Be What I Want To Be. Maryland Scholars your key to college and careers CREATRE FUTUR WHAT IT REALLY COSTS TO LIVE

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1 CREATRE YOU E FUTUR Be What I Want To Be Get ready for a world of opportunity REALITY CHECK WHAT IT REALLY COSTS TO LIVE Maryland Scholars your key to college and careers Prepare now: your future depends on it I N S I D E WORKPLACE PROFESSIONALS SHARE THEIR TIPS AND ADVICE

2 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Why STEM Skills are important to you Successful students in college have a solid foundation in science, math, reading and writing. Employers value workers who are able to reason & STEM skills are required for jobs across many different industries The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that at least 8,654,000 U.S. STEM jobs PHOTOGRAPHY solve problems using math, science and technology. will exist in 2018, not including self-employed STEM individuals. NUTRITION STEM CAREERS ARE AMONG THE HIGHEST PAID AND ARE IN THE GREATEST DEMAND. MEDICINE Not interested in a STEM career? Keep in mind that almost all jobs require some STEM-related skills. A good way to get a jump-start on those skills is to take courses in middle and high school that prepare you to succeed in college and beyond. COMPUTER OR VIDEO GAME DESIGN Examples of courses that give you a solid foundation in STEM skills: ARCHITECTURE Algebra 1 & 2 Biology FORENSIC SCIENCE ANIMATION In the U.S., the average professional with a STEM degree earns about $78,000 Annually Economics Geometry Chemistry Computer Science Geography Statistics Physics Trigonometry Environmental Science Calculus Technology Education The national average wage is $42,9 79 AERONAUTICS (EARTH & SPACE FLIGHT) Mary M. Traviss G. Chief Technology Transition Officer Lockheed Martin Corporation Explore your individual curiosity and always strive to create learning experiences both within and outside the classroom. 2 thestemnet.com/careers Nuclear Medicine Technology Teacher Johns Hopkins Hospital Start working now and never stop. Sure, work brings money, but it also builds character and demonstrates that you re disciplined, motivated, responsible, and you have what it takes to be successful.

3 Life after High School: Will you be able to afford it? Paycheck What Does It Cost To Live? Apartment $ 1,000 Car Payment $ 300 Car Insurance/Gas/Maintenance $ 450 Gas/Electricity $ 150 Phone/Internet/Cable $ 150 Food $ 350 Entertainment $ 200 Total Monthly Expenses $ 2,600 PAY TO THE ORDER OF Jane Eyre Four-Hundred Six Dollars and Zero Cents Earnings Rate Hours This period Regular $ $ Gross Pay $ Deductions Federal Income Tax - $ State/Local Income Tax - $36.00 Social Security Tax - $36.00 Other Health Insurance - $20.00 Weekly Net Pay $ PER MONTH That s Almost $1,000 over budget! Gross Wages (x4 weeks) $2, Taxes Withheld - $ $ $ Other Deductions -$80.00 Monthly Net Pay $1, OCCUPATION EDUCATION PROJECTED OPENINGS IN 2015 MEDIAN HOURLY WAGE MEDIAN MONTHLY WAGE MEDIAN ANNUAL WAGE PEDIATRICIAN DOCTORAL OR PROFESSIONAL DEGREE 466 $73.50 $12,733 $152,790 LAWYER DOCTORAL OR PROFESSIONAL DEGREE 11,440 $53.00 $9,166 $109,986 SOFTWARE DEVELOPER BACHELOR S DEGREE 14,098 $52.25 $9,056 $108,652 INFORMATION SECURITY ANALYST BACHELOR S DEGREE 3,560 $46.50 $8,055 $96,655 VETERINARIAN DOCTORAL OR PROFESSIONAL DEGREE 1,255 $45.50 $7,901 $94,811 BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER BACHELOR S DEGREE 560 $43.25 $7,506 $90,075 NURSE (REGISTERED) ASSOCIATE S DEGREE 47,832 $34.04 $5,975 $71,100 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST BACHELOR S DEGREE 2,307 $34.25 $5,916 $70,990 ACCOUNTANT/AUDITOR BACHELOR S DEGREE 25,303 $34.00 $5,888 $70,659 WRITER BACHELOR S DEGREE 968 $31.03 $4,965 $59,578 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA 54,654 $28.25 $4,962 $58,539 POLICE OFFICER HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA 14,795 $27.75 $4,829 $57,950 GRAPHIC DESIGNER BACHELOR S DEGREE 3,543 $26.00 $4,523 $54,279 TEACHER BACHELOR S DEGREE 1,018 $25.75 $4,446 $53,351 FORENSIC SCIENCE TECHNICIAN BACHELOR S DEGREE 674 $23.25 $3,720 $44,640 CARPENTER HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA 11,202 $20.50 $3,556 $42,668 REAL ESTATE SALES AGENT HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA 3,188 $20.00 $3,481 $41,777 EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE 4,677 $19.75 $3,160 $37,920 DENTAL ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE 5,499 $18.50 $3,216 $38,590 FITNESS TRAINER HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA 6,378 $17.00 $2,926 $35,108 RETAIL SALES PERSON HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA 72,038 $9.25 $1,592 $19,102 WAITER OR WAITRESS HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA 43,892 $8.75 $1,521 $18,253 Jason P. Owner and Plumber Palmer s Plumbing I always enjoyed mathematics because several of my hobbies, such as working on cars and building things, required me to use it. For more occupations, visit and click on 2006 to 2016 occupational projections thestemnet.com/careers 3

