Several of my colleagues and students asked me this question, and the short answer is no; student paper citations are generally not considered in the similarity ratio of a paper submitted for publication in a journal.

Here's the reasoning behind this:

The primary focus of similarity checks is on published sources. Plagiarism detection tools in academic publishing, such as Crossref Similarity Check or iThenticate, primarily compare submitted manuscripts against academic databases containing published journal articles, books, conference proceedings, and other scholarly works. Student papers and unpublished materials are generally not part of these databases.

Citation styles are not considered in the analysis. Even if your citations involve student papers, the actual citation text and reference formatting (e.g., author names, dates, titles) would be excluded from the analysis. These tools are designed to identify uncredited ideas and text passages, not to evaluate standard citation practices.

The emphasis is on originality and novelty. The main purpose of similarity checks in academic publishing is to ensure the originality and novelty of the submitted work. While proper citation is essential for academic integrity, the content of student papers is not relevant when assessing the uniqueness of a research publication.

However, there are situations where student paper citations may raise concerns:

Self-plagiarism: If you're citing your own student papers in the published work, it's crucial to ensure that the reused content is substantial and properly rephrased with appropriate attributions. Excessive self-plagiarism can still be problematic even if the original work is not published.

Unpublished sources: If the student papers you're citing have a significant impact on your research, consider reaching out to the authors to inquire about their plans for publication. Alternatively, provide detailed information about the unpublished sources (e.g., author names, institutions, titles, dates) with your submission to give reviewers context.

In conclusion, it is advisable to adhere to standard academic citation guidelines regardless of whether the source is published. If you are unsure about the appropriateness of citing student papers, seek guidance from your research advisor or editor, considering the specific requirements of your field and publication.