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What are good psychology courses to take? Is it worth it to go to an Ivy League school for psychology?
Should I do AP Psychology outside of my school? What clubs or programs could I join in either New York City or Pittsfield?
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Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
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Chinyere’s Answer
Hi London!
Future psychologists like you stand out for your drive and curiosity. You are already thinking strategically by examining your academic roadmap at an early stage, which is effective.
To help you continue with confidence, let's analyze this step by step:
1. Great Psychology Courses to Take in High School
If you can, start with AP Psychology. It's a great way to learn about the mind and offers you a sense of what psychology is like at the college level. It is also worth taking online or after school if your school does not provide it because it shows initiative and intellectual interest.
Other great preparatory courses include the following:
- Biology—for understanding brain and body connections
- Statistics or Math – for research and data analysis
- Sociology or Anthropology—for understanding human behavior in context
- English or Creative Writing—to strengthen communication and empathy, essential for therapy or counseling work.
2. Ivy League vs. Other Schools, What Really Matters
The truth is that you may succeed in psychology without an Ivy League degree, even though an Ivy League school might be exciting and provide excellent research possibilities.
More important is:
- Access to clinical or research experience (internships, mentorships, lab assistant positions)
- Good connections with the academics for mentorship and referral letters
-Affordability: Since psychology often requires graduate study later, saving money on undergraduate education can be a wise decision.
- Fit and focus: pick a school where you'll feel encouraged and supported, not merely because of the name.
State universities and liberal arts colleges that value practical experience are home to many of the best psychologists and therapists.
3. Clubs and Programs to Explore (NYC or Pittsfield)
Here are some great ways to gain knowledge and make contacts:
- Look for school or community clubs that are centered on peer mentoring, advocacy, or wellbeing if you're interested in psychology or mental health.
- Look into doing volunteer work at local youth centers, Crisis Text Line, or NAMI NYC, among other mental health organizations.
- Pre-College Psychology Programs: For high school students, NYU, Columbia, and Fordham offer summer psychology courses.
- Research or Leadership Opportunities: Contact psychology departments at nearby universities to find out about summer workshops or student assistant positions.
- Participating in the community by volunteering for tutoring, mentoring, or even theater or debate helps people develop their empathy, listening comprehension, and confidence.
London, your journey only needs to be purposeful; it doesn't have to be straight. Your curiosity, empathy, and dedication to understanding others will be what really make you stand out, whether you attend an Ivy League university or a nearby one. It's the same spark that great psychologists never lose, so keep pursuing it.
Best wishes!
Future psychologists like you stand out for your drive and curiosity. You are already thinking strategically by examining your academic roadmap at an early stage, which is effective.
To help you continue with confidence, let's analyze this step by step:
1. Great Psychology Courses to Take in High School
If you can, start with AP Psychology. It's a great way to learn about the mind and offers you a sense of what psychology is like at the college level. It is also worth taking online or after school if your school does not provide it because it shows initiative and intellectual interest.
Other great preparatory courses include the following:
- Biology—for understanding brain and body connections
- Statistics or Math – for research and data analysis
- Sociology or Anthropology—for understanding human behavior in context
- English or Creative Writing—to strengthen communication and empathy, essential for therapy or counseling work.
2. Ivy League vs. Other Schools, What Really Matters
The truth is that you may succeed in psychology without an Ivy League degree, even though an Ivy League school might be exciting and provide excellent research possibilities.
More important is:
- Access to clinical or research experience (internships, mentorships, lab assistant positions)
- Good connections with the academics for mentorship and referral letters
-Affordability: Since psychology often requires graduate study later, saving money on undergraduate education can be a wise decision.
- Fit and focus: pick a school where you'll feel encouraged and supported, not merely because of the name.
State universities and liberal arts colleges that value practical experience are home to many of the best psychologists and therapists.
3. Clubs and Programs to Explore (NYC or Pittsfield)
Here are some great ways to gain knowledge and make contacts:
- Look for school or community clubs that are centered on peer mentoring, advocacy, or wellbeing if you're interested in psychology or mental health.
- Look into doing volunteer work at local youth centers, Crisis Text Line, or NAMI NYC, among other mental health organizations.
- Pre-College Psychology Programs: For high school students, NYU, Columbia, and Fordham offer summer psychology courses.
- Research or Leadership Opportunities: Contact psychology departments at nearby universities to find out about summer workshops or student assistant positions.
- Participating in the community by volunteering for tutoring, mentoring, or even theater or debate helps people develop their empathy, listening comprehension, and confidence.
London, your journey only needs to be purposeful; it doesn't have to be straight. Your curiosity, empathy, and dedication to understanding others will be what really make you stand out, whether you attend an Ivy League university or a nearby one. It's the same spark that great psychologists never lose, so keep pursuing it.
Best wishes!
Updated
Rhonda’s Answer
If your school offers AP psych I would strongly advise you take it and see if you can get a 4 for college credit or a 3 depending on the college you opt to go to.
I am unaware of any outside classes you can take but speak w your school counselor for guidance.
I am unaware of any outside classes you can take but speak w your school counselor for guidance.