1-  It’s never too early to start making strides toward your future, so once settled in, set up an appointment with your academic advisor. Whether you are contemplating majoring in psychology or have never been more sure of something in your life, this is definitely not a step to skip over. Once with your advisor, ask him/her about the pre-requisities and requirements for the major and the coursework it entails. Find out if there is a social work program in your school or a child and family studies department; these may be of interest to you. Find out the difference between a BS in Psychology and a BA in Psychology. Find out the pro’s and con’s of double majoring (for example in psychology and marketing) and what different options could offer you. Also, don’t forget to check with your advisor about the semester you must declare your major or majors (schools vary) because you don’t want to make any last minute quick-minded decisions. It is important to note and remember that the opportunities of working with a Bachelor’s in Psychology are scarce and may not provide you with what you want; this means you have to start asking questions about Grad School! Once you are provided with all this information, take it home, look it over and start processing.  

2- College is the time for self discovery; it is also the time for career exploration and brainstorming. Being that you have time before declaring a major, take the opportunity to read, ask, learn about the field, and evaluate your goals and desires. Talk to professionals, subscribe to Psychology magazines, search online…do what you gotta do! There are boundless opportunities and career paths to take in the field of psychology and counseling; you must discover what drives and interests you. I would caution against assuming your own realities and versions of this field without investigating first; this way you can be sure of what you want and don’t want to pursue.

3-Take courses that challenge and intrigue you. PSY 101 (although fun!) isn’t always the best descriptor of the field in its vast entirety, therefore shouldn’t be your deciding factor. Ask other students, alumni, and professors about which classes are recommended and have ranked well with students. Get the inside scoop! Your goal is to grasp the most knowledge of the field that you can, discover more or less what you want, and delineate the steps of how to get there.

4- Enjoy the process! Enjoy all your classes and soak in all the experiences and lessons you learn about yourself this year–academically and personally. Once decided, inspire yourself! There is a fascinating world ahead.

Welcome to College! Yes, it sure is all its made out to be! -Just Like Me- SD