5 answers
Lory
Student
Mission Viejo, California
4
Questions
Asked
829 views
What are some steps I can take as a highschool student to prepare myself for a possible psychology degree?
I'm almost sure that I'll take psych and be a PA but I know that its very selective and rigorous.
Login to comment
5 answers
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
235
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
As a high school student in order to prepare yourself for a psychology degree and a career as a PA, there are several steps you can take into account to be more prepared. These include enrolling in psychology and science courses, maintaining a strong GPA, and gaining research experience. Try to look for opportunities to volunteer or shadow professionals in the field, and participate in relevant extracurricular activities. It's important to stay updated on psychology and healthcare trends, and prepare for standardized tests. I recommend to seek guidance from mentors and professionals, and focus on developing effective communication skills. By committing to these steps, you can enhance your chances of success!
Thank you for answering! Do you have any examples of extracurriculars specifically (or relevant) for psychology? And what are the standardized tests that I should be preparing myself to take?
Lory
Tejsharani Beeram
Doctor
1
Answer
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Tejsharani’s Answer
Psychology for sure in a challenging degree but if you really want to perceive it and put your heart into it it can be a very wonderful and challenging experience.The joy of helping someone in need is unmatched.If you really wanna perceive it go for it ,its going to be very rewarding
Thank you, Tejsharani!
Lory
Ryan Kretz
46
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
That's great to hear that you're considering pursuing a psychology degree and becoming a PA (Physician Assistant)! Here are some steps you can take as a high school student to prepare yourself for a possible psychology degree:
Take relevant coursework: In high school, focus on taking courses that will provide a strong foundation in the sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and psychology if available. These courses will help you develop a basic understanding of the subject matter and prepare you for more advanced coursework in college.
Volunteer or shadow in healthcare settings: Look for opportunities to volunteer or shadow professionals in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. This will give you exposure to the healthcare field and help you gain a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills: Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential in the field of psychology. Focus on developing your listening skills, empathy, and the ability to connect with others. Engage in activities that allow you to practice active listening, empathy, and effective communication, such as joining clubs or organizations that involve teamwork or community service.
Seek research opportunities: Research experience can be valuable in the field of psychology. Look for opportunities to assist with research projects at your school or local universities. This will give you exposure to the research process and help you develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
Stay informed and read widely: Stay updated on current research, trends, and developments in the field of psychology. Read books, articles, and reputable online sources to expand your knowledge and understanding of the subject. This will help you stay engaged and informed as you pursue your psychology degree.
Prepare for college: Focus on maintaining a strong academic record and developing good study habits. Take advantage of resources available to you, such as college preparation workshops or guidance counseling, to ensure you are well-prepared for the transition to college.
Remember, the journey to becoming a PA in the field of psychology is a long one, but with dedication, hard work, and a passion for helping others, you can achieve your goals. Use your time in high school to explore your interests, gain experience, and build a strong foundation for your future studies in psychology.
Take relevant coursework: In high school, focus on taking courses that will provide a strong foundation in the sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and psychology if available. These courses will help you develop a basic understanding of the subject matter and prepare you for more advanced coursework in college.
Volunteer or shadow in healthcare settings: Look for opportunities to volunteer or shadow professionals in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. This will give you exposure to the healthcare field and help you gain a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills: Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential in the field of psychology. Focus on developing your listening skills, empathy, and the ability to connect with others. Engage in activities that allow you to practice active listening, empathy, and effective communication, such as joining clubs or organizations that involve teamwork or community service.
Seek research opportunities: Research experience can be valuable in the field of psychology. Look for opportunities to assist with research projects at your school or local universities. This will give you exposure to the research process and help you develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
Stay informed and read widely: Stay updated on current research, trends, and developments in the field of psychology. Read books, articles, and reputable online sources to expand your knowledge and understanding of the subject. This will help you stay engaged and informed as you pursue your psychology degree.
Prepare for college: Focus on maintaining a strong academic record and developing good study habits. Take advantage of resources available to you, such as college preparation workshops or guidance counseling, to ensure you are well-prepared for the transition to college.
Remember, the journey to becoming a PA in the field of psychology is a long one, but with dedication, hard work, and a passion for helping others, you can achieve your goals. Use your time in high school to explore your interests, gain experience, and build a strong foundation for your future studies in psychology.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1920
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Lory !
