3 answers
Rylee
Student
Roseau, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
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What can I do as a high school student that will set me up for success in the psychology field?
I will be taking the psychology classes available (there are 2), Intro to Health Professions, and other classes in the medical field. I took 'Medical Terminology' as a PSEO class this year. I am in 10th grade and my school only offers the 2 psychology classes so I'm taking medical classes because it will look good and is in the same somewhat direction as psychology.
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3 answers
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
563
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hey Rylee! Taking those psych classes, health professions courses, and getting ahead with PSEO is a really smart move. From my own experience, one of the biggest things that set me up for success was stacking up credentials and always looking for ways to learn beyond what was offered in the classroom, whether through certifications, online courses, or real-world experiences. I'd encourage you to look into volunteer or shadowing opportunities at local clinics or counseling centers because that hands-on exposure will make your college applications stand out and help you figure out which area of psychology excites you most. Also, focus on building strong people skills through clubs, volunteering, or peer mentoring because psychology is all about understanding and connecting with others, and that's something you can start practicing right now. Keep your grades strong and look into scholarships early because from personal experience, earning academic merit awards and fellowships made a huge difference in being able to pursue higher education. And don't underestimate the medical classes you're taking since psychology and health are deeply connected, especially in clinical and forensic psych. Keep going, you're on a great path!
Gurpreet Lally
CareerVillage.org TeamSr. Community Manager at CareerVillage
159
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Gurpreet’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Rylee,
Because your school has limited psychology offerings, I would recommend taking an intro to psychology class at a local community college over the summer! Many community colleges (also known as junior colleges) have dual enrollment programs with high schools that allow students to enroll in classes for free. Oftentimes, these can be done online, hybrid, or in person, depending on your learning style. Not only does this show colleges that you're interested in psychology and are dedicated to the field BUT it also allows you to try out a psychology class and see if this is really for you before declaring it as a major. An even bigger bonus is that you will get college credit for this class and won't have to take it again when you go to college.
Because your school has limited psychology offerings, I would recommend taking an intro to psychology class at a local community college over the summer! Many community colleges (also known as junior colleges) have dual enrollment programs with high schools that allow students to enroll in classes for free. Oftentimes, these can be done online, hybrid, or in person, depending on your learning style. Not only does this show colleges that you're interested in psychology and are dedicated to the field BUT it also allows you to try out a psychology class and see if this is really for you before declaring it as a major. An even bigger bonus is that you will get college credit for this class and won't have to take it again when you go to college.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1403
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Rylee,
You’re already doing a lot of the right things, and it shows you’re being very intentional about your future. Your choice to enroll in medical-related courses like Intro to Health Professions and Medical Terminology is actually really wise, and taking the psychological classes your institution provides is a good starting point. Because psychology and health are strongly related, combining the two helps your understanding and gives your profile a broader scope.
One of the best things you can do right now is to start getting exposure to the real world outside of the classroom. Check out volunteer opportunities or engage in activities that allow you to work with people, particularly children, peers, or community organizations. Even activities like peer mentorship, tutoring, or school program assistance can develop critical psychological qualities like patience, empathy, and communication.
Developing great writing, reading, and critical thinking abilities is also helpful. You will have an advantage later on if you practice writing, reflecting, and analyzing material since psychology requires you to understand complicated concepts and explain them clearly.
Exploring numerous areas of psychology early is another excellent step. Learn about fields like clinical psychology, child psychology, and forensic psychology by watching videos and reading books or articles that are suitable for beginners. Before attending college, this will assist you in beginning to focus on your interests.
Try to develop little routines, such as keeping a record of your observations about human behavior, thinking back on the things you observe in daily interactions, or even talking to friends or teachers about psychological issues. This way of thinking is fundamental to psychology.
Above all, remember that you don't have to do everything at once. You've already started down a solid road. Concentrate on maintaining your curiosity, gaining experience, and gradually developing a deeper knowledge of others.
You’re setting yourself up very well; just keep building on what you’ve already started.
Best wishes!
You’re already doing a lot of the right things, and it shows you’re being very intentional about your future. Your choice to enroll in medical-related courses like Intro to Health Professions and Medical Terminology is actually really wise, and taking the psychological classes your institution provides is a good starting point. Because psychology and health are strongly related, combining the two helps your understanding and gives your profile a broader scope.
One of the best things you can do right now is to start getting exposure to the real world outside of the classroom. Check out volunteer opportunities or engage in activities that allow you to work with people, particularly children, peers, or community organizations. Even activities like peer mentorship, tutoring, or school program assistance can develop critical psychological qualities like patience, empathy, and communication.
Developing great writing, reading, and critical thinking abilities is also helpful. You will have an advantage later on if you practice writing, reflecting, and analyzing material since psychology requires you to understand complicated concepts and explain them clearly.
Exploring numerous areas of psychology early is another excellent step. Learn about fields like clinical psychology, child psychology, and forensic psychology by watching videos and reading books or articles that are suitable for beginners. Before attending college, this will assist you in beginning to focus on your interests.
Try to develop little routines, such as keeping a record of your observations about human behavior, thinking back on the things you observe in daily interactions, or even talking to friends or teachers about psychological issues. This way of thinking is fundamental to psychology.
Above all, remember that you don't have to do everything at once. You've already started down a solid road. Concentrate on maintaining your curiosity, gaining experience, and gradually developing a deeper knowledge of others.
You’re setting yourself up very well; just keep building on what you’ve already started.
Best wishes!