2 answers
Minahil
Student
Fredericksburg, Virginia
2
Questions
Updated
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What extracurriculars can I partake in as a high schooler interested in forensic psychology?
What extracurriculars could I partake in as a rising junior interested in forensic/criminal psychology? I'm looking for any and all ideas! Passion project ideas, club ideas, jobs, anything!. I'm shadowing at a law clinic this summer, but I want more stuff to do that is related to my field of interest.
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2 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1017
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Minahil!
Your decision to pursue forensic and criminal psychology as a rising junior is quite exciting, and the chance to shadow at a legal clinic is truly amazing! You're obviously driven, therefore there are many opportunities to further develop that interest through extracurricular activities, side projects, and even part-time work.
Here are some suggestions tailored to you:
School Activities & Clubs:
- Psychology Club: Start one if your school doesn't already have one! Movie nights with crime-themed films, guest lecturers, or even small-scale study efforts can be planned.
- Mock Trial and Debate Teams: These groups develop critical thinking, public speaking, and an understanding of trial procedures, all of which are highly useful in forensic contexts.
Some high schools allow you to form your own club or offer one like the Criminal Justice or Law Club. Legal theory, court processes, and actual cases can all be analyzed.
Passion Projects:
- True Crime Blog or Podcast: Create a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast in which you examine psychological theories underlying criminal behavior, conduct interviews with experts, or evaluate well-known instances.
- Community Awareness Campaign: Develop a project that brings attention to issues pertaining to mental health and the legal system, such as the psychology of erroneous convictions or the influence of trauma on juvenile crime.
- Research Project: If your school permits independent study, you might look into the psychology of lie detection, serial offender profiles, or the criminal mind.
- Jobs and Volunteering: Mental Health Helplines or Crisis Text Lines (for volunteer-in-training: With the right guidance and instruction, some permit older teenagers to participate.
See if you can observe court proceedings in your community to have a better understanding of the actual judicial system.
- Police Station or Library Volunteer: Some police agencies offer work shadowing or youth volunteer programs, which can be enlightening.
Additional Suggestions:
- Certifications or Online Courses: Some forensic psychology or criminology introductory courses are free on platforms such as Coursera or FutureLearn.
- Summer Programs or Pre-College Courses: Seek for university-run courses in forensic science, psychology, or criminal justice.
Continue to be persistent and curious; this will make you stand out in your future employment as well as on college applications. You're already accomplishing amazing things, and things will only get better from here!
Best wishes!
Your decision to pursue forensic and criminal psychology as a rising junior is quite exciting, and the chance to shadow at a legal clinic is truly amazing! You're obviously driven, therefore there are many opportunities to further develop that interest through extracurricular activities, side projects, and even part-time work.
Here are some suggestions tailored to you:
School Activities & Clubs:
- Psychology Club: Start one if your school doesn't already have one! Movie nights with crime-themed films, guest lecturers, or even small-scale study efforts can be planned.
- Mock Trial and Debate Teams: These groups develop critical thinking, public speaking, and an understanding of trial procedures, all of which are highly useful in forensic contexts.
Some high schools allow you to form your own club or offer one like the Criminal Justice or Law Club. Legal theory, court processes, and actual cases can all be analyzed.
Passion Projects:
- True Crime Blog or Podcast: Create a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast in which you examine psychological theories underlying criminal behavior, conduct interviews with experts, or evaluate well-known instances.
- Community Awareness Campaign: Develop a project that brings attention to issues pertaining to mental health and the legal system, such as the psychology of erroneous convictions or the influence of trauma on juvenile crime.
- Research Project: If your school permits independent study, you might look into the psychology of lie detection, serial offender profiles, or the criminal mind.
- Jobs and Volunteering: Mental Health Helplines or Crisis Text Lines (for volunteer-in-training: With the right guidance and instruction, some permit older teenagers to participate.
See if you can observe court proceedings in your community to have a better understanding of the actual judicial system.
- Police Station or Library Volunteer: Some police agencies offer work shadowing or youth volunteer programs, which can be enlightening.
Additional Suggestions:
- Certifications or Online Courses: Some forensic psychology or criminology introductory courses are free on platforms such as Coursera or FutureLearn.
- Summer Programs or Pre-College Courses: Seek for university-run courses in forensic science, psychology, or criminal justice.
Continue to be persistent and curious; this will make you stand out in your future employment as well as on college applications. You're already accomplishing amazing things, and things will only get better from here!
Best wishes!
Johnson Tran
Tutor
17
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Johnson’s Answer
Exploring extracurricular activities as a high schooler interested in forensic psychology can be both exciting and beneficial for building skills in your future career. Consider joining a psychology or criminology club at your school to engage in discussions and gain foundational knowledge. Volunteering at a law clinic or shadowing professionals in forensic psychology, like you’re already planning, is a great way to gain hands-on experience. You could also start a passion project, such as a blog discussing psychological case studies or a research initiative on criminal behavior patterns. Additionally, participating in debate teams, mock trials, or community service in crisis intervention programs can help develop critical thinking and communication skills. Immersing yourself in these activities will not only deepen your understanding but also demonstrate your dedication to the field.
Thank you so much, I really needed some guidance, and this was perfect!!!
Minahil