Becoming a Physician Assistant is a wonderful career choice and it's great that you are exploring what is required. Yes, it is a very demanding academic experience, but well worth it if that's what you really want to do and become a medical professional. The job outlook for PAs in California is very good. Your first step would be to obtain your Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Public Health, Biology, Nursing or Medical Assistant. These majors may satisfy some of the prerequisites for the Physician Assistant degree. You would take a test for certification as well as apply for a license to be a PA.
Consider that you would be doing the same duties as a medical doctor, which would be examining patients, diagnosing and treating patients but working under supervision of a medical doctor. You would be doing rotations (hands on experience at various medical providers) not an internship or residency that medical doctors do. It is still demanding and time consuming while in college, but don't let that determine whether or not you follow through with it. College in general is a huge demand and requires focus and dedication.
Some of the colleges in California that have Physician Assistant programs up and running are: California Baptist University, Chapman University, Charles R. Drew University, Dominican University of California, Loma Linda University, Marshal B. Ketchum University, Samuel Merritt University, Southern California University of Health Sciences, Stanford University, Touro University (in Vallejo), University of California at Davis, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, and University of the Pacific (in Sacramento). These would be the colleges that you can obtain your learning and degree for Physician Assistant after you obtain your Bachelors Degree. You should check out these and other college programs once you obtain your Bachelors Degree because more programs may emerge in the meantime.
I encourage you to follow your career goals and perhaps getting a clear picture of the job would help you overcome any worry about selective issues and how demanding it is. Something that may help you decide would be to watch videos of people talking about what it's like to study PA and more about what PAs do. There are a lot of videos on You Tube but I have left some links below for some videos to start your exploration.
It will be your choice whether or not to study to be a PA. Become well informed, know where you want your future to be and you will decide if it is for you.
Best wishes in all you do !
WANT TO BE A PHYSICIAN ASSITANT (VIDEO) https://youtu.be/IyZCMcq4zVY?si=SS9uMBq0CT-2qkSZ
WHAT DO PAs DO (VIDEO) https://youtu.be/tqWBTF9IueI?si=_hB1Fx8mDVvjRdKR
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDENT https://youtu.be/EB23-kyBRyI?si=KBAHCYxansxkkfLa
A NEW PA GRAD WORKING IN ER TELLS WHAT IT'S LIKE https://youtu.be/U-g8EurxZEo?si=TutnRzVOU5v0q9OA
Becoming a Physician Assistant is a wonderful career choice and it's great that you are exploring what is required. Yes, it is a very demanding academic experience, but well worth it if that's what you really want to do and become a medical professional. The job outlook for PAs in California is very good. Your first step would be to obtain your Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Public Health, Biology, Nursing or Medical Assistant. These majors may satisfy some of the prerequisites for the Physician Assistant degree. You would take a test for certification as well as apply for a license to be a PA.
Consider that you would be doing the same duties as a medical doctor, which would be examining patients, diagnosing and treating patients but working under supervision of a medical doctor. You would be doing rotations (hands on experience at various medical providers) not an internship or residency that medical doctors do. It is still demanding and time consuming while in college, but don't let that determine whether or not you follow through with it. College in general is a huge demand and requires focus and dedication.
Some of the colleges in California that have Physician Assistant programs up and running are: California Baptist University, Chapman University, Charles R. Drew University, Dominican University of California, Loma Linda University, Marshal B. Ketchum University, Samuel Merritt University, Southern California University of Health Sciences, Stanford University, Touro University (in Vallejo), University of California at Davis, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, and University of the Pacific (in Sacramento). These would be the colleges that you can obtain your learning and degree for Physician Assistant after you obtain your Bachelors Degree. You should check out these and other college programs once you obtain your Bachelors Degree because more programs may emerge in the meantime.
I encourage you to follow your career goals and perhaps getting a clear picture of the job would help you overcome any worry about selective issues and how demanding it is. Something that may help you decide would be to watch videos of people talking about what it's like to study PA and more about what PAs do. There are a lot of videos on You Tube but I have left some links below for some videos to start your exploration.
It will be your choice whether or not to study to be a PA. Become well informed, know where you want your future to be and you will decide if it is for you.
Best wishes in all you do !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Hi! Thank you so much for this extensive answer! I'll utilize it to the best of my abilities!
Lory
You're welcome, Lory !
Michelle M.
