Summer before College

[Namie]

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I am in a situation that I am kind of indecisive about my life, to become a psychiatrist or a psychologist, and that's pretty much it.

The only reason why I am hesitant to become a psychiatrist is because I only finished Algebra 2 in high school. I am horrible at math, naturally horrible, but I don't give a care right now since I want to improve my academic life now.

Let's say my math skills are horrible, should I not even bother going to medical school and just become a psychologist (a pretty great career and I might love this one even more)

 

[LazyMooch]

If you're more into research, then I'd say psychologist.
If you're more into medical, I'd say psychiatrist. Note that this will take longer/cost more.

Either way, just major in psychology in undergrad while completing pre-med requirements. That'll give you 4 years to make up your mind.

Best of luck

 

[md88jd98]

I am in a situation that I am kind of indecisive about my life, to become a psychiatrist or a psychologist, and that's pretty much it.

The only reason why I am hesitant to become a psychiatrist is because I only finished Algebra 2 in high school. I am horrible at math, naturally horrible, but I don't give a care right now since I want to improve my academic life now.

Let's say my math skills are horrible, should I not even bother going to medical school and just become a psychologist (a pretty great career and I might love this one even more)

There is some overlap between Psychiatry and Psychology. Psychiatry, as you already know, requires an MD degree. Requirements are two semesters of Calculus, several science courses and MCAT exam. You will also need extracurricular activities, volunteering, shadowing, research etc.
The above require a lot of hard work and dedication.
It seems that you prefer psychology and have some passion about it. "A pretty great career and I might love this one even more". Psychology suits you better.

 

[Namie]

There is some overlap between Psychiatry and Psychology. Psychiatry, as you already know, requires an MD degree. Requirements are two semesters of Calculus, several science courses and MCAT exam. You will also need extracurricular activities, volunteering, shadowing, research etc.
The above require a lot of hard work and dedication.
It seems that you prefer psychology and have some passion about it. "A pretty great career and I might love this one even more". Psychology suits you better.

Yep it does, but the rewards are high 200-300 k versus 60-150 k. Well obviously very good incomes for both, but it's 2.5 times on average to make more as a psychiatrist than a psychologist.

But I figure I'll write a ton of self-help books, do some youtube videos (become a psychologist celebrity)... blah blah. Plus life will be a bit more interesting as a psychologist counseling people all day.

Plus my boyfriend is in Law-school now, so it's not like I am going to be hurting financially. He'll be done by time I start my grad school. Plus, he has a small business on the side right now.

We should both bring in 150-300 k together to the table all said and done.

 

[CuttingCorneas]

Yep it does, but the rewards are high 200-300 k versus 60-150 k. Well obviously very good incomes for both, but it's 2.5 times on average to make more as a psychiatrist than a psychologist.

Yes, psychiatrists make more money per year, but you also have to factor in the $100k in debt they have from med school, as long as the lost years spent studying when they already could have been making money as psychologists. Just a thought.

 

[Starlightembers]

There is quite a bit of overlap between psychiatry and clinical psychology, actually. The difference truly does lie in the training; psychology is far more research based, while psychiatry is far more practice and plus all the medical training . Both involve the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness (though, psychiatry also has the extra treatment tool of medication, while psychologists do not). There is far more difference if you compare psychiatry and nearly any other branch of psychology, however.

As has been said, I would support leaving your options open: study psychology, and still complete the prerequisites. If, however, the only reason you want to pursue psychiatry is because of the income, don't. You will be trained as a doctor and, for five years (4 years of medical school, plus your internship year), that means you will not be studying much psychology. It will mean studying a heavy amount of information related to the natural sciences, and information on and experience with treating all types of disease. Though clinical psychologists do have all the expected struggles with insurance reimbursement, their pay is not exactly horrid, especially if you have a partner or spouse on track to become a lawyer. Ultimately, it's your choice and I am no expert (just another high school soon to be undergraduate student); but, it is important to keep that in mind.

Either way, I wish you luck!

 

[TheMightySmiter]

There is some overlap between Psychiatry and Psychology. Psychiatry, as you already know, requires an MD degree. Requirements are two semesters of Calculus, several science courses and MCAT exam. You will also need extracurricular activities, volunteering, shadowing, research etc.:

False. The only school I can think of that requires Calc II is Harvard. Many of them don't require math at all. Lots who do require math will accept statistics. Don't let the math thing keep you from med school!

