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is home schooling good or should i go to public highschool?

i want to be a psychiatrist and no high schools realy have any stuff like that so i was thinking about home schooling for a portion of high school anyway is that a good idea?

+25 Karma if successful
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Subject: Career question for you

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Doc’s Answer

To become a PSYCHIATRIST Sophia, your going need a BACHELOR'S DEGREE, followed by MEDICAL SCHOOL and a residency program in psychiatry. Psychiatry has become more competitive in recent years, particularly for desirable programs. With the growing awareness and interest in mental health, as well as the increasing number of applicants interested in becoming psychiatrists i recommend you attend your highschool to enhance your college appreciation.

STEP 1️⃣ HIGHSCHOOL GPA
To prepare for a psychiatry major in college, excel in high school by focusing on rigorous coursework, particularly in MATH, SCIENCE, and ENGLISH. Take AP courses like BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY and CALCULUS to build a strong foundation. Consider AP Statistics as well, as it's crucial for clinical research. Beyond academics, explore extracurriculars that align with your interests, such as volunteering at a local clinic or joining a debate club.

STEP 2️⃣ EARN BACHELOR'S DEGREE
Graduating from college with a bachelor's degree is the first step toward a career as a psychiatrist. You don't need to major in a specific subject, but holding a degree in psychology, biochemistry, or biology can help build a strong foundation. No matter which major you choose, aim to develop a firm understanding of science and math—topics you’ll study in depth in med school.
• While in college, you can start to build your resume by volunteering at local mental health service providers or joining psychology-related organizations. Consider any options that give you a chance to work near mental health professionals or build on your knowledge of biology and psychology.
• Aside from a strong knowledge of medicine, psychiatrists need a set of personal skills that include analytical thinking, emotional resilience, and empathy. The ability to listen effectively and interpret body language is also useful. You can work on building these skills in your daily interactions with others.

STEP 3️⃣ PREPARE FOR MCAT
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized test used as an admissions requirement when you apply for a medical degree program. Plan to spend at least 200 hours studying for the exam. Break this down into 10 to 15 hours per week over a period of four to six months. Set yourself up for success by creating a manageable schedule and sticking to it. The MCAT will assess your knowledge of multiple subjects, including chemistry, biology, and psychology. There's a fee for taking the exam, and you can retake it three times within one year.

STEP 4️⃣ APPLY TO MEDICAL SCHOOL
As you begin applying to medical schools, you'll need to decide whether you want to pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Either route allows you to become a physician within a similar timeframe and after completing similar training. However, DOs are trained in a more holistic approach. Medical school typically takes about four years of full-time study. The initial two years focus on classroom-based learning and labs. Later years will involve more hands-on clinical experience.

STEP 5️⃣ COMPLETE FOUR-YEAR RESIDENCY
Following medical school, you'll need to spend another four years in a residency program. During this time, you'll treat people with mental health conditions in a real-world clinical setting under the supervision of a more experienced psychiatrist.

Hope this has been helpful Sophia
Thank you comment icon Thank You Karin. There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. Doc Frick
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Sophia !

Yes, it seems that Psychology classes are not offered at Fort Worth High Schools. Home Schooling is indeed one of the best intellectual, social and personal development experiences you can have. There is A LOT about home schooling that your parents and you will need to know before deciding to Home School. You can home school your entire high school years if you wanted to.

First, you should not choose home school for the sole reason that your public high school doesn't offer psychology. You will need more than that to be driven to home school. Also, it will be your parents' decision if you home school or not. As well, you do not need to learn Psychology in High School, you can start in college. Another thing is that Home Schooling does not have to take place during the hours your parents may work. It can be done on week nights, weekends and on the days your parents have off work and throughout the summer with your choice of breaks. If a grandparent is also available during the day, they can oversee and guide your lessons. Some families also hire private home school teachers for certain subjects. There are also Home School co-ops where you'd meet other students as you learn. There's a lot to it.

Home School includes doing projects, taking day trips and you can do volunteer work while being home schooled to get some experience.

You can be home schooled independently or through your local high school's home school guidelines and protocol. If you do it through the high school's guidelines, you can receive a High School Diploma. If you do it independently, your main home school teacher will need to make transcripts, other documentation of your home school education and know how to grade your classes you study. You will take the SAT exam at your district high school when you reach the 11th grade year because colleges will want your SAT score.

You will need to have a very strong independent ability already and be highly motivated to be home schooled. You will need to hone your writing skills the entire time as that will prepare you for college level work. Your parents will need to be 100% in favor, willing to learn how to home school and meet with your local school district office for lots of information about this. You may need a stronger reason than the lack of Psychology being offered, so really think about this after your parents and you obtain all the information.

If your parents are not interested in home schooling, you can always learn about Psychology by either reading books or doing dual enrollment while in public high school, taking a Psychology course at a community college for dual enrollment. Talk with the academic counselor about this before making a decision or if your parents want you to attend in person high school at your local district high school. You can also learn psychology by taking online courses in your free time. But like I've mentioned, you don't have to start in high school, college will teach you everything you'll need to know and books and online classes can give you an introduction.

So, my advice is to not choose Home School if your only reason is your high school doesn't offer Psychology. You will need to think about this and come up with additional reasons to home school. Once you and your parents obtain all the necessary information, it may be easier for you to understand which schooling to choose.

Remember, if your school doesn't offer what classes you want, you can get it from accessing non-fiction/self-help books, Psychology textbooks, videos, documentaries and online courses the entire time you attend regular High School.

I hope this helps and I wish you all the very best !
Thank you comment icon Thank you for giving me advice. sophia
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