4 Are you on track to be college and/or career ready? PUT A CHECK IN THE COLUMN THAT BEST DESCRIBES YOU AND YOUR PLANS. MOSTLY TRUE SOMETIMES TRUE NOT TRUE 1. I get A s and B s in my classes. 2. I show up to class on time. 3. I do more than what s expected of me in class. 4. I plan to take high levels of math and science in high school. 5. I know what I need to do to qualify for scholarships and grants. 6. I plan to learn a world language in high school. 7. I am involved in extracurricular activities. 8. I currently/plan to volunteer in my community. 9. I am careful about what I post online (Instagram, Twitter, etc.). 10. I know what I want to do after high school. 0 TO 6 POINTS: You have the potential to be college and/or career ready but you will need to step up your game. Employers say that high school graduates that they hire need the same skills and knowledge that colleges require of incoming freshmen! Talk to your family and school counselor set up a plan. They will help you get and stay on the right track. NOW is the time to start taking control of your future. 7 TO 13 POINTS: With some effort, you could become college and/or career ready. At a minimum, make sure you take and complete Algebra 2, Chemistry, Physics and at least 2 years of the same world language during high school. By completing these courses in MOSTLY TRUE = 2 points SOMETIMES TRUE = 1 point NOT TRUE = 0 points S C O R I N G : TOTAL high school, you will be twice as likely to graduate from college and earn 13% more in wages a year! Meet with your school counselor at least one time each year to make sure you re on track with your courses. 14 TO 20 POINTS: Congratulations! You are well on your way to being college and/or career ready. You will likely complete all the right courses to get a good job with benefits, succeed in college AND qualify for scholarships and grants to help pay for college. Studies have shown that high school graduates who have completed higher levels of math and science classes earn $1 million more over their lifetime than those who did not. Talk with your school counselor about taking Honors and AP classes, and begin researching colleges you are interested in to make sure you know what they require from you. Points Points Points 4 thestemnet.com/careers Anthony L. Mechanic Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority A lot of people believe math is not that important, but when you get into the real world, you end up using it a lot. Sometimes you don t even realize you are using it, but you actually are.

5 So Now What? Become a Maryland Scholar! A GOAL is what you aim or strive to accomplish. Whether your goal is to go to college, the military or get a job after graduation, getting the best possible foundation in high school is essential! You don t have to know what you want to do after high school right now; however, taking the right courses now will allow you to follow any path you choose later on. Being a Maryland Scholar will help you: Get a good job that pays more WHY SET GOALS? Succeed in college-level courses Setting goals for yourself lets you get more out of life by deciding who you want to be and what you want to do. It is not just a process to identify your dreams, but it helps you achieve them. Qualify for scholarships and/or grants to help you pay for school By taking these courses, because of the skills and knowledge gained from them, you will have a greater chance in getting into schools that you apply for, whether it s in state or out of state. HOW DO YOU SET A GOAL? Make it SMART! Be SPECIFIC: what is it that you would like to accomplish? How will you MEASURE your success? Is it ACHIEVABLE? What actions will you take? Maryland Scholars Course of Study Set REALISTIC results that you hope to see. And how much TIME will you give yourself to reach the goal? WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER I SET A GOAL? Within 3 5 days Share your goals with a teacher, school counselor and/or parent/guardian so they can help support you. 4 4 Credits of English 4 4 Credits of Math (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2) 4 3 Credits of Lab Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics*) 4 3 Credits of Social Science (U.S. History, Go to create an account and enter your goals. Within 2 4 weeks R eview your goals to see if you are on target. M ake adjustments to your goals or actions if needed. REWARD YOURSELF WHEN YOU REACH YOUR GOAL CELEBRATE! World History, Government) 4 2 Credits of same Foreign Language Students must attain a 3.0 GPA to Qualify * a third lab science may be substituted for Physics Ramon L-R. Lydia H. Lawyer Tydings & Rosenberg The business place is becoming increasingly international, and mastering a second language will give you a competitive advantage. Biological Oceanographer The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab My job gives me the opportunity to be at sea, finding ways to protect the environment and develop a better understanding of how oceans function. thestemnet.com/careers 5

