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Best extracurriculars for Psychology major?
I am in a community college studying psychology and want to apply to many great schools by the time I transfer! I am interested in getting my masters to become a clinical psychologist or educational counselor after undergrad. However, during the time I am in community college now, I want to increase my chances of getting accepted into a great school for psychology. I read on the internet that creating a podcast or talk would be a good one, but I dislike the idea of sharing my voice because I am very shy... but I do love to volunteer and offer my help to anyone needed! Because of the pandemic, I stopped volunteering at a school, but I hope to find similar opportunities soon. Is there a specific area of activity I should focus on? Should I find specific places/areas to volunteer/work/intern at? There is also a Certified Nursing Assistant certification program offered at my school-- would this be helpful? I just hope I can boost my application in all ways possible : )
Thank you for your answers!
#college #psychology #psychologist #clinicalpsychologist #counselor #psychiatrist #mentor #guidancecounselor #academiccounselor #volunteering #remotevolunteering #university #communitycollege #universityofcalifornia
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5 answers
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Jacob’s Answer
It's great that you're thinking about ways to strengthen your application for psychology programs at great schools. Here are some extracurricular activities and tips to consider:
**1. Volunteer Opportunities:** Continue your passion for volunteering, especially in roles that relate to psychology or counseling. You can look for opportunities in local mental health organizations, crisis hotlines, or community centers that offer counseling services.
**2. Internships:** If possible, consider internships in psychology-related settings. This could include working as a research assistant in a psychology lab or interning at a mental health clinic. Practical experience in the field can be highly valuable.
**3. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):** While a CNA certification isn't directly related to psychology, it can provide you with valuable patient-care experience. This can be particularly helpful if you're considering a career in clinical psychology, where interacting with patients is a significant part of the job.
**4. Research Opportunities:** If you have a community college nearby with psychology faculty conducting research, explore the possibility of getting involved in their projects. Research experience can be a strong addition to your application.
**5. Leadership Roles:** Look for leadership opportunities within your community college or in any organizations you're involved with. Assuming leadership roles, even in non-psychology-related clubs or activities, demonstrates your ability to take initiative and lead.
**6. Psychology-Related Blog or Articles:** If you're not comfortable with podcasting but enjoy writing, consider starting a blog or writing articles about topics in psychology that interest you. This can showcase your knowledge and passion for the subject.
**7. Online Courses and Workshops:** Consider enrolling in online courses or workshops related to psychology or counseling. Many universities offer free or low-cost options, and completing them can demonstrate your commitment to learning and self-improvement.
**8. Networking:** Connect with your professors, counselors, and mentors at your community college. They can provide guidance and potentially write strong recommendation letters for your applications.
**9. Tailored Application Essays:** When applying to universities, customize your application essays to emphasize your passion for psychology, your experiences, and your long-term goals. Highlight how your extracurricular activities have shaped your desire to pursue clinical psychology or educational counseling.
**10. Keep a Record:** Maintain a detailed record of your extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships, and achievements. This will help you easily reference your experiences when completing applications.
Remember that a well-rounded application includes a mix of experiences and showcases your dedication to the field. While a podcast may be a creative idea, there are plenty of other ways to demonstrate your commitment to psychology without sharing your voice if you're not comfortable with it. Focus on activities that genuinely interest you, and let your passion for the field shine through in your application materials. Good luck with your academic and career journey!
**1. Volunteer Opportunities:** Continue your passion for volunteering, especially in roles that relate to psychology or counseling. You can look for opportunities in local mental health organizations, crisis hotlines, or community centers that offer counseling services.
**2. Internships:** If possible, consider internships in psychology-related settings. This could include working as a research assistant in a psychology lab or interning at a mental health clinic. Practical experience in the field can be highly valuable.
**3. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):** While a CNA certification isn't directly related to psychology, it can provide you with valuable patient-care experience. This can be particularly helpful if you're considering a career in clinical psychology, where interacting with patients is a significant part of the job.
**4. Research Opportunities:** If you have a community college nearby with psychology faculty conducting research, explore the possibility of getting involved in their projects. Research experience can be a strong addition to your application.
**5. Leadership Roles:** Look for leadership opportunities within your community college or in any organizations you're involved with. Assuming leadership roles, even in non-psychology-related clubs or activities, demonstrates your ability to take initiative and lead.
**6. Psychology-Related Blog or Articles:** If you're not comfortable with podcasting but enjoy writing, consider starting a blog or writing articles about topics in psychology that interest you. This can showcase your knowledge and passion for the subject.
