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Genesis
Student
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College Applications/Schools List Deciding Career?
Hello I am a rising senior; I am wondering if anybody could give me advice on college applications. I live in Florida and I feel like staying in state would be a reasonable choice especially since it is expensive to go out of state. I want to major in Psychology and become a licensed psychologist. I am almost done completing my associate degree in high school. It would allow less money to pay for college. But I heard by my family that I should at least reach for some big schools out of state but I am unsure whether too. I have a couple listed but wondering if I should not apply for them. I will be applying for all universities in Florida and right now I have UT Austin, University of Georgia, University of Tennessee, Texas A&M, UT Dallas (I choose to put 3 schools in Texas since I really liked the atmosphere and the city there when I visited family). If anybody was in my position during college application season or decided to stay in state in Florida instead. What advice/guidance would you give? Also it would be really helpful if anybody majored in psychology and had any experiences of choosing a school in Florida that helped flourish their career.
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12 answers
Emily Proano
Medical assistant
45
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Emily’s Answer
If I were in your position, I would absolutely take advantage of earning your associate degree in high school and the lower cost of attending a Florida public university. Since becoming a licensed psychologist requires graduate school, saving money during your bachelor’s degree can make a huge difference later. For psychology, the specific school name is usually much less important than maintaining a strong GPA, getting involved in research, finding internships, and building relationships with professors who can write strong letters of recommendation. That said, there’s nothing wrong with applying to a few out-of-state schools if you genuinely like them or think you could receive scholarships. I just wouldn’t feel pressured to attend one simply because it’s farther from home or has a bigger name. Florida has several excellent universities with strong psychology programs, and many students go on from those schools to competitive graduate programs. My advice would be to apply broadly, compare your financial aid offers, and choose the school where you’ll have the best balance of affordability, research opportunities, and overall fit. Your future success as a psychologist will depend much more on what you do during college than on whether you stayed in state or went out of state.
Era Kalaja
AI Software Engineer
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Era’s Answer
Hi Genesis, I think staying in Florida is a very reasonable option, especially since you're already earning your associate degree and can potentially save a significant amount of money.
One factor I'd encourage you to consider is location and long-term career opportunities. Universities tend to have strong relationships with employers, research labs, hospitals, and organizations in their surrounding areas. Career fairs, internships, research opportunities, and alumni networks are often concentrated near the school. If there's a region where you think you'd like to live and work after graduation, attending college there can help you build connections and gain experience in that area early on.
I don't think you should automatically rule out out-of-state schools. There's no harm in applying to a few schools that genuinely excite you, especially if they offer strong financial aid, scholarships, honors programs, or unique psychology research opportunities. You can always compare acceptance and financial aid packages later before making a final decision.
Also, take a peek at the research programs at the universities you're applying to, I believe research will be a gamechanger in your field:)
One factor I'd encourage you to consider is location and long-term career opportunities. Universities tend to have strong relationships with employers, research labs, hospitals, and organizations in their surrounding areas. Career fairs, internships, research opportunities, and alumni networks are often concentrated near the school. If there's a region where you think you'd like to live and work after graduation, attending college there can help you build connections and gain experience in that area early on.
I don't think you should automatically rule out out-of-state schools. There's no harm in applying to a few schools that genuinely excite you, especially if they offer strong financial aid, scholarships, honors programs, or unique psychology research opportunities. You can always compare acceptance and financial aid packages later before making a final decision.
Also, take a peek at the research programs at the universities you're applying to, I believe research will be a gamechanger in your field:)
ANTHONY SYLVESTER
School counselor
38
Answers
Onitsha, Anambra, Nigeria
Updated
ANTHONY’s Answer
Pursuing a career in psychology is a long term commitment, so your primary goal should be choosing a university where you can thrive academically, graduate with manageable debt, and gain meaningful research and clinical experiences.
Since you're already earning an associate degree in high school, you're in a strong position. Staying in Florida is a very practical choice because you'll likely benefit from lower tuition, transfer credits, and reduced living expenses. Those financial advantages can make it much easier to afford graduate school later, which is essential because becoming a licensed psychologist typically requires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and supervised clinical training.
That said, there's nothing wrong with applying to a few out-of-state universities if they genuinely interest you. Treat them as "reach" or "exploration" schools, especially if they offer generous scholarships, strong psychology departments, undergraduate research opportunities, or honors programs. Don't choose an out-of-state school solely because it's prestigious ,choose it because it offers clear academic, financial, or career advantages.