When you get to college, take some psych classes and do some psychology research with psych Phd candidates or post-docs. Shadow a psychiatrist to see if you like it. You have lots of time to make your choice!

 

[Missdetermined]

Ever since I was around 13, I was in intrigued by psychology. Right before high school I've considered ever possible career for myself. For about 2 years all I wanted to be was a psychologist. As I did more research and and thought about my ambitions in life, I've discovered psychiatrist is what would what's best for me.

I would strongly suggest, if your seriously considering both careers that you do some extensive research. Ex. (Difference between psychologist and Psychiatrist [ I don't know how many times I've google'd that one, it's more than just the definition] Find out the daily lives between the two, sub specialties of both career..etc..

I was always looking for new information for both, If anything while going through the rigorous process of being a psychiatrist I find it's not the right path for me, (Majoring in psychology) I can always go back be become a full time psychologist.
As far as your math problem goes, I wouldn't stress over it too much, try to take some extra time to study, revise on past work and get tips on how to make it easier to understand etc..

You have a long life, road ahead of you. The path you take is the one you choose, if you really want to get to a certain destination there's always going to be a route B to get to it. Meaning, don't let the long road or thinking you aren't academically strong enough discourage you from being a psychiatrist but also if you feel that psychologist would be a better career for you, don't try to pursue being a psychiatrist just because of the money.(Even though honestly, I don't know how many people [including myself] would still go through the process if the salary was cut by 50-75%)

Remember not to let anyone persuade your decision, in the end your the one getting the degree and have to live with that career throughout life.

 

[Namie]

You're right, I have to make it happened if I wanted to be a psychiatrist, and I shouldn't let the past determined my future.

Yeah it's about the money, but they are both equal in happiness once all the college is done.

I should just do it, get the premed requirements and see what happens. If I can do it, then ANYONE CAN.

A in algebra, D-, in geometry in math... C,D,B, B+ *each semester*, algebra 2 (I had to take Algebra 2 for two years, not because I failed but because that's how the school put me in based on Geometry)

I never did my math homework though... so I was naturally gifted at passing, pretend that I did homework and turned it in. I have no regrets now... because my life was in a different point then.

I was going to become a porn star/stripper (and correction officer, a popstar like Madonna *No Joke I had this PLANNED OUT, how, what, the sound, the look, California*, a nurse for one month, a CEO, a strip club owner, golddiger *I almost succeeded, had a guy propose to me in 1 week, but he dumped me... but he lost his million dollar deal too, a game designer), but I decided that's not my true calling.

Anyone can do that, but NOT anyone can be a psychiatrist.

Oh, and I'm not too worried, my boyfriend is going to pay for my community college (this is like 1 k per semester), free room/board with him, and he wants to pay for it all once he's a lawyer...

I don't want to brag about this right now.

So the reason why I thought psychiatry would be best because I love helping people, giving advice, and I love medicines and knowing about pills and such. I would make the best doctor ever.

 

[Chrism611]

I don't mean to bash you or anything but maybe you should look into the job. At the hospital I volunteer at our psychiatrists are on call a lot and have to work with patients a lot more than just a regular general practice physician. If you want to put that kind of time into it that is great. I guess that also depends on what setting you wish to work in.




When you said it was about the money, that made me think what you were in it for. Are you in it for the money or to help people? For the title or to help people?

A doctor told me on an elevator once coming from a code that there was a lot of better ways to make a living than emergency medicine. That shocked me. One of the best ER doctors I have seen gave me that advice, but he was correct. If you truly love it, can't get enough of it then go for it. Honestly, I wouldn't want a pissed off doctor who hates what they do at my bedside when I'm sick.

Good luck with whatever you chose to do however. I'm sure you will do a fine job with your passion for the field.

 

[Namie]

That's exactly why I am not even going to try to be anything but in the "psych" world as far as medical/help goes, since I don't think i would be into it.

But, money is important, let's be honest... I live for money if you were to know me in real life, so it keeps me going. But money alone doesn't keep me content. It's just important.

I worked at factory/grocery stores, and there's no way I am going to live at that level ever again.

