5 answers
Erin
Student
Scranton, Pennsylvania
3
Questions
Asked
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If I wanted to be a psychiatrist, what kind of things would I have to do right now in school?
I'm currently a freshman in high school in all honors classes, I have good grades (high honors), I'm in the drama club at school, I participate in theatre outside of school, and I also take dance classes. Is there anything else I should be doing right now to ensure I'll get into college for a psychology degree?
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5 answers
Megan Busey
Medical assistant and social worker
38
Answers
Canal Winchester, Ohio
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hello,
My first major in college was psychiatry. I later switched to social work after I was advised you really cannot do a whole lot with a bachelor's degree in that field. You must get your masters to practice as a therapist.
Switching to social work, and getting my LSW opened alot of doors and job opportunities. You can then get your masters and become an LISW, and work as a therapist independently. I highly suggest you speak to your guidance counselor about this, because they are a huge tool in helping shape your educational decisions.
My first major in college was psychiatry. I later switched to social work after I was advised you really cannot do a whole lot with a bachelor's degree in that field. You must get your masters to practice as a therapist.
Switching to social work, and getting my LSW opened alot of doors and job opportunities. You can then get your masters and become an LISW, and work as a therapist independently. I highly suggest you speak to your guidance counselor about this, because they are a huge tool in helping shape your educational decisions.
Vamshee Gunturu
Principal Engineer
187
Answers
Chandler, Arizona
Updated
Vamshee’s Answer
High school is also a good time to begin planning for life after your undergraduate studies, whether that includes graduate school or taking using your understanding of psychology to work in a different field.
As a psychology major, you would need a strong foundation of college preparatory-level classes upon which to build the new knowledge you gain in college.
In addition to a general college prep curriculum, there are certain high school subjects you may want to focus on as an aspiring psychology major.
Subjects you can take in high school
Psychology
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Maths/Calculus/Statistics
Social Studies
Take AP Course in Psychology
Volunteering /Extracurricular Activities
Volunteer at mental health facilities or senior care or special care for Kids with ADHD gain experience working with troubled peers or community members facing mental health issues.
You can also reach out to Student Counseller at school for guidance.
Also, go for a student tour at your local university offering Psychology major to know the prerequisites and application process to tailor your approach.
Hope this will help you to get some idea and where to start.
As a psychology major, you would need a strong foundation of college preparatory-level classes upon which to build the new knowledge you gain in college.
In addition to a general college prep curriculum, there are certain high school subjects you may want to focus on as an aspiring psychology major.
Subjects you can take in high school
Psychology
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Maths/Calculus/Statistics
Social Studies
Take AP Course in Psychology
Volunteering /Extracurricular Activities
Volunteer at mental health facilities or senior care or special care for Kids with ADHD gain experience working with troubled peers or community members facing mental health issues.
You can also reach out to Student Counseller at school for guidance.
Also, go for a student tour at your local university offering Psychology major to know the prerequisites and application process to tailor your approach.
Hope this will help you to get some idea and where to start.
Abinesh Seelan
Construction project engineer
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Abinesh’s Answer
Hi Erin,
It sounds like you are already involved in a variety of activities and doing well academically, which is a great start towards preparing for college. Here are a few additional steps you can consider to enhance your chances of being accepted into a psychology program:
Take challenging courses: Colleges look for students who have taken rigorous courses in high school, especially in areas related to their intended major. Make sure you are taking challenging courses in subjects such as math, science, and social studies. This will not only help you build a strong academic foundation, but it will also show college admissions officers that you are capable of handling college-level work.
Participate in psychology-related activities: Consider getting involved in extracurricular activities that relate to psychology, such as volunteering at a local mental health clinic, participating in a psychology club, or attending psychology conferences or workshops. This will demonstrate your commitment to the field and your willingness to go above and beyond in your studies.
Build strong relationships with your teachers: Strong letters of recommendation can make a big difference in the college admissions process. Make an effort to build strong relationships with your teachers and ask them for letters of recommendation when the time comes.
Prepare for standardized tests: Most colleges require either the SAT or ACT for admission. Make sure you prepare for these tests by taking practice tests, studying, and seeking out resources such as tutoring or test prep courses.
Remember, getting into college is a holistic process, and there is no one "right" way to prepare. Keep doing what you are doing, continue to challenge yourself, and stay committed to your goals. Good luck!
It sounds like you are already involved in a variety of activities and doing well academically, which is a great start towards preparing for college. Here are a few additional steps you can consider to enhance your chances of being accepted into a psychology program:
Take challenging courses: Colleges look for students who have taken rigorous courses in high school, especially in areas related to their intended major. Make sure you are taking challenging courses in subjects such as math, science, and social studies. This will not only help you build a strong academic foundation, but it will also show college admissions officers that you are capable of handling college-level work.
Participate in psychology-related activities: Consider getting involved in extracurricular activities that relate to psychology, such as volunteering at a local mental health clinic, participating in a psychology club, or attending psychology conferences or workshops. This will demonstrate your commitment to the field and your willingness to go above and beyond in your studies.
Build strong relationships with your teachers: Strong letters of recommendation can make a big difference in the college admissions process. Make an effort to build strong relationships with your teachers and ask them for letters of recommendation when the time comes.
Prepare for standardized tests: Most colleges require either the SAT or ACT for admission. Make sure you prepare for these tests by taking practice tests, studying, and seeking out resources such as tutoring or test prep courses.
Remember, getting into college is a holistic process, and there is no one "right" way to prepare. Keep doing what you are doing, continue to challenge yourself, and stay committed to your goals. Good luck!
Jorge Villamariona
Product Marketing
1
Answer
San Ramon, California
Updated
Jorge’s Answer
Take all STEM courses you can:
Math: Algebra/Trig/Pre-Calc/Calculus
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Remember that in order to become a Psychiatrist you need to be a Medical Doctor first.
Math: Algebra/Trig/Pre-Calc/Calculus
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Remember that in order to become a Psychiatrist you need to be a Medical Doctor first.
Kimberly O'Hare
Student Advocate
23
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Hi Erin,
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor requiring medical school. Courses to prepare you for pre-med are pre-AP and AP math and science classes. Chemistry in particular is extremely important. If you want to conduct therapy and have more interaction with patients, you may want to consider psychology. A psychologist requires a Ph.D which means undergrad, graduate, and doctoral programs with practicums, a dissertation, and internships. Think about your main objective and go from there.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor requiring medical school. Courses to prepare you for pre-med are pre-AP and AP math and science classes. Chemistry in particular is extremely important. If you want to conduct therapy and have more interaction with patients, you may want to consider psychology. A psychologist requires a Ph.D which means undergrad, graduate, and doctoral programs with practicums, a dissertation, and internships. Think about your main objective and go from there.