The workflow
From first lecture to published paper
Five stages, two years of access, one mentor. Here is exactly what happens.
- 1
Recorded course
Self-paced modules on literature review, research design, academic writing in English, and citation. Roughly 30 hours of video, with readings and exercises.
- Reading the literature
- Framing a question
- Structuring an argument
- Writing and revision
- 2
Qualifying exam
A proctored exam that ensures you can read a paper critically, summarize a literature, and propose a coherent question. Two attempts included.
- Critical reading
- Literature summary
- Question proposal
- 3
Mentor matching
After passing, you submit a one-page topic memo. We match you with a faculty mentor in your field — based on subfield fit, methods, and availability.
- Topic memo
- Field fit
- Mentor proposes scope
- 4
Mini review article
You and your mentor co-author a focused review (≈5,000 words) in three drafting rounds. The mentor reviews each draft within 10 days.
- Outline & sources
- First draft
- Revision
- Final draft
- 5
Publication
We submit to an open-access venue appropriate to your field. InvoScholar covers article processing for the first eligible submission.
- Venue selection
- Submission
- Revision after peer review