Hey, I'm a junior and am planning to major in Bio, but I'm also super interested in psych. Is it common for colleges to require psychology as a prereq for any major, or could I just pick it up as a minor or an elective? I wanna make sure I'm well-prepped for my app season.
Psychology as a prerequisite for biology or any other major is not very common. Most colleges have a flexible curriculum that allows students to explore different fields unrelated to their main area of study.
If you are interested in psychology, you could indeed choose it as an elective or a minor. Some colleges also have interdisciplinary programs that merge both biology and psychology, such as neuroscience or cognitive science, which you might want to look into.
Remember to check the specific course requirements of the colleges you're interested in. This information is typically available on the school's website or course catalog. Depending on the school, you might need to take a general education course in psychology or other social sciences, but this varies.
Your preparation for your application should largely focus on your major. If you’re planning to major in biology, then science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics would be important to include in your high school schedule. The Admissions Committee will typically look at how you've challenged yourself within your prospective major. However, taking a psychology course could show that you have a broad range of interests, which may add a unique dimension to your application.
Finally, keep in mind that college isn't just for career preparation. It's a time to explore your interests, and if psychology fascinates you, go for it! You never know where it might lead.
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