2008 Median Weekly Earnings
At the ASCA 09 conference, a representative from the Bureau of Labor Statistics gave these statistics on median weekly earnings:
    $1,555 - doctorate degree
    $1,522 - professional degree
    $1,278 - masters degree
    $978 - bachelors degree
    $736 - associates degree
    $645 - some college
    $591 - high school graduate
    $425 - less than high school diploma

Career Spotlight - Cytotechnologists
Cytotechnologists look for clues to disease within cells. Using a microscope, they search for patterns and abnormalities that might be evidence of cancer or other medical conditions.

- According to a recent survey, approximately 1/4 of colleges use web searches or social network sites to locate information about prospective students.

- According to a college admissions spokesperson at the ASCA conference, if there is something you would like a college admissions office to know that you don’t want to put in writing, add a “Call me” sticky note.

- When asked how closely admissions officers read letters of recommendation, a college spokesperson said that for borderline kids, they read these recommendations very closely.  She added that with regards to letters of recommendation, admissions officers are looking for information that’s not included in the application and for the person’s “gut impressions.”

- On average, colleges admit 68% of applicants.

- Idea for high schools – invite a college admissions officer to come and speak to your AP or Honors English class(es) to discuss essay writing.

Have a new student get together
If you have enrolled a number of new students in your school this fall, consider having a “new student get together” during the last half hour of school one day.  During this get together you can welcome the students, offer refreshments, and provide info about your school, staff, etc.

You might also ask area business to provide free items or coupons to give to your new students. A get together like this will make your new students feel welcome and it will give them a chance to meet other new students.

- The amount of new tech info is doubling every 2 years.

- According to the US Dept of Labor, today’s learners will have 10-14 jobs by the time they are 38.

- Idea for High School Counselors - Have all your seniors complete a form in which they state their plans for after graduation.  Then group students by their post-high school plans (local 4-year college, local community college, any 4-year college, military, employment, not sure).  Conduct small group meetings to discuss their plans and their chosen option.

- Science Fun Fact – An inch of rain water is equivalent to 10 inches of snow.
Woodburn Press Careers in Science InfoGuide

- Social Studies Fun Fact: Because the International Date Line runs between Alaska and Russia, you can get on a plane in Russia on Tuesday morning and have lunch in Alaska on Monday.
Woodburn Press Careers in Social Studies InfoGuide