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
Dear Lory,
Here's a guide to gear up for a Psychology degree while still in high school:
Choose High School Courses Wisely: To lay a solid foundation for your psychology degree, opt for high school courses that align with this field. This could include psychology itself (if available), along with biology, chemistry, math, and social sciences. These subjects will give you a head start in understanding the basics of psychology.
Engage in Relevant Extracurricular Activities: Participate in extracurricular activities that relate to psychology or healthcare. This could involve joining psychology-related clubs, volunteering at mental health facilities, or shadowing professionals in the field. These activities will enrich your understanding and skills in psychology.
Look for Research Opportunities: Try to participate in research projects or internships related to psychology. This hands-on experience will give you a practical understanding of psychology and its research methods, which are crucial for a degree in this field.
Sharpen Your Writing and Critical Thinking Skills: A psychology degree often demands strong writing and critical thinking skills. To hone these skills, consider taking English or writing classes. Also, practice critical thinking by analyzing information and forming logical conclusions.
Connect with Mentors: Forge relationships with teachers, counselors, or professionals in psychology. They can guide you and offer valuable advice, insights, and recommendations to help you navigate your academic journey.
Ace College Admissions: Since psychology degrees can be competitive, it's important to excel acadically and score well on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Consider joining college prep programs or workshops to boost your college application.
Discover the Many Faces of Psychology: Psychology is a vast field with numerous specializations such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, neuropsychology, and more. Spend time exploring these areas to find the one that best matches your interests and career goals.
Stay Updated: Keep yourself informed about the latest trends, research, and developments in psychology. Regularly read psychology-related books, articles, and journals. This will not only expand your knowledge but also show your dedication to the field during college admissions.
By following these steps and immersing yourself in psychology-related activities, you'll be well-equipped for a degree in this field.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
American Psychological Association (APA): APA is a renowned organization offering resources on psychology education, careers, and current trends. Their website is a treasure trove of information for those interested in a psychology degree.
Psychology Today: A trustworthy source for articles on a wide array of topics in psychology, from mental health to academic pursuits.
Verywell Mind: This authoritative source provides evidence-based content on mental health topics and educational resources for prospective psychology students.
These sources were used to ensure the guidance provided here is accurate and reliable.
Stay blessed!
Here's a guide to gear up for a Psychology degree while still in high school:
Choose High School Courses Wisely: To lay a solid foundation for your psychology degree, opt for high school courses that align with this field. This could include psychology itself (if available), along with biology, chemistry, math, and social sciences. These subjects will give you a head start in understanding the basics of psychology.
Engage in Relevant Extracurricular Activities: Participate in extracurricular activities that relate to psychology or healthcare. This could involve joining psychology-related clubs, volunteering at mental health facilities, or shadowing professionals in the field. These activities will enrich your understanding and skills in psychology.
Look for Research Opportunities: Try to participate in research projects or internships related to psychology. This hands-on experience will give you a practical understanding of psychology and its research methods, which are crucial for a degree in this field.
Sharpen Your Writing and Critical Thinking Skills: A psychology degree often demands strong writing and critical thinking skills. To hone these skills, consider taking English or writing classes. Also, practice critical thinking by analyzing information and forming logical conclusions.
Connect with Mentors: Forge relationships with teachers, counselors, or professionals in psychology. They can guide you and offer valuable advice, insights, and recommendations to help you navigate your academic journey.
Ace College Admissions: Since psychology degrees can be competitive, it's important to excel acadically and score well on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Consider joining college prep programs or workshops to boost your college application.
Discover the Many Faces of Psychology: Psychology is a vast field with numerous specializations such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, neuropsychology, and more. Spend time exploring these areas to find the one that best matches your interests and career goals.
Stay Updated: Keep yourself informed about the latest trends, research, and developments in psychology. Regularly read psychology-related books, articles, and journals. This will not only expand your knowledge but also show your dedication to the field during college admissions.
By following these steps and immersing yourself in psychology-related activities, you'll be well-equipped for a degree in this field.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
American Psychological Association (APA): APA is a renowned organization offering resources on psychology education, careers, and current trends. Their website is a treasure trove of information for those interested in a psychology degree.
Psychology Today: A trustworthy source for articles on a wide array of topics in psychology, from mental health to academic pursuits.
Verywell Mind: This authoritative source provides evidence-based content on mental health topics and educational resources for prospective psychology students.
These sources were used to ensure the guidance provided here is accurate and reliable.
Stay blessed!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Lory