What classes should I take if I want to become a psychiatrist?

So, I really want to become a psychiatrist and I'm trying to plan out my high school courses accordingly. Are there any specific classes that I should definitely take? Advice from current psychiatrists or med school students would be awesome! Thanks!

It's wonderful that you're interested in becoming a psychiatrist and planning your high school courses to align with that goal. I can offer some suggestions based on general knowledge.

1. Science and math courses: To prepare for college pre-med programs and eventual medical school, it's important to have a strong foundation in both science and math. Take classes like biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy if available, along with advanced algebra, pre-calculus, and calculus.

2. Psychology classes: If your high school offers psychology courses, take advantage of this opportunity to explore the subject. These courses will expose you to the basics of human behavior, cognition, and emotion, which are key areas of focus in psychiatry.

3. Advanced Placement (AP) courses: If your school offers AP classes, consider taking ones relevant to your interests, such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Psychology, AP Calculus, and AP Statistics. These courses enable you to earn college credit, which can help satisfy pre-med requirements and can demonstrate your commitment to rigorous coursework.

4. Humanities and social sciences: While not directly related to the practice of psychiatry, humanities and social science classes can help you develop empathy, communication, and analytical skills essential for working with patients. Consider taking courses such as sociology, history, philosophy, and literature.

5. Language courses: Learning a second (or third) language can be beneficial when communicating with patients from diverse backgrounds. In addition, some medical schools appreciate applicants who possess multilingual skills.

6. Extracurricular activities: While not a class, getting involved in relevant extracurricular activities can further demonstrate your passion for psychiatry and medicine. You might consider volunteering at a local hospital or mental health clinic, participating in a school club related to health or psychology, or conducting independent research on a topic of interest.

Remember, medical schools are interested in well-rounded applicants with strong academic records, so it's important to maintain good grades while taking these challenging courses. Keep in mind that your college pre-med program and medical school will provide more specific coursework targeted toward psychiatry.

Good luck in your high school journey and your future career as a psychiatrist!