Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

 As an eleventh grader in India, I find myself at the crossroads of some big decisions. After much self-reflection, I've set my sights on pursuing either psychology or behavioral economics. These subjects fascinate me because they offer a deep dive into the workings of the human mind and how people make decisions. If everything goes according to plan, in five years, I hope to be studying at one of my dream universities: Ashoka University, NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies), the London School of Economics (LSE), or the National University of Singapore (NUS). But before I get there, there’s a lot I need to accomplish.

Psychology has always interested me because of how it helps us understand people better. From exploring why we act the way we do to uncovering patterns in human behavior, psychology feels like the key to unlocking human nature. I’m also fascinated by the prospect of helping others deal with mental health challenges, improving well-being, or even guiding organizations on how to motivate teams and create positive environments.

On the other hand, behavioral economics is equally intriguing. It blends psychology with economics to examine how people make financial and social decisions. It dives into why we often make irrational choices—whether it’s overspending, saving too little, or making choices that don’t align with our best interests. The mix of human behavior with the analytical tools of economics makes it an exciting field with real-world impact, from policymaking to business strategies

To achieve my goal of studying either psychology or behavioral economics, I have identified a few universities that I feel align with my ambitions:

1. Ashoka University (India) – Known for its liberal arts education, Ashoka offers a strong psychology program that integrates critical thinking and interdisciplinary approaches. Its curriculum encourages exploring subjects beyond just psychology, which would allow me to gain a holistic understanding of behavioral science.

2. NMIMS (India) – With its reputation as one of the top business schools in India, NMIMS also offers excellent programs that integrate psychology with management studies. This would be ideal if I lean toward behavioral economics and its applications in business environments.

3. London School of Economics (LSE)  (UK) – LSE is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, especially for behavioral economics. The opportunity to learn from experts in the field, along with its global outlook, makes LSE one of my top choices.

4. National University of Singapore (NUS) – NUS ranks highly for both psychology and economics. Its location in one of the most dynamic cities in Asia and its world-class faculty make it a compelling option for anyone looking to study human behavior from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Steps I’m Taking to Reach My Goals

With a clear vision of where I want to go, I’ve begun preparing myself. Here’s what I’m currently focusing on:

1. Building a Strong Academic Foundation : Both psychology and behavioral economics require a strong grasp of subjects like mathematics (for economics), psychology, and social sciences. I’m working hard to keep my grades up, particularly in psychology and economics, as they’ll form the core of my future studies. For LSE and NUS, strong marks in mathematics are essential for the economics aspect.

2. Preparing for Entrance Exams : For universities like Ashoka and NMIMS, acing their respective entrance tests will be key. I’m also preparing for the SAT, as it’s often a requirement for international universities like LSE and NUS. With my first SAT attempt scheduled in December, I’ve been following a strict preparation plan to ensure I score well.

3. Extracurriculars and Internships : Universities today look for more than just academic excellence. To strengthen my application, I’ve been actively participating in extracurriculars related to my field of interest. I’ve recently started researching consumer awareness and the effectiveness of consumer protection laws in India. It’s a fascinating project that allows me to explore human behavior in the real world. I’m also considering internships that could provide me with hands-on experience, whether in psychology or behavioral economics.

4. Developing Soft Skills : Studying psychology or behavioral economics isn’t just about understanding theories—it’s also about applying them to real-world problems. To prepare, I’m focusing on building soft skills like communication, critical thinking, and leadership. Whether through group projects in school or leading initiatives in my extracurricular clubs, I’m constantly challenging myself to improve in these areas.

The Road Ahead

I know the next few years won’t be easy. Preparing for competitive exams, writing essays for university applications, and keeping up with extracurricular activities all feel daunting at times. But with my passion for psychology and behavioral economics driving me, I’m ready to take on these challenges. I believe that with hard work and focus, I can make it to one of my dream universities.

In the end, what excites me the most is the opportunity to learn, grow, and eventually contribute to society—whether that’s by helping individuals through psychology or shaping policies with behavioral economics. The journey may be long, but I’m ready for the adventure!