No, in medical journal submissions, “Under Review” means your manuscript is being evaluated; acceptance comes only with a formal “Accept” decision.
Seeing a status change can spark hope. In scholarly publishing, that status has a precise meaning. This guide lays out what “Under Review” typically covers, what comes next, how long each step can take, and what you can do at every stage to keep your paper moving.
What “Under Review” Means In Medical Publishing
In most workflows, “Under Review” marks the start of active evaluation. The editor has your file in hand and has moved it into assessment. That assessment can be a quick editorial screen, an external peer review cycle, or both. Different systems label these sub-steps in different ways, but the common thread is simple: the journal has not reached a decision yet.
Many platforms split this phase into several labels: “With Editor,” “Reviewers Invited,” “Reviewers Assigned,” “Under Review,” “Reviews Completed,” and “Decision in Process.” Some journals bundle parts of that journey into a single “Under Review” label. Either way, the state does not signal a win or a loss. It only signals work in progress.
Why The Same Label Can Mean Different Things
Submission systems vary. Editorial Manager, ScholarOne, and in-house portals each map statuses slightly differently. In one journal, “Under Review” may begin at the moment the editor starts screening. In another, it may appear only after at least one external reviewer accepts the invite. Because labels differ by house style, the safest read is: your paper is being assessed, and no final decision has been recorded.
Common Statuses And What They Mean
The table below translates the labels you’re most likely to see. Use it to understand where your manuscript stands and what action (if any) makes sense next.
| Status Label | Plain Meaning | Next Best Move |
|---|---|---|
| Submitted / Initial Check | File received; admin and format checks in progress. | Fix any metadata or file issues if requested. |
| With Editor / Editorial Assessment | Handling editor reviews scope, fit, and basic quality. | No action. Be reachable for quick queries. |
| Reviewers Invited | Editor is seeking external reviewers. | No action. Wait while invitations go out. |
| Under Review | External review underway or advanced editorial read. | Prepare data and methods notes for a fast revision. |
| Required Reviews Completed | Reports in; editor weighs the feedback. | Stay ready to respond to points raised. |
| Decision In Process | Editor finalizes a decision based on reports. | No action. Watch email closely. |
| Revise (Minor/Major) | Conditional path to acceptance if you address points. | Answer every comment with clear changes or rationale. |
| Reject / Transfer Offered | Not moving forward here; a transfer may be offered. | Assess fit, then polish and submit elsewhere or accept transfer. |
| Accept | Manuscript approved for publication. | Complete forms, proofs, and publication steps on time. |
| In Production / Completed | Copyediting, typesetting, and proofing underway or done. | Return proof corrections fast and clearly. |
Does “Under Review” Ever Mean A Sure Thing?
No. A paper can move from “Under Review” to any decision. That includes revision or decline. The label confirms active handling, not an outcome. Some systems will also display “Under Review” briefly after a resubmission, even when only the editor is double-checking your fixes. A status alone never guarantees acceptance.
Close Variant: Is Being Under Review In A Medical Journal A Positive Sign?
Yes, it’s progress. Your manuscript cleared intake and reached an expert’s desk. That’s good news in terms of momentum. It still sits in the judgment zone, and the editor can rule in several ways after reading the reports. Treat this phase as the time to plan your best revision, not as a signal to relax.
What Editors Typically Do During This Phase
Editors confirm reviewer availability, balance expertise, and watch for conflicts. They read the incoming reports, compare points, and decide what blend of rigor and clarity the paper still needs. In medical research, they also look at reporting standards, ethics approvals, and data availability. The output is a decision letter with a path forward.
What A Final “Accept” Looks Like
The word “Accept” appears as a formal decision. In many systems, once that decision posts, the status flips to a production tag such as “Completed,” “In Production,” or “Next Steps for Publishing.” Some platforms show “Completed – Accept,” and you’ll receive forms for licenses, funding notes, and author proofs. That is the moment you can celebrate.
Two Reliable Reference Points On Statuses
If you want a publisher’s own wording, check two sources. Editorial Manager’s help site spells out what status labels mean in many journals that use that system. You’ll also find a clear stage map in the PLOS editorial pages that show how a manuscript moves from submission through peer review into production. Linking directly to those pages gives you the exact phrasing used by major houses:
How Long “Under Review” Can Take
Timing varies by field, journal load, and reviewer response. Medical titles aim for brisk cycles, but invites may bounce around before a set of reports arrives. A single cycle can run a few weeks or stretch across months if one report lags. When the reports land, the editor writes a decision letter. If you’re asked for a revision, the clock resets for your response and any follow-up checks.