 

[Whatyousay]

If you're having trouble with math, use the resources available to you once you get on campus.

Most of the students that I know have no idea the breadth of the tutoring / advising services that are available to assist them (and which your tuition/fees help pay for).

 

[Wolfman89]

Depending on where you go for college, you can always take another algebra class to reinforce your skills before you take calc I and/or calc II. Many colleges offer tutoring services where you can get help. Professors also have office hours where you can get more help.

Never let your perceived math skill level get in the way of what you want to do with your life.

 

[docB]

Yes, psychiatrists make more money per year, but you also have to factor in the $100k in debt they have from med school, as long as the lost years spent studying when they already could have been making money as psychologists. Just a thought.

More in the neighborhood of $300K in debt these days.

 

[Starlightembers]

That's exactly why I am not even going to try to be anything but in the "psych" world as far as medical/help goes, since I don't think i would be into it.

But, money is important, let's be honest... I live for money if you were to know me in real life, so it keeps me going. But money alone doesn't keep me content. It's just important.

I worked at factory/grocery stores, and there's no way I am going to live at that level ever again.

Namie,

Earlier, I said that there is quite a bit of overlap between psychiatry and clinical psychology. This is true; however, there is also considerable difference. It is the psychiatrists who go on call, that assess and treat people in emergency situations, deal with the full spectrum of mental illness (from anxiety to psychotic illness), take on the most responsibility in the majority situations and can use both psychotherapy and pharmaceuticals in treating patients. On the other hand, the majority of psychologists are research-focused, and those in the clinical sub field tend to work more in private practice dealing with issues such as anger, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and, at times, also provide therapy when a psychiatrist won't. Psychiatrists, of course, also have a heavy background in medicine, and spend their first PGY treating a wide range of such conditions. You have to be willing to go through that training and, ideally, also have a passion for it.

I understand that money is important to you, and I am not criticizing that; but pursuing an MD is something you need to think heavily about before actually doing, and there should be more driving you than financial considerations. If you feel becoming a psychologist is a better fit for you, then that is what you should do. Certainly, neither career will leave you anywhere near the level that factory and grocery store work keeps you.

Erika

 

[LazyMooch]

You're right, I have to make it happened if I wanted to be a psychiatrist, and I shouldn't let the past determined my future.

Yeah it's about the money, but they are both equal in happiness once all the college is done.

I should just do it, get the premed requirements and see what happens. If I can do it, then ANYONE CAN.

A in algebra, D-, in geometry in math... C,D,B, B+ *each semester*, algebra 2 (I had to take Algebra 2 for two years, not because I failed but because that's how the school put me in based on Geometry)

I never did my math homework though... so I was naturally gifted at passing, pretend that I did homework and turned it in. I have no regrets now... because my life was in a different point then.

I was going to become a porn star/stripper (and correction officer, a popstar like Madonna *No Joke I had this PLANNED OUT, how, what, the sound, the look, California*, a nurse for one month, a CEO, a strip club owner, golddiger *I almost succeeded, had a guy propose to me in 1 week, but he dumped me... but he lost his million dollar deal too, a game designer), but I decided that's not my true calling.

Anyone can do that, but NOT anyone can be a psychiatrist.

Oh, and I'm not too worried, my boyfriend is going to pay for my community college (this is like 1 k per semester), free room/board with him, and he wants to pay for it all once he's a lawyer...

I don't want to brag about this right now.

So the reason why I thought psychiatry would be best because I love helping people, giving advice, and I love medicines and knowing about pills and such. I would make the best doctor ever.

You need to use sarcasm faces or I can't take this seriously.

 

[Doxorubicin]

You're right, I have to make it happened if I wanted to be a psychiatrist, and I shouldn't let the past determined my future.

Yeah it's about the money, but they are both equal in happiness once all the college is done.

I should just do it, get the premed requirements and see what happens. If I can do it, then ANYONE CAN.

A in algebra, D-, in geometry in math... C,D,B, B+ *each semester*, algebra 2 (I had to take Algebra 2 for two years, not because I failed but because that's how the school put me in based on Geometry)

I never did my math homework though... so I was naturally gifted at passing, pretend that I did homework and turned it in. I have no regrets now... because my life was in a different point then.