When comparing schools, focus on:
Cost after scholarships and financial aid ,not just the sticker price.
Opportunities for undergraduate research, since this is highly valued for graduate school admissions.
Access to internships, volunteer experiences, and faculty mentorship.
Graduation rates, student support services, and career outcomes.
Remember, for psychology, what you accomplish during college often matters more than the name of the institution. A student who earns excellent grades, participates in research, builds strong relationships with professors, and gains relevant experience at a Florida university can be just as competitive for top graduate programs as someone from a more prestigious out-of-state school.
My recommendation is to apply broadly: include several Florida universities as your likely and affordable options, a few out-of-state schools that truly excite you, and then compare admission offers and financial aid before making a final decision. This gives you the widest range of opportunities without committing to unnecessary debt.
You're already thinking strategically by considering both cost and career goals. Continue focusing on finding the best fit rather than simply the biggest name, and you'll be well positioned for success in psychology.
Since you're already earning an associate degree in high school, you're in a strong position. Staying in Florida is a very practical choice because you'll likely benefit from lower tuition, transfer credits, and reduced living expenses. Those financial advantages can make it much easier to afford graduate school later, which is essential because becoming a licensed psychologist typically requires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and supervised clinical training.
That said, there's nothing wrong with applying to a few out-of-state universities if they genuinely interest you. Treat them as "reach" or "exploration" schools, especially if they offer generous scholarships, strong psychology departments, undergraduate research opportunities, or honors programs. Don't choose an out-of-state school solely because it's prestigious ,choose it because it offers clear academic, financial, or career advantages.
When comparing schools, focus on:
Cost after scholarships and financial aid ,not just the sticker price.
Opportunities for undergraduate research, since this is highly valued for graduate school admissions.
Access to internships, volunteer experiences, and faculty mentorship.
Graduation rates, student support services, and career outcomes.
Remember, for psychology, what you accomplish during college often matters more than the name of the institution. A student who earns excellent grades, participates in research, builds strong relationships with professors, and gains relevant experience at a Florida university can be just as competitive for top graduate programs as someone from a more prestigious out-of-state school.
My recommendation is to apply broadly: include several Florida universities as your likely and affordable options, a few out-of-state schools that truly excite you, and then compare admission offers and financial aid before making a final decision. This gives you the widest range of opportunities without committing to unnecessary debt.
You're already thinking strategically by considering both cost and career goals. Continue focusing on finding the best fit rather than simply the biggest name, and you'll be well positioned for success in psychology.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1436
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Genesis,
I actually think you're in a very strong position. Earning your associate degree while still in high school can save you a significant amount of time and money, which is a huge advantage, especially if your goal is to become a licensed psychologist.
If you're planning to earn a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, remember that graduate school is where you'll receive your specialized training. Because of that, it often makes financial sense to keep undergraduate costs as low as possible. Graduating with less debt can give you much more flexibility later when you're applying to graduate programs.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't apply to a few out-of-state schools. If there are universities you genuinely like, such as those in Texas, there's no harm in applying. You may receive scholarships or financial aid that make them more affordable than you expect. Just be sure to compare the total cost, not just the tuition.
When choosing a psychology program, I'd look beyond the school's name. Ask questions like: Are there opportunities for undergraduate research? Can students work in psychology labs? Are there professors whose research interests match yours? Is it easy to find volunteer or internship opportunities in hospitals, schools, or mental health settings? Those experiences will strengthen your graduate school applications.
Florida also has several good universities with strong psychology programs, so staying in state is a very reasonable choice. If you can receive a quality education, gain research experience, and graduate with less debt, that's a smart investment in your future.
You're already planning ahead by thinking about graduate school now, and that's a real advantage. Apply to a mix of schools that excite you, compare your options carefully, and choose the one that gives you the best combination of academic opportunities, affordability, and personal fit.
Best wishes!
I actually think you're in a very strong position. Earning your associate degree while still in high school can save you a significant amount of time and money, which is a huge advantage, especially if your goal is to become a licensed psychologist.