When A Nudge Is Reasonable
Polite follow-ups help in certain windows. A short note after eight to ten weeks can be fair if the status hasn’t moved at all. Keep it brief: state the manuscript ID, thank the team, and ask if they need anything else from you. Do not flood the inbox. Aim for one concise message at a sensible interval.
What To Do While You Wait
Use the waiting period to prepare the materials you’ll need for a fast turnaround. That preparation speeds any revision and helps you respond with confidence.
Build A Revision Toolkit
- Organize raw data and code in a clean, shareable folder.
- Draft a response template with space for line numbers and point-by-point replies.
- List possible extra checks or sensitivity analyses you can run fast.
- Create a figure change log so updates are easy to track.
Pre-Write Common Elements
Many revision letters ask for clarity on methods, sample size, outcomes, and limitations. Draft concise paragraphs now. When the decision lands, you’ll paste and tailor instead of starting from scratch.
Reading The Decision Letter
The decision email and attached reports are your roadmap. Read them twice before touching the manuscript. Separate mandatory points from suggestions. Where reviewers disagree, the editor’s notes show which direction matters most for this journal. Your task is to resolve concerns, improve clarity, and document every change in a reply letter.
Answering Reviewer Comments
- Quote each comment, then give a direct, specific answer.
- Say exactly what changed, and point to page and line numbers.
- If you decline a request, give a short, evidence-based reason.
- Keep the tone calm and appreciative even when you disagree.
Typical Paths After “Under Review”
Outcomes fall into a small set of buckets. The second table shows what each outcome means, how often a fresh review is needed, and how to act fast.
| Outcome | What It Usually Involves | Smart Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Revision | Edits to clarity, small analyses, brief proofs. | Turn around in days; keep changes tight and well-marked. |
| Major Revision | Substantive changes, added data, deeper analysis. | Plan work, set a schedule, and submit a clean, tracked package. |
| Reject And Resubmit | New submission after major rework; fresh review cycle. | Decide whether to rebuild for this journal or target another. |
| Reject | Not a fit or gaps too large for this venue. | Choose a better-matched journal; refine based on reports. |
| Accept | Approved; moves to production and proofing. | Complete forms, share data links, and return proofs fast. |
How Production Differs From Review
Once accepted, your manuscript leaves the decision loop. Copyediting fixes grammar, style, and references. Typesetting builds final layouts. You’ll receive page proofs to correct minor errors and confirm author names, affiliations, and funding notes. After proof return, the article posts online as an accepted piece or final Version of Record, depending on the journal’s pipeline.
Frequently Mixed-Up Status Pairs
“With Editor” vs. “Under Review”
“With Editor” often means the paper sits in the editor’s queue. “Under Review” often means the editor engaged external reviewers, or is undertaking a deeper editorial read. These can overlap in some systems. Treat both as active handling without a verdict.
“Required Reviews Completed” vs. “Decision In Process”
When reviews are in, the editor weighs them and drafts the decision letter. That internal step may take days if one report is long or if an additional opinion is needed. The status then shifts to the recorded decision: revision, accept, or reject.
How To Keep Momentum
- Respond to all editorial requests quickly and cleanly.
- Upload editable source files for figures to reduce back-and-forth.
- Keep data and code archived in a trusted repository; add links in your response letter when allowed.
- Proof every revision for clarity; short sentences beat dense blocks.
When A Transfer Offer Appears
Some publishers suggest a transfer to a sister title after review. A transfer can save time by moving reports with your file. Read the new journal’s scope and standards before you accept. If the fit looks right, take the time saved. If not, reframe and submit to a better match.
Key Takeaways You Can Act On Today
- “Under Review” means active assessment, not acceptance.
- Final acceptance arrives only with an explicit “Accept” decision and a shift to production steps.
- Use the waiting period to prep data, wording, and figures for a fast, thorough revision.
- Rely on publisher pages for exact status wording, such as Editorial Manager definitions and the PLOS stage map.
Quick FAQ-Style Clarifications (No Extra Questions Added)
Can “Under Review” Appear After A Minor Fix?
Yes. Systems often reuse that label while the editor confirms your changes or sends a quick check to a reviewer. It’s routine.
Is A Long “Under Review” Always Bad?
Not always. A single slow report can stretch the timeline. A polite nudge at a sensible interval is fine.
Does “Decision In Process” Mean I’ll Be Accepted?
No. It means the editor is writing the decision. The outcome can be any of the standard options.
Final Word On The Status Label
The status is a snapshot, not a verdict. Treat it as a cue to get ready. Keep files tidy, draft replies early, and watch your inbox. When the “Accept” note arrives, move fast through production so your article reaches readers without delay.