**7. Online Courses and Workshops:** Consider enrolling in online courses or workshops related to psychology or counseling. Many universities offer free or low-cost options, and completing them can demonstrate your commitment to learning and self-improvement.
**8. Networking:** Connect with your professors, counselors, and mentors at your community college. They can provide guidance and potentially write strong recommendation letters for your applications.
**9. Tailored Application Essays:** When applying to universities, customize your application essays to emphasize your passion for psychology, your experiences, and your long-term goals. Highlight how your extracurricular activities have shaped your desire to pursue clinical psychology or educational counseling.
**10. Keep a Record:** Maintain a detailed record of your extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships, and achievements. This will help you easily reference your experiences when completing applications.
Remember that a well-rounded application includes a mix of experiences and showcases your dedication to the field. While a podcast may be a creative idea, there are plenty of other ways to demonstrate your commitment to psychology without sharing your voice if you're not comfortable with it. Focus on activities that genuinely interest you, and let your passion for the field shine through in your application materials. Good luck with your academic and career journey!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7217
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
A Good Day To You, Christina!
Best Extracurriculars for Psychology Major
To enhance your application for a psychology program and increase your chances of acceptance into a great school, it is essential to engage in extracurricular activities that align with your career goals and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Here’s a detailed breakdown of effective strategies and activities you can pursue:
1. Volunteer Work: Volunteering is one of the most impactful ways to gain relevant experience in psychology. Since you enjoy helping others, seek opportunities that allow you to work directly with individuals in need. Consider the following areas:
Mental Health Organizations: Look for local mental health clinics or non-profits where you can volunteer. This could involve assisting with administrative tasks, participating in outreach programs, or supporting individuals in recovery.
Schools: Once it is safe post-pandemic, consider volunteering at schools as a tutor or mentor. This experience will be particularly valuable if you’re interested in educational counseling.
Crisis Hotlines: Many organizations offer training for volunteers to work on crisis hotlines, providing support to individuals in distress.
2. Internships: Internships provide hands-on experience and can significantly bolster your resume. Look for internships that focus on:
Clinical Settings: Interning at hospitals or clinics will give you insight into clinical psychology practices.
Research Labs: If you’re interested in the scientific aspect of psychology, seek out research assistant positions at universities or research institutions.
3. Relevant Certifications: Pursuing certifications such as becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can be beneficial. While this certification primarily focuses on healthcare skills, it also provides exposure to patient care and interactions within medical settings, which can be valuable when applying to psychology programs.
4. Professional Associations: Join professional organizations related to psychology, such as the American Psychological Association (APA). Membership often provides access to resources, networking opportunities, and events that can enhance your understanding of the field.
5. Academic Clubs and Organizations: Participating in psychology clubs at your community college can help you connect with peers who share similar interests. These clubs often host events, discussions, and guest speakers that deepen your knowledge of various psychological topics.
6. Online Courses and Workshops: Consider enrolling in online courses related to psychology topics that interest you—such as developmental psychology or counseling techniques—to supplement your education and show initiative.
7. Personal Projects: If creating a podcast feels daunting due to shyness, consider alternative personal projects that align with your interests but do not require public speaking:
Blogging: Write about psychological concepts or current events related to mental health.
Research Papers: Conduct independent research on topics of interest within psychology and share findings through academic platforms or forums.
In summary, focus on gaining practical experience through volunteering and internships while pursuing relevant certifications like CNA if they align with your career goals. Engage actively in academic clubs and professional associations while considering personal projects that suit your comfort level.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
American Psychological Association (APA)
The APA provides comprehensive resources regarding educational pathways in psychology including information about volunteer opportunities and professional development.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI offers insights into mental health advocacy and volunteer opportunities which are crucial for aspiring psychologists looking to gain relevant experience.
Psychology Today
This publication features articles on various aspects of psychology education and careers, including advice on internships and volunteer work tailored for students pursuing degrees in psychology.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!===========================|
|=========================James Constantine=============================|
|=======================The Little Old Aussie Battler========================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|==========================~ Since 1972!================================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Best Extracurriculars for Psychology Major
To enhance your application for a psychology program and increase your chances of acceptance into a great school, it is essential to engage in extracurricular activities that align with your career goals and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Here’s a detailed breakdown of effective strategies and activities you can pursue:
1. Volunteer Work: Volunteering is one of the most impactful ways to gain relevant experience in psychology. Since you enjoy helping others, seek opportunities that allow you to work directly with individuals in need. Consider the following areas:
Mental Health Organizations: Look for local mental health clinics or non-profits where you can volunteer. This could involve assisting with administrative tasks, participating in outreach programs, or supporting individuals in recovery.
