Emma Mayes

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Chelsei Arnold

Age: 21 | Hometown: West Memphis
High School: Academies of West Memphis
Higher Education: Harding University
Working toward: Starting her own private practice one day

Counseling has been a long-term goal for Chelsei Arnold.

“I chose psychology because the classes are so interesting to me and I feel as if the information sticks with me better than other disciplines,” she said. “I chose this major because it is flexible and will allow me to have free-range with my educational and career options.”

Chelsei had the good fortune to receive several scholarships, including the Arkansas Challenge scholarship, the Lois and Eunice scholarship, and the Academic scholarship. She plans on becoming a counseling psychologist and owning her own practice, and also becoming a psychology professor to help inspire and encourage students. The goal for Chelsei is to earn her PhD in Counseling Psychology. This aspiration was inspired by long hours working on her honors thesis in the Honors College, and by time spent as part of the McNair Scholars Program and the Beyond Professional Identity Research Lab.

A benefit to the psychology major is the flexibility to touch many fields outside of their profession and allows them to go as far as they want without having to commit to major obstacles like medical school.

Empathy and understanding are chief traits for people in a psychology role. Chelsei was inspired to become a psychologist by her ability to discern and be the advice giver. Another inspiration was her family, who have a rich history of serving others through careers in medical and educational fields. 

“I would tell middle and high school students considering the major to pinpoint what is inspiring them to choose this major,” Chelsei said. “I would also tell them that money is not an issue if you know that this is the path for you.”

What You Need to Know

Length of Program
Four years, although there are ways to finish early (through AP credit, dual credit or summer courses) or to slow it down for easier workload.

Cost
The average yearly cost of in-state tuition, plus room and board for a public university in Arkansas was $18,262 for 2022-2023. Of course, private college tuition and fees tend to be more expensive. However, both private and public schools offer a great mix of financial aid and scholarships to offset costs.

Admissions Requirements
Most four-year colleges require a high school diploma and have a minimum GPA and ACT requirement. However, with the pandemic causing many tests to be canceled or rescheduled, there may be an optional ACT/SAT testing policy in place at the schools you’re considering.

Housing
On-campus housing like dorms and apartments are typically available.

Source: educationdata.org