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Vaiga
Student
Deming, New Mexico
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What AP or regular courses should I take in my senior year of high school if I plan to major in psychiatry in college?
courses could be online too.
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4 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Vaiga!
It’s awesome that you’re already planning ahead for a career in psychiatry—that kind of dedication will definitely pay off! 😉💪You should know both Doc Frick and Karin P. gave you some amazing suggestions, and I totally agree with their advice. I am just gonna highlight a few key takeaways from them and add a few extra ideas to help you prepare for your future. Hope it helps out.
Firstly Build a Strong Foundation.
Like Doc Frick and Karin P. pointed out, focusing on science and math is super important since you’ll need to go through medical school to become a psychiatrist. Here are some top picks which you can consider taking or choosing.
AP Biology now this is essential for understanding the brain and human body (a future psychiatrist’s bread and butter!).
AP Psychology is a great introduction to mental health, behavior, and how the mind works—super relevant to your future!😊
AP Chemistry is Important for understanding medications and how brain chemistry affects mental health.
AP Statistics helps you interpret research studies and understand the data behind mental health treatments.
AP Calculus is not mandatory, but useful if you want to dive deeper into medical research or neuroscience.
Karin P. made an excellent point. Don't overload yourself. It’s better to excel in a few core subjects than to stretch yourself too thin. So, pick the classes you’re most passionate about and crush them!
Don’t Forget Humanities because ofcourse They Matter Too!
While science is crucial, communication and cultural understanding are also key skills for psychiatrists. Consider adding these to your schedule:
AP English – Strong writing and communication skills will help you with patient notes, research papers, and interviews.
Foreign Language (like Spanish) – This can help you connect with diverse patients in the future. Plus, many medical programs love bilingual applicants!
Sociology or Social Studies – Gives insight into social factors affecting mental health.
Vaiga another thing to keep in mind is to Get Hands-On Experience – Start Exploring Psychiatry Now!
I love Doc Frick’s advice about seeking out real-world experiences. Seeing what psychiatrists actually do will not only boost your college applications—it’ll also help you know if this path is the right fit for you. So if you want to dive in here is what you can start on.
Volunteer at a Hospital or Mental Health Clinic – Look for roles where you can interact with patients or assist medical staff.
Try to shadow a Psychiatrist. Ask local psychiatrists if you can observe their work (with patient privacy in mind).
Also programs like the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) or local university summer camps offer hands-on learning in medical fields.
And if your high school doesn’t offer AP Psychology, see if you can take an intro psychology course online or at a local community college.
✅ Try to show your passion in Extra-Curriculars.
Colleges love applicants who go beyond the classroom. So, you can join a Psychology Club – If your school doesn’t have one, start it! It will even boost that application better.
There are Science Fairs and Research Projects. Focus on topics related to neuroscience or mental health.
You can also join or volunteer with groups promoting mental health awareness (like NAMI or Active Minds).
Remember though Vaiga mostly importantly make sure to Take Care of Yourself because balance is Key! 😌
Both mentors wisely mentioned balance—and they’re right. It’s tempting to load up on every impressive class, but mental health is important (especially for a future psychiatrist!). So here are a few tips I can totally reommend:
Aim for a mix of challenging classes and ones you genuinely enjoy. Quality over Quantity you always hear this.
Schedule and Give yourself time to relax and recharge.
Make sure to ewxplore Interests. Stay curious! Read psychology books, listen to mental health podcasts, or follow psychiatry-related YouTube channels. This will keep you engaged and going as well.
🎯 Vaiga you’re already thinking like a future doctor by planning ahead, and that’s amazing! So, Keep asking questions, stay curious, and enjoy the journey—you’ve got this, and remember If you want specific help with anything, just let me know. I’m here a click away! 🤗😉
Meet with Your Counselor – Share your psychiatry goals and ask for help planning your senior-year schedule.
Find Volunteer Opportunities – Start looking for local mental health volunteer roles or shadowing experiences.
Research Colleges – Look for universities with strong pre-med or psychology programs.
Stay Curious – Keep learning! Psychology is fascinating, and there’s always more to explore.
It’s awesome that you’re already planning ahead for a career in psychiatry—that kind of dedication will definitely pay off! 😉💪You should know both Doc Frick and Karin P. gave you some amazing suggestions, and I totally agree with their advice. I am just gonna highlight a few key takeaways from them and add a few extra ideas to help you prepare for your future. Hope it helps out.
Firstly Build a Strong Foundation.
Like Doc Frick and Karin P. pointed out, focusing on science and math is super important since you’ll need to go through medical school to become a psychiatrist. Here are some top picks which you can consider taking or choosing.
AP Biology now this is essential for understanding the brain and human body (a future psychiatrist’s bread and butter!).
