5 answers
Madison
Student
Logansport, Indiana
1
Question
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What classes can I start taking in highschool to help me get into psychology?
I’m a sophomore in highschool and really want to go into psychology and I’m wondering what I can do now to help me in the future
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5 answers
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
362
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Madison:
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a psychology career. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra and statistics will be needed. Other classes to take will be language arts, social sciences, foreign language and AP psychology. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Psychologist, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
According to VeryWellMind.com, the educational pathway to become a Clinical Psychologist will be between 8-12 years. 4 Years will be to earn a Bachelor Degree. A Masters Degree will be 2-3 years. The Doctorate Degree will be another 4-7 years. Then, there are internships, certifications and licensing that have to be earned and achieved along the way.
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-psychologist-2794935
There are careers in Psychology that one can pursue. According to Indeed.com, here are some of the top careers for a Psychology major:
- Therapist
- Psychology Program Director
- Behavioral Analyst
- Researcher
- Psychology Professor
- Industrial Psychologist
- Military Psychologist
- Counseling Psychologist
- Correctional Psychologist
- Sports Psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Experimental Psychologist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Neuropsychiatrist
- Child or School Psychiatrist
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/top-psychology-degree-jobs
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for a Psychology major:
- Stanford University
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Harvard University
- University of California (Los Angeles)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Princeton University
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- Yale University
- Cornell University
- Northwestern University
- University of Wisconsin (Madison)
- Columbia University
- Duke University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/psychology-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Psychology!
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a psychology career. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra and statistics will be needed. Other classes to take will be language arts, social sciences, foreign language and AP psychology. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Psychologist, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
According to VeryWellMind.com, the educational pathway to become a Clinical Psychologist will be between 8-12 years. 4 Years will be to earn a Bachelor Degree. A Masters Degree will be 2-3 years. The Doctorate Degree will be another 4-7 years. Then, there are internships, certifications and licensing that have to be earned and achieved along the way.
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-psychologist-2794935
There are careers in Psychology that one can pursue. According to Indeed.com, here are some of the top careers for a Psychology major:
- Therapist
- Psychology Program Director
- Behavioral Analyst
- Researcher
- Psychology Professor
- Industrial Psychologist
- Military Psychologist
- Counseling Psychologist
- Correctional Psychologist
- Sports Psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Experimental Psychologist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Neuropsychiatrist
- Child or School Psychiatrist
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/top-psychology-degree-jobs
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for a Psychology major:
- Stanford University
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Harvard University
- University of California (Los Angeles)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Princeton University
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- Yale University
- Cornell University
- Northwestern University
- University of Wisconsin (Madison)
- Columbia University
- Duke University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/psychology-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Psychology!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Madison,
It's always a delight to talk about such intriguing topics! While not as heavily focused on STEM as math or physics, psychology is still quite a challenging field. Biology is often a key subject to understand before diving into it. If you run a quick Google search on "high school prerequisites for psychology," you'll find that courses in sciences, math, communication arts (like English and a foreign language), social studies, and history can provide a solid groundwork for your future psychology studies. Here's a helpful link I found: https://www.verywellmind.com/high-school-classes-for-psychology-majors-2795143.
I had a friend who studied psychology at a university in Australia about 50 years ago. The reading list was quite extensive, featuring books like Neurolinguistic Programming, Psycho-Cybernetics, and Gestalt Therapy by Hans Fritz, Ph. D. Some pretty groundbreaking stuff, if you ask me! My friend once used a unique approach to interpret a dream I had, asking me to imagine what it felt like to actually be the car I was riding in during the dream.
In addition to the psychological theories, there was also a significant amount of mathematical statistics involved, such as understanding the Normal Distribution, the T-Test, the ANOVA Table, and the Chi-Squared Test. The local university in Australia recommends certain high school subjects as desirable prerequisites for psychology, and I believe it would be a similar case in the USA. Here's another link for you: https://study.uq.edu.au/stories/how-study-psychology-high-school.
I hope this gives you a good starting point!
Best,
Jim.
It's always a delight to talk about such intriguing topics! While not as heavily focused on STEM as math or physics, psychology is still quite a challenging field. Biology is often a key subject to understand before diving into it. If you run a quick Google search on "high school prerequisites for psychology," you'll find that courses in sciences, math, communication arts (like English and a foreign language), social studies, and history can provide a solid groundwork for your future psychology studies. Here's a helpful link I found: https://www.verywellmind.com/high-school-classes-for-psychology-majors-2795143.
I had a friend who studied psychology at a university in Australia about 50 years ago. The reading list was quite extensive, featuring books like Neurolinguistic Programming, Psycho-Cybernetics, and Gestalt Therapy by Hans Fritz, Ph. D. Some pretty groundbreaking stuff, if you ask me! My friend once used a unique approach to interpret a dream I had, asking me to imagine what it felt like to actually be the car I was riding in during the dream.
In addition to the psychological theories, there was also a significant amount of mathematical statistics involved, such as understanding the Normal Distribution, the T-Test, the ANOVA Table, and the Chi-Squared Test. The local university in Australia recommends certain high school subjects as desirable prerequisites for psychology, and I believe it would be a similar case in the USA. Here's another link for you: https://study.uq.edu.au/stories/how-study-psychology-high-school.