If you're planning to earn a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, remember that graduate school is where you'll receive your specialized training. Because of that, it often makes financial sense to keep undergraduate costs as low as possible. Graduating with less debt can give you much more flexibility later when you're applying to graduate programs.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't apply to a few out-of-state schools. If there are universities you genuinely like, such as those in Texas, there's no harm in applying. You may receive scholarships or financial aid that make them more affordable than you expect. Just be sure to compare the total cost, not just the tuition.
When choosing a psychology program, I'd look beyond the school's name. Ask questions like: Are there opportunities for undergraduate research? Can students work in psychology labs? Are there professors whose research interests match yours? Is it easy to find volunteer or internship opportunities in hospitals, schools, or mental health settings? Those experiences will strengthen your graduate school applications.
Florida also has several good universities with strong psychology programs, so staying in state is a very reasonable choice. If you can receive a quality education, gain research experience, and graduate with less debt, that's a smart investment in your future.
You're already planning ahead by thinking about graduate school now, and that's a real advantage. Apply to a mix of schools that excite you, compare your options carefully, and choose the one that gives you the best combination of academic opportunities, affordability, and personal fit.
Best wishes!
Tara Wilkerson
9
Answers
Updated
Tara’s Answer
Hi Genesis. If money is an area of concern, I think considering local universities in Florida for your undergraduate degree is very reasonable. If your goal is to become a Psychologist, you will be required to go to graduate school which will add to the cost. I would recommend thinking of ways to keep your college costs as low as possible as it can take some time to pay off student loans post graduation. I am not in the state of Florida, but I did attend an undergraduate program in Psychology in my local state to save on costs and then I applied to graduate schools for an Industrial/Organizational Psychology program within and outside of my state. Graduate programs can be competitive and the best advice I received from one of my professors was to try to diversify myself and one way to do that is through geography. I ended up applying to 6 graduate school programs...2 I thought I could easily get into, 2 I would like to attend and may or may not have a shot at getting in and 2 dream schools that would be harder to get into. All that being said, going to school out of state could still be a great option for your post graduate studies and a lot of the programs offer stipends to cover grad school costs. Best of luck to you!
Jasmine Jackson
DEI & Employee Experience Manager
12
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Jasmine’s Answer
Hello Genesis! Nice to meet you!
I grew up in Florida, near the University of Florida, but I chose to study in another state. Choosing a college depends on your major and what different schools offer. Florida has some great universities with excellent resources, rankings, and specialties. Staying in-state makes transferring credits easier, but you can also transfer credits to out-of-state schools.
It's important to consider schools outside of Florida too. Look for colleges that will help you achieve your goals. Apply to different schools, visit campuses, talk to alumni, and research online. Think about what you want and find a school that fits your needs and goals.
I grew up in Florida, near the University of Florida, but I chose to study in another state. Choosing a college depends on your major and what different schools offer. Florida has some great universities with excellent resources, rankings, and specialties. Staying in-state makes transferring credits easier, but you can also transfer credits to out-of-state schools.
It's important to consider schools outside of Florida too. Look for colleges that will help you achieve your goals. Apply to different schools, visit campuses, talk to alumni, and research online. Think about what you want and find a school that fits your needs and goals.
Gabby Stanford
Privacy
5
Answers
Jackson Township, NJ
Updated
Gabby’s Answer
If money is a concern, it's better to attend a college in your state. Going out of state can add stress and become a financial burden. What's important is not where you go to school, but that you get a degree. In my experience, people rarely ask where you studied; they care more that you completed your education. Since you are already taking college-level classes, aim to make the most of your in-state college experience. Avoid debt, as it can have long-lasting effects on your life.
Alyssa Perez
Deployment
3
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
Hi Genesis! Florida has some absolutely fantastic options for undergraduate education in Psychology (although I'm biased towards my own alma mater, Florida State 😊). Many students go on from those schools to competitive graduate programs.
Regarding your out-of-state list, your choices are solid! UT Austin and Texas A&M both have strong Psychology programs, and since you already love the atmosphere in Texas, that's a huge plus for campus fit. Don't underestimate how important feeling comfortable in your environment is for academic success.
My advice would be to:
Apply broadly across both in-state and out-of-state options
Compare your financial aid offers carefully — sometimes out-of-state schools offer merit scholarships that can make them competitive with in-state tuition
Take advantage of your associate degree credits, as they can save you significant time and money regardless of where you go
Seek out research opportunities early, as this is especially important for Psychology if you plan to pursue licensure
Your future success as a psychologist will depend much more on what you do during college — research, internships, networking — than on whether you stayed in state or went out of state. Graduate school stipends can also help offset costs later on.
