Advice for college age and high school home schooler?

[collegehomeschoolmom]

Ok, so thanks for answering my questions.

Son #1: In my opinion, he should continue at the community college next semester stretching his psychology wings so to speak. I think he'd do well to enroll in at least Introductory Psychology (101) and if eligible, the Abnormal Psychology and Human Growth and Development/Developmental Psychology. Yes, there are test-out options for those, however, if he's considering this as a CAREER, he will enjoy those classes and have an opportunity to do many important things. He's going to spend time learning from someone with at least a master's degree in psychology, he'll be doing extensive reading on the subject, and most importantly he'll be doing writing in APA style on the topic. These will all become important as he makes his final decision on whether or not he enjoys the academic aspect of this field. Furthermore, he'll earn grades in those subjects which will likely also be prerequisites for grad school. The highest usefulness for CLEP in his situation will be in NON-MAJOR courses, like literature, computers, and history. Your CC's CLEP policy and list of accepted exams are the starting point. You'll want to check that the exams he's considering match his degree plan.
Part 2 of my suggestion is that he begin discussing the field of neuroscience with his psychology professors. Get THEIR feedback and input on appropriate training, career prospects, and things to consider. They'll have a good idea of potential pros and cons for him to consider. I'd ask for suggestions of undergrad and grad schools, and spend a little time looking into these programs. Though he may or may not end up at those specific schools, having a good working idea of undergrad major (bio or psych?) as well as prerequisites into grad school (letters of rec? Lab science?), cost, and location are all important. If any of these programs are in your state, and you get to the point where you really think he is going to go into that field, I strongly suggest he complete an "articulation agreement" at the community college that will LOCK him into a guaranteed transfer into the bachelor's degree program. This allows you to use maximum CLEP credit, access all of the undergrad courses for a fraction of the cost, be in a guaranteed degree transfer program, and map out a game plan BEFORE he starts spending significant time and money.
Part 3 if I may, just on a personal note, I'd suggest he pepper his degree with as much science as he can. The bio course he took was for non-majors (which probably counts) but doing General Bio w/lab 1 and 2 in addition to General Chemistry w/lab 1 & 2 will give him SUCH a strong and solid understanding of neuroscience that he really should make himself take them. (as Jonathan hinted towards, sometimes psychology and biology are at odds, because scientists see psychology as a soft science (can't be measured) and psychologists see scientists as lacking the social science elements that help interpret science- he's have foundations in both which would help him tremendously).
Part 4 - Harvard offers a neuroscience class (psychology department) that is available via distance learning. No application required, just sign up and pay. It would transfer into his degree. I've had my eye on it for a few years Neuroscience of Learning and Behavior Change

Thank you so much Jennifer, this helps SO much! His program/career of choice is one that needs careful planning. When he first attended the CC, the advisors told him that he should look into psychology as a major. Needless to say, I agreed thinking this was the best route since he does not want to practice medicine. However, as Jonathan suggested, neuroscience is focused on biology as well as psychology. The CC transfer options to a 4-year college for our state are there; it is the CLEP acceptance that are always not. As I mentioned in another post, UMD will not accept many CLEP in the Gen Ed track (this is the track the CC has). But, it will give him some credit. IMHO, the CC Gen Ed transfer is still a great deal, it is the school administration that I am frustrated with (i.e. financial aid). I'll work around that though!

Fortunately, he loves science and it is one of his greatest strengths, so taking several science courses shouldn't be a problem for him. I truly appreciate your feedback and suggestions. I will look into the HES Neuroscience course for him. This is a great start for him in his field of choice and I know he'll enjoy it! Most likely, we will call UMD to speak with the Neuroscience Department there. He'll also speak to his psychology professors next semester. I have heard good things about the professors in this department. Thanks again!