I hope this gives you a good starting point!
Best,
Jim.
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
350
Answers
Spanish Fork, Utah
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hi Madison!
If you are interested in psychology, it can be helpful to read books and learn more about some people who are doing a big share of really effective work with many people these days--get familiar with names like John Townsend, Henry Cloud, Les and Leslie Parrott, Gary Chapman, Ross Campbell, John and Julie Gottman, Terry Real, and John Delony.
And get familiar with the kinds of things they say and write and teach, as well as John Gray's books What You Feel You Can Heal and Beyond Mars and Venus; and you could also work to become at least somewhat familiar with 12-step programs and what their tradition and culture are. (Books like The Language of Letting Go by Melodie Beattie etc.)
Knowing about these resources can let you know the kinds of conversations that are happening about things that people come to psychologists for help with, and let you start to know what you would want to look into further or form your own opinions.
If you are interested in psychology, it can be helpful to read books and learn more about some people who are doing a big share of really effective work with many people these days--get familiar with names like John Townsend, Henry Cloud, Les and Leslie Parrott, Gary Chapman, Ross Campbell, John and Julie Gottman, Terry Real, and John Delony.
And get familiar with the kinds of things they say and write and teach, as well as John Gray's books What You Feel You Can Heal and Beyond Mars and Venus; and you could also work to become at least somewhat familiar with 12-step programs and what their tradition and culture are. (Books like The Language of Letting Go by Melodie Beattie etc.)
Knowing about these resources can let you know the kinds of conversations that are happening about things that people come to psychologists for help with, and let you start to know what you would want to look into further or form your own opinions.
Alan Wilson
Manage Project Management Office
4
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Michael and James (see above) provided excellent answers. I will approach the question from a different aspect. Many individuals find later in life that their chosen field is really not what they want to do, or the job market changed dramatically, causing a career change (I'm speaking in general and not psychology in particular). So, there are a few things that I recommend, no matter what your career is starting out, or later in life.
1. Develop a curiosity and a love for learning. One of the most important characteristics/traits, a leader or executive looks for in a person is curiosity.
2. As part of this, learn to love to read, podcast (audio), Ted Talk (video).
3. Set up monthly learning goals. It can be as simple I want to read one book this month on a particular subject.
4. Focus on your mindset. Studies have shown that we have anywhere between 30,000, to 50,000 or more thoughts in a day. Most of the thoughts are negative. They are called Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs). A key to success in life is to focus on learning and taking action on your dreams. Thoughts will come up (ANTS), that inner voice that will tell you (you're too young, you're not smart enough, you can't do it) and on and on. As you take action, you will gain confidence (e.g. learning and applying that knowledge) in your field. As you gain confidence, you will set even bigger goals. As you have success, you will have even more confidence.
5. Self-worth - you are a unique person that has never existed before. You have unique strengths, talent and capabilities. Don't let any tell you different. As you explore and reach out to your dreams, there may be people who tell you that you can't do something. Don't listen to them. You are a worthy individual that is going to have a positive impact and make this world a better place.
1. Develop a curiosity and a love for learning. One of the most important characteristics/traits, a leader or executive looks for in a person is curiosity.
2. As part of this, learn to love to read, podcast (audio), Ted Talk (video).
3. Set up monthly learning goals. It can be as simple I want to read one book this month on a particular subject.
4. Focus on your mindset. Studies have shown that we have anywhere between 30,000, to 50,000 or more thoughts in a day. Most of the thoughts are negative. They are called Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs). A key to success in life is to focus on learning and taking action on your dreams. Thoughts will come up (ANTS), that inner voice that will tell you (you're too young, you're not smart enough, you can't do it) and on and on. As you take action, you will gain confidence (e.g. learning and applying that knowledge) in your field. As you gain confidence, you will set even bigger goals. As you have success, you will have even more confidence.
5. Self-worth - you are a unique person that has never existed before. You have unique strengths, talent and capabilities. Don't let any tell you different. As you explore and reach out to your dreams, there may be people who tell you that you can't do something. Don't listen to them. You are a worthy individual that is going to have a positive impact and make this world a better place.
Marlyce Campbell
Respiratory Therapist
42
Answers
WaKeeney, Kansas
Updated
Marlyce’s Answer
Madison, I encourage you to consult with your school's career counselor. They can provide valuable guidance and resources. Additionally, consider exploring job shadowing opportunities. This can offer you a real-world perspective on different careers, helping you determine what you enjoy and what you don't. Building connections with professionals in various fields can be incredibly beneficial, offering you insider knowledge and advice.
Your forward-thinking approach is commendable. In my own experience, while I was in high school, I pursued my EMT license with the aim of becoming a paramedic. However, when a wonderful opportunity presented itself, I switched paths and became a Respiratory Therapist. This just goes to show how important it is to keep your options open and be flexible.
Remember, fortune favors the bold. Best of luck in your journey!
Your forward-thinking approach is commendable. In my own experience, while I was in high school, I pursued my EMT license with the aim of becoming a paramedic. However, when a wonderful opportunity presented itself, I switched paths and became a Respiratory Therapist. This just goes to show how important it is to keep your options open and be flexible.
Remember, fortune favors the bold. Best of luck in your journey!