AP Psychology is a great introduction to mental health, behavior, and how the mind works—super relevant to your future!😊
AP Chemistry is Important for understanding medications and how brain chemistry affects mental health.
AP Statistics helps you interpret research studies and understand the data behind mental health treatments.
AP Calculus is not mandatory, but useful if you want to dive deeper into medical research or neuroscience.
Karin P. made an excellent point. Don't overload yourself. It’s better to excel in a few core subjects than to stretch yourself too thin. So, pick the classes you’re most passionate about and crush them!
Don’t Forget Humanities because ofcourse They Matter Too!
While science is crucial, communication and cultural understanding are also key skills for psychiatrists. Consider adding these to your schedule:
AP English – Strong writing and communication skills will help you with patient notes, research papers, and interviews.
Foreign Language (like Spanish) – This can help you connect with diverse patients in the future. Plus, many medical programs love bilingual applicants!
Sociology or Social Studies – Gives insight into social factors affecting mental health.
Vaiga another thing to keep in mind is to Get Hands-On Experience – Start Exploring Psychiatry Now!
I love Doc Frick’s advice about seeking out real-world experiences. Seeing what psychiatrists actually do will not only boost your college applications—it’ll also help you know if this path is the right fit for you. So if you want to dive in here is what you can start on.
Volunteer at a Hospital or Mental Health Clinic – Look for roles where you can interact with patients or assist medical staff.
Try to shadow a Psychiatrist. Ask local psychiatrists if you can observe their work (with patient privacy in mind).
Also programs like the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) or local university summer camps offer hands-on learning in medical fields.
And if your high school doesn’t offer AP Psychology, see if you can take an intro psychology course online or at a local community college.
✅ Try to show your passion in Extra-Curriculars.
Colleges love applicants who go beyond the classroom. So, you can join a Psychology Club – If your school doesn’t have one, start it! It will even boost that application better.
There are Science Fairs and Research Projects. Focus on topics related to neuroscience or mental health.
You can also join or volunteer with groups promoting mental health awareness (like NAMI or Active Minds).
Remember though Vaiga mostly importantly make sure to Take Care of Yourself because balance is Key! 😌
Both mentors wisely mentioned balance—and they’re right. It’s tempting to load up on every impressive class, but mental health is important (especially for a future psychiatrist!). So here are a few tips I can totally reommend:
Aim for a mix of challenging classes and ones you genuinely enjoy. Quality over Quantity you always hear this.
Schedule and Give yourself time to relax and recharge.
Make sure to ewxplore Interests. Stay curious! Read psychology books, listen to mental health podcasts, or follow psychiatry-related YouTube channels. This will keep you engaged and going as well.
🎯 Vaiga you’re already thinking like a future doctor by planning ahead, and that’s amazing! So, Keep asking questions, stay curious, and enjoy the journey—you’ve got this, and remember If you want specific help with anything, just let me know. I’m here a click away! 🤗😉
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1792
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Vaiga if you're aiming for a psychiatry major in college, I would recommend taking these AP classes in high school are: AP Biology, AP Psychology, AP Chemistry, AP Statistics, and AP Calculus, as they will provide you a strong foundation in the biological and statistical aspects of human behavior that are crucial for the field of psychiatry.
• AP BIOLOGY — This class covers fundamental biological concepts like genetics, cell biology, and neuroscience, which are essential for understanding the biological basis of mental health disorders.
• AP PSYCHOLOGY — This is considered the most relevant AP class for a future psychiatry major, providing a comprehensive overview of human behavior, mental processes, and different psychological theories.
• AP CHEMISTRY — Understanding basic chemistry, especially organic chemistry, is important for comprehending the neurotransmitters and other chemical processes involved in the brain.
• AP STATISTICS — Statistical analysis is critical for research in the field of psychiatry, so taking AP Statistics will prepare you for interpreting data and conducting research studies.
• AP CALCULUS — While not directly related to psychiatry, calculus can be beneficial for advanced research in neuroscience and understanding complex data sets.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMS
As well as taking AP classes, you should also aim to take AP exams, especially in STEM-focused AP exams, such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Calculus. When testing, you should aim for scores of 4 or 5. A top score in AP exams not only strengthens your application but may also earn college credit or advanced placement in university courses, reducing the time and cost of a BS to MD degrees.
PSYCHIATRY EXTRACURRICULAR
Seeking opportunities to experience healthcare environments first-hand can provide you with a profound understanding of the work that psychiatrists undertake. By immersing oneself in clinical settings, you can witness the intricacies of psychiatric care, observe patient interactions, and gain insights into the holistic approach psychiatrists employ to address mental health challenges, including developing a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient. This hands-on experience not only fosters a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the field but also allows you to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, particularly in mental health services.
• Volunteer or work part-time in a hospital, clinic or mental health facility.
