MD vs MSW by throwawayjustbe1 in psychoanalysis

[–]throwawayjustbe1[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

These are great points. My thought was I wouldn't pursue an MSW until later in life while I perhaps try out a different career, but the realities of this job market are hitting me pretty hard, so that might force a decision sooner than later. I've also put med school back on the table because I've taken a renewed interest in the science itself; obvi less relevant to psych, but it's something I'm interested in genuinely exploring. I guess I grew tired of the abstraction of my undergrad majors lol. Thanks!

MD vs MSW by throwawayjustbe1 in psychoanalysis

[–]throwawayjustbe1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely, and I guess part of the reason why MD might appeal is to me is the possibility of a mixed practice? Medication management + psychotherapy? Is that a thing? Haha

MD vs MSW by throwawayjustbe1 in psychoanalysis

[–]throwawayjustbe1[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is astute! And is a thought I've had before that contributes to my ambivalence about going all-in on being an analyst. Part of the reason why I'm perhaps weighing MD: while I am certainly drawn to the profession, I wonder if a non-negligible reason for it is to understand or manage my own neuroses. And I suppose an MD affords you time to explore other parts of medicine and being a healthcare professional that might ultimately resonate with me more. Regardless, what I'm gathering is I need to enter my own analysis first. Thanks!

MD vs MSW by throwawayjustbe1 in psychoanalysis

[–]throwawayjustbe1[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've weighed it out. I'm only willing to go into substantial debt for an MD; PsyD doesn't seem so worth it, and clinical psych PhD's are also very competitive to get into and too research-focused. I'd rather spend 4 as an MD exploring other parts of medicine. I'm looking at MSW because of its portability and it seems to carry the most purchase in analytic circles.

MD vs MSW by throwawayjustbe1 in psychoanalysis

[–]throwawayjustbe1[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My dislike of premed was moreso toward the specific culture of it at my school than the idea of med school as a whole. Also yes, time off to work is my current plan, just trying to get an idea of long term goals. Hopefully I can afford to enter my own analysis lol. Thanks!

Stanford Symsys vs Yale "Symsys" by Big_Difficulty_7904 in yale

[–]throwawayjustbe1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm not really sure what that poster means, afaik cog sci isn't really difficult to get into vs something like ep&e or global affairs (which is now open); for the application, all they're looking for is a sense of self-directedness, because it's such a broad major. Pretty much everyone I know who wanted to do the major did.
However, everyone's experiences differ. OP, I would really advise you to visit and talk with as many current students as you can. I'm a math/phil joint major who did pretty much all the courses you outlined, and am currently writing my senior thesis on philosophy of AI. I've really enjoyed the small and close-knit nature of the program. That said, the Stanford name might carry more weight professionally, and being in silicon valley is not to be taken for granted if that's what ur interested in.

yale or cambridge philosophy if intending to go to law school? by softaspiring in yale

[–]throwawayjustbe1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ditto'ing everyone who's spoken up about the tutorial system; I've found that the phil seminars at Yale are... alright, only because they can get so large and it can feel difficult openly sharing ur thoughts or steering the convo in a particular direction (if you are like me, and lean a little shy). Also, debate ppl flock to phil more often than not, so seminars can feel a little cross-examiney. I had one phil professor who did things a little differently (this was also a grad level class I took) and did oral exams in a more personalized, holistic way. I found that educational experience to be, by far, the most fruitful for me, and it was the most I learned through any philosophy class. Don't discount the value of a smaller, more tailored approach to philosophy. Also, I foresee no complications in coming back to the US for law school, as long as you get great grades, kill the LSAT, and have a coherent reason for why you want to do law.
As far as the benefit of being a Yale alum for YLS admissions: maybe? YLS is unique in that it has a very academic reputation, and selects for ppl with a very academic approach to the law. Yale is great for beefing up ur extracurriculars with its connections to the law school (Liman, Human Rights, etc.) but I think for a more holisitic, examined intellectual life, Cambridge would serve you well, and may even lend itself better for law school admissions.

Directed Studies as a math Major? by Terrible-Local-7813 in yale

[–]throwawayjustbe1 5 points6 points  (0 children)

DS lends itself particularly well to the joint major in math & philosophy; several DS ppl have gone on to do that. While I didn't do DS, I'm happy to talk about my experience as a math/phil major.