Best of luck to you — you're already thinking about this the right way! 🎓
Regarding your out-of-state list, your choices are solid! UT Austin and Texas A&M both have strong Psychology programs, and since you already love the atmosphere in Texas, that's a huge plus for campus fit. Don't underestimate how important feeling comfortable in your environment is for academic success.
My advice would be to:
Apply broadly across both in-state and out-of-state options
Compare your financial aid offers carefully — sometimes out-of-state schools offer merit scholarships that can make them competitive with in-state tuition
Take advantage of your associate degree credits, as they can save you significant time and money regardless of where you go
Seek out research opportunities early, as this is especially important for Psychology if you plan to pursue licensure
Your future success as a psychologist will depend much more on what you do during college — research, internships, networking — than on whether you stayed in state or went out of state. Graduate school stipends can also help offset costs later on.
Best of luck to you — you're already thinking about this the right way! 🎓
Mrinalini Singh
Project Manager
145
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Mrinalini’s Answer
Hi, Since your goal is to become a licensed psychologist, you'll need graduate school anyway, so minimizing debt by using your associate degree and attending a strong Florida university is a smart choice. Florida schools like UF, FSU, and UCF can provide excellent psychology programs and research opportunities.
Apply to a few out-of-state schools if you genuinely like them, but don't feel pressured, as the best choice is often the one that offers the strongest academics with the least debt.
Focus on finding a school where you can gain research experience, internships, and strong faculty connections, as those will matter more for psychology graduate admissions than simply attending a big-name university.
All the Best
Apply to a few out-of-state schools if you genuinely like them, but don't feel pressured, as the best choice is often the one that offers the strongest academics with the least debt.
Focus on finding a school where you can gain research experience, internships, and strong faculty connections, as those will matter more for psychology graduate admissions than simply attending a big-name university.
All the Best
Hassan Al
Product Management Professional
442
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
I'd research how much a particular undergrad school will affect your end career goals. Will it affect where you can get a PhD, job, or salary? You should assume that out of state will cost an extra $30,000 a year and so you'll want to decide if that's worth it. Another variable is the what specific programs & research schools offer. This may matter when you apply to a PhD program.
https://www.socialpsychology.org/gunder.htm and https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/psychology-rankings have school rankings that may inform your choice.
https://www.apa.org/education-career/guide offers specific insights on becoming a psychologist.
https://www.socialpsychology.org/gunder.htm and https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/psychology-rankings have school rankings that may inform your choice.
https://www.apa.org/education-career/guide offers specific insights on becoming a psychologist.
Wendy Glavin
Marketing, AI, Writing, Networking, Agencies, Entrepreneurship, Public Relations, AI, Jobs, Careers
18
Answers
East Hampton, New York
Updated
Wendy’s Answer
I have three grown sons and understand the college admissions process. It's tough to answer your question without knowing your GPA, seeing your Common App, and knowing your school activities, like whether you play sports, music, or do art, among others. Without the entire picture, it doesn't hurt to apply to as many schools as you choose. We found it helpful to visit these schools. Ask yourself, what makes you stand out from other applicants?
Also consider what the schools are known for. Do they have classes you can take in your major that are of interest to you? Two books I'd suggest reading are "Best 391 Colleges," where students rate everything from campus food, student body, teachers, etc., and "The Insider's Guide to the Colleges," by Yale; both will help you get answers.
Best of luck!
Also consider what the schools are known for. Do they have classes you can take in your major that are of interest to you? Two books I'd suggest reading are "Best 391 Colleges," where students rate everything from campus food, student body, teachers, etc., and "The Insider's Guide to the Colleges," by Yale; both will help you get answers.
Best of luck!
Wendy Taylor Wampler
Human Resources
6
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Wendy’s Answer
You've already gotten some great advice! Here are a couple of extra tips: First, try to keep your debt low. This can really help you succeed in life, even more than the school you pick. Second, as I get older (I'm in my late 40s and have a master's degree), I realize that the college you choose isn't as important as what you do there. Get involved, make connections, and talk to your professors. Grades are important, but people skills are even more crucial. These are the things that will help you land a job after graduation.