6 Countdown to College q Check the box as you complete each step, to keep on track 8th Grade q Take algebra 1 if possible. q Develop your leadership skills join clubs/activities, play a sport or volunteer. q Work hard to get good grades it will make a difference in your options for high school. q Sign up for Maryland Scholars courses in your high school plan include algebra 2, chemistry, physics and 2 credits of a world language. Freshman Year q Take and complete algebra 1 or geometry. q Work hard to get good grades colleges review your transcript including freshman grades ALL 4 YEARS COUNT! q Ask for help when you need it. q Take part in extracurricular activities. q Talk with your school counselor about which classes to take next year. Sophomore Year q Take and complete geometry or algebra 2. q Take and complete a lab science, such as chemistry. q Take honors and AP classes if possible. q Check in with your school counselor to make sure you re on track. q Take a leadership role in your extracurricular activities. q Take the PSAT or ACT PLAN tests to help prepare yourself for SAT and ACT tests. q Earn college credits by registering for a dual-enrollment program at your local community college. Junior Year q Take rigorous math and science courses, such as pre-calculus and physics. q Take honors and AP classes if possible. q Maintain good grades and challenge yourself. Junior-year grades are especially important for college admissions. q Register for, study and take the SAT or ACT test. q Take advantage of dual enrollment opportunities offered at your school. q Check out, in person or online, the colleges that interest you know their admissions criteria. q Explore scholarship opportunities start early so you can build a record that allows you to qualify. Senior Year q Make the most of your senior year. It is important! q Take a rigorous math class. It will help you pass the college entrance exams. q Know and meet the deadlines to submit college applications. Start early to write essays and get teacher recommendations. q Submit your college financial aid application (FAFSA) by March 1. Do it whether you think you need it or not. q Be recognized as a Maryland Scholar. Celebrate! Jason H. Orthopedic Surgeon Union Memorial Hospital Don t worry about what everyone else is doing; instead, get involved with hobbies that will allow you to do what you like to do, without being afraid to crack the mold and come out of the box. 6 thestemnet.com/careers Zuly G. Co-Owner Light Point Security A key choice for me was seeking intern positions early on. At a college job fair, I met a recruiter from the National Security Agency looking for interns. I applied and was accepted for a position I would not be where I am today had I not made that one decision.

7 Doctoral Degree What is required for a Doctoral Degree? The doctorate, or Ph.D., takes at least two full-time years of study, or 30 credits, beyond the master s degree. In many cases students need four or five years of study, or 90 credits, after the master s degree. Professional Degree What is required for a Professional Degree? It usually takes at least six years of college work. Academic require- ments must be completed to become licensed in careers such as law, medicine or architecture. Students generally spend four years working on a bachelor s degree plus another few years on their professional degree. Environmental Scientist, Statistician or Physical Therapist Master s Degree What is required for a Master s Degree? It usually takes one or two years after earning a bachelor s degree. It often requires very specific undergraduate courses. Many students need to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) to be accepted to a graduate school. Bachelor s Degree What is required for a Bachelor s Degree? Four or five years of full-time coursework, or 120 credits are needed. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees (also known Veterinarian, Pediatrician, or Lawyer Financial Advisor, Forensic Science Technician, or Computer Software Engineer Mathematician, Astronomer, or Medical Scientist as liberal arts degrees) require courses in art, culture, history, English, social and life sciences and languages. Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees often prepare people for careers in engineering, physical sciences and other technical subjects. Associate S Degree What is required for an Associate s Degree? Two years of full-time coursework, or 60 credits, are needed. Six Degrees of EDUCATION Dental Hygienist, Web Developer, or Registered Nurse Associate s degrees are offered by community colleges. Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees are available. Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees are for technical or career programs. Certificate What is required for a Certificate? Certificates can take just a few weeks or up to two years to earn. They are awarded by community colleges and private career schools. They also can be earned by completing job training or even in a high school program. Electrical Technician, Real Estate Broker, or Occupational Therapy Assistant James Biomedical Engineer, Project Manager The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab If you know what you want to be, figure out what steps you need to take to get you there, what skills and experience you need and who you need to interact with in order to meet your goals. thestemnet.com/careers 7

8 PAYING FOR COLLEGE The basics Tips for paying for college It is possible for everyone to go to college. There are many ways to pay for school and to get help paying for it. There are four main types of financial aid students can get: 1. Grants 2. Scholarships 3. Student loans 4. Work study What do I do now to prepare? Start saving for college. Work with school counselors to find scholarships or search the internet on your own. Many community groups and employers have scholarships available. But it s up to you to find these sources of money. SAVINGS LOANS SCHOLARSHIPS FAFSA GRANTS Consider your goals and what education you need to reach them. Enroll in high level courses while in high school. College isn t easy. The more you learn in high school, the better you will do in college, and the more college options you will have. Take Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes during high school. Earn college credits now! Get involved in school and volunteer activities. Many scholarship programs, especially private scholarships, look for these activities when selecting students for scholarships. Explore the possibility of dual enrollment (high school and college). What is FAFSA? When and how do I file the FAFSA? Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine if you are eligible for financial aid from federal and state aid programs and financial aid programs offered by colleges and universities. You should apply whether or not you think you need financial aid. The FAFSA should be filed during the spring semester of your senior year between January 1 and March 1. This will ensure you are considered for most types of financial aid. Regina S. Director, Corporate Engagement & Education Outreach Battelle Memorial Institute High school graduation is an accomplishment, but it s just one of your first achievements in life. 8 thestemnet.com/careers find even more advice and start planning for life after high school at