Ask Doctor Pam

Dear Dr. Pam.

I have an eleventh grade daughter who wants to become a psychologist. I am at a lost with helping her, and do not know where to begin. How do we choose the right college and course of study? I know we have a year to go, but I want to get started.

Anxious Mother

Dear Anxious Mother,

I am delighted to know that your child is doing great in school and desires to study psychology. In order to make your daughter's college journey meaningful and less stressful, there are several issues that must be explored.

Psychology is a wide area with more than thirty divisions, or career fields.

The first concern for your daughter, should be to identify what it is she would love to do in psychology (School Psychology, Clinical/Counseling, Cognitive /Social/Organizational Psychology, etc), just to name a few.

A good four year undergraduate program in Psychology should provide a solid base. She may research colleges on the internet and examine all certification. Colleges are generally qualified by local and regional boards.

Upon completion of the first degree, maintaining a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 grading scale, she may pursue a graduate degree (Master's) in a specified area of psychology. The graduate school program should be accredited by the American Psychological Association, which guarantees a firm, comprehensive background in psychological theories and training. This is also preparation for a structured internship and licensure upon completion. Following this stage, your daughter may pursue a doctorate degree if she so desires. Please note that one must possess a Master's degree before he/she can bear the title of "Psychologist."

In general, when looking for a college to attend you may be directed by the following pointers:

1. Strength of the program you wish to pursue

2. Size of the institution

3. Location of the institution

4. Finances, that is how much you have to spend, and what that college can offer you

5. Scholarship opportunities

6. Type of Institution (parochial, technical, etc.)

7. Student's personality and ability to handle independent living and assimilation

8. Student's level of commitment to independent schooling and ability to remain focused

9. Student's gifting (athletic, theatrical, etc.)

10. Accessibility

Your child's Guidance Counselor can give your daughter more direction.

Point to Ponder: High school prepares you for college; college prepares you for life.

Your letters and comments are encouraged. You may email your letters or comments to askdoctorpam @yahoo.com, or write to Askdoctorpam P.O. Box F43736. Dr. Pam is a Clinical Psychologist trained in all areas of mental health.