<p>Help me decide if I should pursue it. Is it tedious and scientific as opposed to philosophical and relaxed? Is it too competitive? Do psychologists get paid well? Is it worthwhile? Exactly how difficult is it for a clever young man? I heard the demand for psychologists is supposed to increase like 10% in the next few years. Is this good if I am a senior in high school right now? Would it be a bad idea to go to junior college? What about a transfer from JC to UC? What about Cal State schools? UC schools are better for these majors right? How did Timothy Leary get his doctorate at Berkeley and then become a Professor at Harvard? How do I become the cream of the crop? Help me out please Thanks!</p>
<p>Psychology courses are not all that difficult. Some people struggle with statistics and research methods, but it’s not all that bad if you’re good at math and have some critical thinking skills. Most programs make you take a variety of psych courses rather than specializing too much, so you’ll have some cognitive/neuroscience (probably the toughest for those who struggle in science), developmental, social, clinical, counseling, and still have room for some electives if you do want to specialize in something. </p>
<p>Just so you know the difference…
Psychiatrists pursue medical school after undergrad and so have an MD, and can prescribe medications. They do some counseling to compliment the medication.</p>
<p>Clinical Psychologists treat disorders and cannot prescribe medication. They may treat depression, anxiety, personality and conduct disorders, among many more.</p>
<p>Counseling Psychologists primarily help people to get through rough times in their lives. For example, marital counseling, since neither individual may have any disorder, but may need guidance through difficult situations.</p>
<p>Psychiatrists make a pretty decent salary, typically higher than clinicians and counselors. But both clinicians and counselors can make a good salary as well. If you want to be licensed, you need to pursue a PhD or a PsyD after undergrad. A PhD is more research-focused, such as conducting studies on depression. A PsyD is more for people who only want to practice and not do research, but this program is expensive. PhD’s usually offer full-funding (meaning you don’t pay tuition) and support students with jobs, called assistantships. </p>
<p>Honestly, being good at any of that requires a fair amount of people skills, ability to read body language well, read between-the-lines, compassion, and emotional intelligence. They are stressful jobs, listening to depressing stories and having clients that you just can’t seem to help. But they are also highly rewarding when you can help someone out. </p>
<p>Sorry, but I don’t know anything about the programs you listed. Temple is good for those want to focus on depression and anxiety. UNC @ Chapel Hill has a strong faculty. UPenn as well. Unless you want to stay on the west coast. </p>
<p>As for teaching at a “better” institution than you attend…it requires a whole lot of work and publications. You need to be well known for making big contributions to your field. But that’s only if you want to teach at a college. If you want to go into private practice, doing your own research isn’t as big of a deal. It will, however, require that you keep up-to-date with reading publications in your field.</p>
<p>thanks!!! very informative</p>