct rigorous research and prepare a strong presentation.

2. Get Expert Mentorship

Work with PhD-level mentors who understand research methodology and can guide your JSHS preparation. the YRI Fellowship provides this mentorship.

3. Focus on Research Quality

JSHS judges value rigorous, original research. Don't sacrifice quality for flashy presentations—strong research is the foundation.

4. Practice Your Presentation

Practice extensively. The ability to communicate your research clearly is crucial for JSHS success.

5. Prepare for Questions

Know your research deeply. Be ready to answer questions about methodology, limitations, and implications.

6. Aim for Publication

Many JSHS winners have published research. Publication strengthens your JSHS application and demonstrates research quality.

Conclusion: Your Path to JSHS Success

Winning JSHS requires:

• Strong research (rigorous, original, methodologically sound)
• Clear communication (ability to present research effectively)
• Expert guidance (mentorship from PhD-level experts)
• Thorough preparation (practice and feedback)

The path is clear:

1. Choose a strong research topic
2. Conduct rigorous research with expert mentorship
3. Write a compelling research paper
4. Create and practice a strong presentation
5. Prepare thoroughly for questions

You don't have to do it alone.
the YRI Fellowship provides the mentorship, structure, and support needed to achieve JSHS success. Learn more about how YRI helps students win JSHS and start your research journey today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is JSHS?
JSHS (Junior Science and Humanities Symposium) is a prestigious research competition for high school students that focuses on original research presentations. Top performers advance to the JSHS National Symposium and receive scholarships.

How do I qualify for JSHS?
You must first compete in your regional JSHS competition. Regional winners advance to the JSHS National Symposium. Each region has different qualification requirements.

What makes a winning JSHS presentation?
Winning JSHS presentations feature rigorous original research, clear communication, strong methodology, and the ability to answer questions effectively. Many winners have published their research.

How long does JSHS preparation take?
Typically 12-18 months from research start to JSHS competition. This allows time for rigorous research, paper writing, and presentation preparation.

Do I need to publish my research for JSHS?
While not required, many JSHS winners have published research. Publication demonstrates research quality and strengthens your JSHS application.

How does the YRI Fellowship help with JSHS?
YRI provides 1:1 PhD mentorship, research guidance, publication support, and JSHS-specific presentation coaching. YRI students have won JSHS competitions and advanced to nationals. Learn more about YRI's JSHS preparation.

Can I do both JSHS and ISEF?
Yes, many students compete in both. Research that wins JSHS often also succeeds at ISEF. Both competitions value rigorous original research.

What's the difference between JSHS and ISEF?
JSHS focuses on research presentations and communication skills, while ISEF focuses on project displays and judging. Both value rigorous research, but JSHS emphasizes presentation ability.