• Shadow psychiatrists to observe their patient interactions and typical work activities.
• Take psychology or nursing courses at a local community college.
• Apply for summer immersion programs related to psychiatry or medicine.
• Intern at a pharmacy to understand medications that psychiatrists prescribe.
• Attend psychiatry conferences and seminars open to high school students.
These activities develop your interpersonal abilities and confirm your interest in the field. They also give you insights to include in your medical school applications.
• AP BIOLOGY — This class covers fundamental biological concepts like genetics, cell biology, and neuroscience, which are essential for understanding the biological basis of mental health disorders.
• AP PSYCHOLOGY — This is considered the most relevant AP class for a future psychiatry major, providing a comprehensive overview of human behavior, mental processes, and different psychological theories.
• AP CHEMISTRY — Understanding basic chemistry, especially organic chemistry, is important for comprehending the neurotransmitters and other chemical processes involved in the brain.
• AP STATISTICS — Statistical analysis is critical for research in the field of psychiatry, so taking AP Statistics will prepare you for interpreting data and conducting research studies.
• AP CALCULUS — While not directly related to psychiatry, calculus can be beneficial for advanced research in neuroscience and understanding complex data sets.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMS
As well as taking AP classes, you should also aim to take AP exams, especially in STEM-focused AP exams, such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Calculus. When testing, you should aim for scores of 4 or 5. A top score in AP exams not only strengthens your application but may also earn college credit or advanced placement in university courses, reducing the time and cost of a BS to MD degrees.
PSYCHIATRY EXTRACURRICULAR
Seeking opportunities to experience healthcare environments first-hand can provide you with a profound understanding of the work that psychiatrists undertake. By immersing oneself in clinical settings, you can witness the intricacies of psychiatric care, observe patient interactions, and gain insights into the holistic approach psychiatrists employ to address mental health challenges, including developing a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient. This hands-on experience not only fosters a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the field but also allows you to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, particularly in mental health services.
• Volunteer or work part-time in a hospital, clinic or mental health facility.
• Shadow psychiatrists to observe their patient interactions and typical work activities.
• Take psychology or nursing courses at a local community college.
• Apply for summer immersion programs related to psychiatry or medicine.
• Intern at a pharmacy to understand medications that psychiatrists prescribe.
• Attend psychiatry conferences and seminars open to high school students.
These activities develop your interpersonal abilities and confirm your interest in the field. They also give you insights to include in your medical school applications.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Cecilia
Thank you so much for your help!!
Vaiga
Thank You Dr. H. How can we expect students to know and experience the joy of giving unless we teach them that the greater pleasure in life lies in the art of giving rather than receiving.
Doc Frick
Ah, you’re bringing out the wisdom today—Doc Frick style as always honestly! That quote hits deep, truly, It’s like saying, “Hey, if we want future adults to be kind, generous, and all-around awesome humans, we’ve got to show them the magic of giving while they’re still learning how to tie their shoes and survive math class.” I truly love your wisdom words Doc Frick always happy to hear them.
Dr H
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
488
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Vaiga,
To become a psychiatrist, you need to go to medical school. I would recommend focussing on science and math in high-school, i.e. AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Math. Whatever you can learn in high-school will help you pass your college level courses. Make sure though not to overload your schedule. It's better to have excellent marks than to have lowish marks in AP courses.
Also important would be English, possibly Spanish, and some social science and/or psychology (depending on offerings at your high-school).
I hope this helps! All the best!
KP
To become a psychiatrist, you need to go to medical school. I would recommend focussing on science and math in high-school, i.e. AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Math. Whatever you can learn in high-school will help you pass your college level courses. Make sure though not to overload your schedule. It's better to have excellent marks than to have lowish marks in AP courses.
Also important would be English, possibly Spanish, and some social science and/or psychology (depending on offerings at your high-school).
I hope this helps! All the best!
KP
Bright Komor
Nurse
261
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
For a psychiatry major, consider taking AP/Advanced courses such as AP Psychology, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Statistics, and regular courses like Anatomy and Physiology, Sociology, and English Literature/Composition. These courses provide a solid foundation in the field and help understand the biological basis of behavior, mental disorders, neurotransmitters, medications, and psychological studies.
For a head start, consider dual enrollment in college-level psychology or related courses online, such as courses on platforms like Coursera or edX. It's important to choose manageable challenging courses, balance them with your interests, and check college requirements to avoid burnout. Remember to balance your interests with fun electives and check college requirements for specific course prerequisites.
For a head start, consider dual enrollment in college-level psychology or related courses online, such as courses on platforms like Coursera or edX. It's important to choose manageable challenging courses, balance them with your interests, and check college requirements to avoid burnout. Remember to balance your interests with fun electives and check college requirements for specific course prerequisites.