Schools: Once it is safe post-pandemic, consider volunteering at schools as a tutor or mentor. This experience will be particularly valuable if you’re interested in educational counseling.
Crisis Hotlines: Many organizations offer training for volunteers to work on crisis hotlines, providing support to individuals in distress.
2. Internships: Internships provide hands-on experience and can significantly bolster your resume. Look for internships that focus on:
Clinical Settings: Interning at hospitals or clinics will give you insight into clinical psychology practices.
Research Labs: If you’re interested in the scientific aspect of psychology, seek out research assistant positions at universities or research institutions.
3. Relevant Certifications: Pursuing certifications such as becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can be beneficial. While this certification primarily focuses on healthcare skills, it also provides exposure to patient care and interactions within medical settings, which can be valuable when applying to psychology programs.
4. Professional Associations: Join professional organizations related to psychology, such as the American Psychological Association (APA). Membership often provides access to resources, networking opportunities, and events that can enhance your understanding of the field.
5. Academic Clubs and Organizations: Participating in psychology clubs at your community college can help you connect with peers who share similar interests. These clubs often host events, discussions, and guest speakers that deepen your knowledge of various psychological topics.
6. Online Courses and Workshops: Consider enrolling in online courses related to psychology topics that interest you—such as developmental psychology or counseling techniques—to supplement your education and show initiative.
7. Personal Projects: If creating a podcast feels daunting due to shyness, consider alternative personal projects that align with your interests but do not require public speaking:
Blogging: Write about psychological concepts or current events related to mental health.
Research Papers: Conduct independent research on topics of interest within psychology and share findings through academic platforms or forums.
In summary, focus on gaining practical experience through volunteering and internships while pursuing relevant certifications like CNA if they align with your career goals. Engage actively in academic clubs and professional associations while considering personal projects that suit your comfort level.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
American Psychological Association (APA)
The APA provides comprehensive resources regarding educational pathways in psychology including information about volunteer opportunities and professional development.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI offers insights into mental health advocacy and volunteer opportunities which are crucial for aspiring psychologists looking to gain relevant experience.
Psychology Today
This publication features articles on various aspects of psychology education and careers, including advice on internships and volunteer work tailored for students pursuing degrees in psychology.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!===========================|
|=========================James Constantine=============================|
|=======================The Little Old Aussie Battler========================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|==========================~ Since 1972!================================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Updated
Maya’s Answer
Hi Christina! I am a current college student and I just recently transferred and I think some things you want to start now before transferring (and possibly continue once you do transfer) is try to get some research opportunities with psychology professors or find internships/ volunteer opportunities at therapy offices or at colleges. Another thing you can try is start a club at your community college that focuses on psychology studies and careers that way you can have a leadership opportunity on your resume. These are some big things you can start doing and looking into that will help you get into schools when you transfer and help you get into graduate schools as well. Hope this helped!
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
I would recommend volunteering at a hospital since you could list it as volunteer work while also getting practice at doing active listening with people that are doing grief work. You'd be surprised by how relieving it is for patients to be able to have someone to talk to.
Meighan Middleton
Former College Advisor and Admissions Professional/Surface Warfare Officer
38
Answers
Updated
Meighan’s Answer
It may be helpful to think about what areas you may want to specialize in once you reach your goal of becoming a counselor. Is it educational counseling? Adolescent counseling? Family counseling? Survivors of trauma? Use this time to pursue a specific interest and find your passion (or rule out areas you don't want to pursue-that is equally valuable)!
For example, if you think you want to specialize in counseling survivors of domestic violence or assault, try volunteering or getting a part time position at a Women's Shelter. For family or adolescent counseling, look for positions at Women and Infant Care (WIC) centers or YMCA or other youth focused activities. If educational counseling, try to see if you college has any open positions in the Dean's Officer or Admissions and Outreach center. Or, become a Teaching Assistant for a Professor who's psychology class you really enjoyed and did well in!
Bottom line-any activity you are passionate about and can speak to in your college application or interview will be helpful in your college application. In general, depth is more important than breadth. Don't take on so much that your grades suffer.
For example, if you think you want to specialize in counseling survivors of domestic violence or assault, try volunteering or getting a part time position at a Women's Shelter. For family or adolescent counseling, look for positions at Women and Infant Care (WIC) centers or YMCA or other youth focused activities. If educational counseling, try to see if you college has any open positions in the Dean's Officer or Admissions and Outreach center. Or, become a Teaching Assistant for a Professor who's psychology class you really enjoyed and did well in!
Bottom line-any activity you are passionate about and can speak to in your college application or interview will be helpful in your college application. In general, depth is more important than breadth. Don't take on so much that your grades suffer.