Stories

Girl

  • Attended Cal State San Marcos
  • Started in physics in high school = got a D but loved it
  • Cal State San Marcos = lots of physics opportunities

John

  • Attended Palomar after high school
  • pursued computer science
  • attended mostly online at Cal State
  • 6 years to get Masters degree

Cal State San Marcos

  • new science building to come
  • newer cal state school
  • internships offered with local industries

Pathways of San Marcos

  • Chemistry
  • Bio-chem
  • chemical education
  • applied physics
  • computer science, information systems, cyber security, computer engineering
  • electrical and software engineering
  • math degrees= applies, educational, general

Clubs

  • cybersecurity
  • robotics
  • 3D printing, etc.

Internship Opportunities

  • networking = attending campus events where local industries attend
  • check department emails for opportunities
  • Google opportunities
  • AVOID UNPAID internships
  • apply even if you don’t feel qualified
  • go to writing center to get help with writing

Programs

  • Summer Scholar’s Program = paid for 10 week program to provide students with research experience
  • Quantum Bridge Program= 4 week program for newly admitted students interested in Quantum
  • Chemistry and Biochemistry Engineering program

Paying for College

  • grant= government funded money for students
  • scholarship= privately funded money for students
  • how to look for a scholarship= look for yourself, you can get one for almost anything
  • grant= determined greatly on parent income
  • declare independent once 18 so you can get more funding opportunities (not going off parent income)
  • subsidized loan= does not accrue interest while in school
  • unsubsidized loan= interest even during school

Life After College

  • work for private industries usually
  • get internships
  • can go straight into teaching program to get credentials
  • people go into graduate school (for masters)

Reflection

  • A similar theme to past events like this is the theme of never giving up. If you are interested in a subject and you are not doing very well in it, KEEP GOING.
  • Don’t be afraid to try something new. CSUSM is a smaller school and supports switching pathways.
  • Research for grants and scholarships beforehand! Try to avoid taking loans so you don’t have student debt.
  • You can get paid for summer programs and for graduate school (depending on what field you go into)
  • Don’t be afraid to fail! Try for opportunities that you think you won’t get cause you’ll never know what will happen.

Stem Activity

Making an electric toothbrush.

Supplies:

  • motor
  • battery
  • toothbrush head
  • tape
  1. tape wire ends to either side of battery
  2. tape toothbrush head to end of motor

motor toothbrush