I was going to become a porn star/stripper (and correction officer, a popstar like Madonna *No Joke I had this PLANNED OUT, how, what, the sound, the look, California*, a nurse for one month, a CEO, a strip club owner, golddiger *I almost succeeded, had a guy propose to me in 1 week, but he dumped me... but he lost his million dollar deal too, a game designer), but I decided that's not my true calling.

Anyone can do that, but NOT anyone can be a psychiatrist.

Oh, and I'm not too worried, my boyfriend is going to pay for my community college (this is like 1 k per semester), free room/board with him, and he wants to pay for it all once he's a lawyer...

I don't want to brag about this right now.

So the reason why I thought psychiatry would be best because I love helping people, giving advice, and I love medicines and knowing about pills and such. I would make the best doctor ever.

:troll:

 

[CuttingCorneas]

I was going to become a porn star/stripper (and correction officer, a popstar like Madonna *No Joke I had this PLANNED OUT, how, what, the sound, the look, California*, a nurse for one month, a CEO, a strip club owner, golddiger *I almost succeeded, had a guy propose to me in 1 week, but he dumped me... but he lost his million dollar deal too, a game designer), but I decided that's not my true calling.

Anyone can do that, but NOT anyone can be a psychiatrist.

 

[HH Holmes]

 

[Druggernaut]

I'm kind of hoping this isn't real, but anyways, you could major in psychology and take a few extra courses to be eligible for medical school admissions. But I think you're in for more intense math courses going down the psychologist route than the psychiatrist one. As a psychology major, you will have to take at least one stats class. As a graduate student in psychology, you'll have quite a few more, pretty involved stats courses. You'll be expected to do research, and to know how to crunch and interpret the numbers. But medical school is no cakewalk either, even if it's not so math intensive.

But just graduating high school, dating a guy in law school (not to sound like your mother, but isn't he a little old for you?), jumping around between being a pop star and a psychiatrist, porn star and gold digger to CEO and nurse? You've got a ways to go before making this decision. Just don't get married, and for the love of god, don't get pregnant.

 

[AntiHouseMD]

To Namies:

 

[Copernicium]

You're right, I have to make it happened if I wanted to be a psychiatrist, and I shouldn't let the past determined my future.

Yeah it's about the money, but they are both equal in happiness once all the college is done.

I should just do it, get the premed requirements and see what happens. If I can do it, then ANYONE CAN.

A in algebra, D-, in geometry in math... C,D,B, B+ *each semester*, algebra 2 (I had to take Algebra 2 for two years, not because I failed but because that's how the school put me in based on Geometry)

I never did my math homework though... so I was naturally gifted at passing, pretend that I did homework and turned it in. I have no regrets now... because my life was in a different point then.

I was going to become a porn star/stripper (and correction officer, a popstar like Madonna *No Joke I had this PLANNED OUT, how, what, the sound, the look, California*, a nurse for one month, a CEO, a strip club owner, golddiger *I almost succeeded, had a guy propose to me in 1 week, but he dumped me... but he lost his million dollar deal too, a game designer), but I decided that's not my true calling.

Anyone can do that, but NOT anyone can be a psychiatrist.

Oh, and I'm not too worried, my boyfriend is going to pay for my community college (this is like 1 k per semester), free room/board with him, and he wants to pay for it all once he's a lawyer...

I don't want to brag about this right now.

So the reason why I thought psychiatry would be best because I love helping people, giving advice, and I love medicines and knowing about pills and such. I would make the best doctor ever.

 

[mmmcdowe]

I'm lolrolling either way.

 

[deleted357625]

I am in a situation that I am kind of indecisive about my life, to become a psychiatrist or a psychologist, and that's pretty much it.

The only reason why I am hesitant to become a psychiatrist is because I only finished Algebra 2 in high school. I am horrible at math, naturally horrible, but I don't give a care right now since I want to improve my academic life now.

Let's say my math skills are horrible, should I not even bother going to medical school and just become a psychologist (a pretty great career and I might love this one even more)

Man I'm not a math genius and I'm taking college algebra, I have to go all the way up to Calc 2 for my neuroscience degree. I hate math with a passion, but that is not stopping me to apply to medical school. Don't worry about one class, especially math.

