I’m a currently a sophomore in high school who’s interested in studying psychology and philosophy when I get to college. I’d like to start extracurriculars that relate to these subjects, but I have found it difficult as most programs require participants to be 18 years old and/or have some prior experience in their field. For reference, I will soon be 16. Does anyone have any ideas for extracurriculars that would pertain to these fields?
Is there an ethics bowl at your school? If not, you might want to consider starting one.
For the philosophy aspect, debate club! You can also look and see if there are any pre-college programs (over the summer) in psychology or philosophy that may interest you. Going into junior year, you should have options!
I’m not sure if this counts, but perhaps you can do some sort of volunteer work that is related. For example: setting up therapy dogs at your school during finals week, creating a peer mentor club. It’s kind of a stretch, but these activities help improve mental health!
How about any job that requires you work with people. A day car center, or something.
How about mentoring younger kids, volunteering at a homework club, volunteering at an after school group for kids, or volunteering in a home for elderly people by playing board games, etc… I think anything that involves you interacting with others is a good EC that shows your interests. Your interests involve how people feel and think.
You don’t have to start clubs to make a difference. In fact, starting clubs that aren’t going to continue after you leave high school can backfire on you, because admissions officers can spot a club that will have lasting impact from a club that isn’t going to have one. As long as you are doing things that are meaningful to you and showing genuine interest in those things, that’s what matters.
I think debate club would be a great idea, especially Lincoln-Douglas debate since it’s philosophy centered.
Also, you don’t have to have ECs directly related to those majors.
Like others say: Debate would be useful in being able to form arguments for philosophy.
For Psychology I would say any type of volunteering or job where you get exposed to all sorts of people.