Q3 journals are ranked between 51 – 75% of impact factor and reputation within their scientific fields, making them highly competitive and prestigious.
Publishing in Q3 journals is a practical option for early-career researchers or for exploratory studies. While these journals may have slightly less stringent impact metrics than Q1/Q2, accuracy, clarity, and compliance with submission guidelines are still essential.
Why This Checklist Matters?
Even in Q3 journals, editors and reviewers expect: Complete, organized and properly formatted manuscripts, a clear communication of study design and results and compliance with ethical, funding, and referencing requirements
Using a checklist reduces the risk of desk rejection and speeds up peer review by presenting a polished, professional manuscript.
Summary
Article Specific Checklist
1
Original Research Articles – Q3 Level
Original research in Q3 journals should focus on clarity, reproducibility, and readable data presentation.
- Title Page: Includes author names, affiliations, and contact details for the corresponding author.
- Abstract: Structured with Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusion.
- Keywords: 3 - 6 relevant keywords aligned with the journal’s focus.
- Introduction: Clearly defines the research gap and objectives.
- Methods: Transparent methodology with reproducibility and ethical approvals.
- Results: Presented with clear tables, graphs, and statistical analysis.
- Discussion: Interprets findings critically with global context and citations.
- Conclusion: Highlights novelty and contribution to the field.
- Plagiarism check (<15%)
- KEY: Ethical approval, funding statement, author contributions and acknowledgements.
Q3 Tip
- Simple, clear figures and tables are appreciated. Concise storytelling keeps reviewers engaged.
2
Review Articles – Q3 Expectations
Review articles should synthesize existing knowledge, highlight gaps, and provide a coherent narrative.
- Comprehensive Title & Abstract that attract wide readership.
- Introduction: Establishes the importance and timeliness of the review.
- Balanced Literature Coverage: Recent and credible sources, minimal self-citation.
- Critical Evaluation: Integrates findings to identify trends and research gaps.
- Figures & Tables: High-quality visuals summarizing key concepts.
- Conclusion: Summarizes perspectives and outlines future directions.
- Conclusion: Summarizes perspectives and outlines future directions.
- Plagiarism check (<10–15%)
- KEY: Author contributions and acknowledgements.
Q3 Tip
- Clear tables summarizing literature and concise discussion improve readability and reviewer satisfaction.
3
Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses
Q3 journals appreciate methodologically transparent and reproducible studies.
- Title includes “Systematic Review” or “Meta-Analysis.”
- Abstract structured using PRISMA checklist.
- Detailed Methods: Databases searched, inclusion/exclusion criteria, search strings.
- Results include PRISMA flow diagram and forest plots if applicable.
- Discussion interprets findings, heterogeneity, and limitations.
- Conclusion provides practical and scientific relevance.
- KEY: Author contributions and acknowledgements.
Q3 Tip
- Register your review protocol on PROSPERO and disclose software used for analysis (e.g., RevMan, Stata).
- A clear PRISMA flow diagram and concise results table can enhance reviewer confidence.
4
Protocol Submissions (Clinical, Experimental & Review Protocols)
Protocol submissions ensure pre-registered, transparent research methods.
- Title clearly states “Protocol” and study type (e.g., Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol).
- Abstract structured with Background, Objectives, Methods, and Registration details.
- Registration ID provided (e.g., ClinicalTrials.gov, PROSPERO).
- Methods detail study design, population, interventions, outcomes, and analysis plan.
- Ethical approval and informed consent processes mentioned.
- Data management, confidentiality, and dissemination plans outlined.
- Supplementary files include SPIRIT or PRISMA-P checklist and flow diagram.
- Plagiarism check (<15%)
- KEY: Funding statement, author contributions and acknowledgements.
Q3 Tip
- For Q3 journals, focus on clarity and practical feasibility rather than novelty alone. Detailed methodology reassures reviewers.
5
Case Reports & Short Communications
These articles focus on novel, unusual, or clinically significant findings.
- Title and abstract clearly convey clinical relevance.
- Case presentation includes detailed patient information, diagnosis, management, and outcomes.
- Discussion links findings to literature and clinical implications.
- Patient consent and ethics approval are mandatory.
- Figures/images are clear, anonymized, and labeled professionally.
- Plagiarism check (<15%)
- KEY: Author contributions and acknowledgements.
Q2 Tip
- Emphasize the educational or clinical value. Keep text concise; visuals speak volumes.
Next Step: Submit to ScienceBy
Once your checklist is complete, send your manuscript here