 

[Namie]

I'm kind of hoping this isn't real, but anyways, you could major in psychology and take a few extra courses to be eligible for medical school admissions. But I think you're in for more intense math courses going down the psychologist route than the psychiatrist one. As a psychology major, you will have to take at least one stats class. As a graduate student in psychology, you'll have quite a few more, pretty involved stats courses. You'll be expected to do research, and to know how to crunch and interpret the numbers. But medical school is no cakewalk either, even if it's not so math intensive.

But just graduating high school, dating a guy in law school (not to sound like your mother, but isn't he a little old for you?), jumping around between being a pop star and a psychiatrist, porn star and gold digger to CEO and nurse? You've got a ways to go before making this decision. Just don't get married, and for the love of god, don't get pregnant.

Well I decided to become a psychiatrist, well I left the law-student for now, and I am keeping him tag along until I make more decisions. I don't think he could really help me get there.

I am now in a relationship with an older man (he's 50 yrs)... but I am only here temporary, until further notice. He just offers a good home, no rent, food, love/support, while there's a guy in New York offering the same thing too. The guy in New York has math/science degrees, so he could help me, and he taught calculas and algebra... I'm really considering going to him to make my dream a reality, soon. I will speak to him tomorrow.

But being a psychiatrist is my dream, and I will probably do porn on the side to pay for college.

 

[Druggernaut]

Okay. You can begin your studies in psychiatry by researching narcissistic, histrionic, and borderline personality disorders.

 

[ucsfstudents]

I think you need to first change your attitude and stop believing that you are "horrible" in math. You might have to work a lot harder than your classmates, but this does not mean you can't learn the material. It is rare that you meet someone who is extremely talented and who picks up all subjects easily. The key is to work hard for what you want in life, whether that is to become a psychologist or psychiatrist, etc.

Hopefully this helps students who actually are in this situation, and not any time wasting trolls.

 

[CuttingCorneas]

i am now in a relationship with an older man (he's 50 yrs)... But i am only here temporary, until further notice. He just offers a good home, no rent, food, love/support, while there's a guy in new york offering the same thing too. The guy in new york has math/science degrees, so he could help me, and he taught calculas and algebra... I'm really considering going to him to make my dream a reality, soon. I will speak to him tomorrow.

But being a psychiatrist is my dream, and i will probably do porn on the side to pay for college.

lol wut

 

[Copernicium]

Well I decided to become a psychiatrist, well I left the law-student for now, and I am keeping him tag along until I make more decisions. I don't think he could really help me get there.

I am now in a relationship with an older man (he's 50 yrs)... but I am only here temporary, until further notice. He just offers a good home, no rent, food, love/support, while there's a guy in New York offering the same thing too. The guy in New York has math/science degrees, so he could help me, and he taught calculas and algebra... I'm really considering going to him to make my dream a reality, soon. I will speak to him tomorrow.

But being a psychiatrist is my dream, and I will probably do porn on the side to pay for college.

This thread was funny at first. Now it is just sad. I am disappoint.

 

[Namie]

This thread was funny at first. Now it is just sad. I am disappoint.

If this thread was for comedy I wouldn't put it here on a student/doctor forum.

I guess it's a tragedy now lol.

 

[Namie]

What am I thinking? I'm just going to go to medical school, since my love is money.

And the highest paid "fun" profession is being a plastic surgeon, so that's what I am going to do.

 

[AntiHouseMD]

What am I thinking? I'm just going to go to medical school, since my love is money.

And the highest paid "fun" profession is being a plastic surgeon, so that's what I am going to do.

If you feel the need to troll, at least make it sound somewhat believable.

 

[I'm No Superman]

What am I thinking? I'm just going to go to medical school, since my love is money.

And the highest paid "fun" profession is being a plastic surgeon, so that's what I am going to do.

Going into medicine for money is a terrible idea.

If you want money, go into business or engineering.

 

[bajastapler]

Not gonna lie. I didn't read all the posts. 🙂

IMO, take the pre-reqs for med. school so you have options when you're ready to decide.

A LOT of things will happen in college and what you believe/think might be very different by the time you graduate.

Just take the pre-reqs., party it up, don't stress, and get some decent grades. It'll all work out in the end.

gl!

 

[BizzyV]

Pics necessary to determine if you'll be able to pay for school.