The Benefits of a College Education at MIT

Students who seek to explore new research and technology will reap the many benefits of an education at MIT.

MIT seeks to educate students on science and technology. They seek to produce individuals who will be able to make a difference in the world and in the 21st century. MIT is dedicated to their students and they strive to combine academics with discovery. Students who attend MIT will gain an insight to the problems of today's world and society and learn exciting new technologies to truly help make the world a better place.

Students at MIT have a variety of major options to choose from. MIT has five schools focusing on the areas of architecture and planning, engineering, humanities, arts and social sciences, management, science and health sciences. MIT also offers a MIT-WHOI Joint program in oceanography and applied ocean science and engineering. These unique degree programs will insure that students are well versed in all aspects of their education and they are able to learn from highly accredited faculty. MIT's faculty members belong to many accredited associations including the National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. MIT boasts a staff of Nobel Prize winners and National Medal of Science winners. Other awards amongst the staff include the National Medal of Technology, the Japan Prize, Guggenheim Fellows, Fullbright Scholars, MacArthur Fellows and Institute Professors. This award winning staff provide students not only a high-quality education but will teach them excellent research and hands-on skills. Students will be inspired by their professors and will strive for academic excellence because of this award-winning faculty.

Undergraduate students will complete a core curriculum that will emphasize scientific, technical and humanistic knowledge. Students must complete a science/mathematics requirement, a humanities/social sciences/art requirement, and a four-subject communication requirement. These different requirements will help students achieve the creativity and problem solving solutions that MIT seeks to emphasize. Undergraduate students are also given the opportunity to work on research opportunities and to collaborate with the award-winning faculty. This is a rare opportunity for many college students as most colleges only allow graduate students to work on research projects. Students will also enjoy the four-week Independent Activities Period in January. Students are allowed to pursue their personal interests through a variety of seminars, field trips and other activities.

Students who are interested in pursuing their careers in the armed services will also benefit at MIT. MIT features military leadership training through ROTC programs in all three branches of the military. Students who are able to complete the ROTC program receive commissions after they graduate. These programs also offer graduate degrees to students who wish to pursue them before fulfilling their military obligations.

MIT also employs several educational partnerships that students may take advantage of. Students are allowed to cross-register with other colleges including Harvard and Wellesley without paying additional tuition. Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away programs are available for students to explore other educational opportunities.

There are a variety of opportunities and benefits available to students who choose to study at MIT. MIT offers exceptional opportunities to both their undergraduate and graduate students. Students will have the opportunity to explore areas of their education that are not possible in other undergraduate programs anywhere else in the country.

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Electoral College Reform - The Consequences

Is it time to junk the Electoral College? By formulating such an arcane method of electing the executive, the founding fathers hoped to insulate the presidency from popular emotions while, at the same time, protecting thinly populated states from domination by the great cities. The College works by having the state legislatures pick people to vote for the President. Each state has the number of electors as it has representatives to the congress, both House and Senate. These were to be the most able people of the state...in theory. What quickly evolved was that each party would nominate a slate of electors. The political party that won the state's popular vote would have their slate of electors get the right to vote for President. A "win" was considered 50% plus one vote

This has been the method of electing our Presidents since the founding of the republic.

There have been consequences not intended by the founders. They have shaped what kind of party system we have. The structure of elections has determined the ways campaigns are run. They have even affected the way in which our government is organized.

Because a state's entire electoral vote is determined by which party gets one vote more than the next, there is no advantage in voting for a party that will come short of that goal. Ten percent means no vote at all. It makes sense then that we have two parties because that's the surest way to win the privilege of casting the electoral vote. While third parties might have influence at the state level, it is almost impossible to have an effect at the Presidential level.

The "winner-take-all" system also shapes the campaign. Since only one vote more than the competing party is required, there is no reason to give campaign resources to states where a particular candidate is well ahead or too far behind to compete. The battlegrounds are those states that could go either way. In a tight campaign the votes of small states become critical in putting together an electoral majority.

A popular election of the President would change that. No longer would a national campaign be necessary. A President, political scientists tell us, could be elected in the six largest TV. markets. Campaigns would be waged in the large cities and their suburbs. Rural areas would be completely ignored. That is especially true for Democrats. The parties would spend their resources in those areas where they are already strong. Political professionals know it's easier to expand the percentage of your vote in places you're already ahead. That is seen today. Republicans don't waste their resources in mainly African-American areas. Nor do the Democrats campaign in strong Republican precincts.

A popular-vote election means Presidential candidates no longer visiting small, closely contested states. It reduces their influence. The electoral wars will be waged only in the large cities.

The changes don't stop there. Remember, we now nominate candidates by state primaries. Electing people by a national popular vote would cause those to merge into a national primary. After all, if states no longer elect the President, why should they nominate the candidate?

There's a whole new national campaign.

The process has become longer and more expensive.

But, that's not the end. Would a party want its candidate to be one with only, say, 20% of the vote? Probably not. A national run-off primary will evolve to insure one candidate wins 50%.

Another problem now rears its ugly head...the national election. Recall that the Electoral College and the winner-take-all system forced the parties to campaign state by state. Since only a one-vote majority was required to carry that state, third parties found it impossible to exist. They could never have an influence. Not so with a popular vote election. Here a small party getting fifteen or twenty percent could have a large impact on who is elected. In fact, the vote could be spread among several small political parties. Would the nation be content with the President being elected with, say, 30% of the popular vote? Maybe not.

There is a way around the problem. The old One-Party-Democratic-South solved it. It's called the run-off election. Now there are four possible national campaigns: the first national primary, the run-off national primary, the national election, and the run-off national election.

Another effect is one that strikes at the government itself. It's likely that a multi-party system would evolve with elected officials from many different small ideological groups. How would the government work? Our national government is organized around two parties. Could it accommodate coalitions? There is no way to tell. All of the governments that have multi-party systems are Cabinet governments. There are built in mechanisms for bringing down the government and holding new elections when the governing coalition loses public support. Our constitution has no provision for such a circumstance. It's possible the popular election of the President would force the U. S. to completely change its government from a Presidential to a Cabinet form.

Some people argue that would be a good thing. It would, they say, make the government more responsive. They're right. But, it would also make it unstable. Our constitution creates government that is slow to respond because the framers wanted ideas to have time for thorough review and debate before they were made into national policy.

Look carefully at the cabinet governments of Europe and the leaders it has produced over the last two hundred years. Is it something we want to copy?

Remember...ideas have consequences.

6 Reasons Why College Football Should Go to a Playoff System

Reason # 1. Obviously, so that we can finally have a clear cut winner, with no speculation. And it's teams that fought hard to get there. Teams that are deserving..not some over weight powerhouse that hasn't played a game in 2 months because they don't play a conference championship.

Reason # 2. It would give more deserving conferences like the SEC and the Big12 a chance to get in. Thus insuring a exciting game. No more blow outs!

Reason # 3. It's what the fans want. President elect Barrack Obama even said a 8 game playoff system has been long over due in college football. Let's give the people what they want!

Reason # 4. Nobody cares about the outback bowl. Nobody cares about any of the bowls other than the BCS bowls and the title game is the only real tv draw on a weeknight. You bring in this playoff system and suddenly it's March Madness in December. What's more exciting then a bracket with these 8 teams in it. Florida, USC, Texas Tech, Georgia , Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas, Oklahoma ST. I wouldn't put Penn ST. or Mizz on there but for you fans,it could happen. Then,think of the action that a 16 game system would produce. The Sweet Sixteen has never been seen like this...

Reason # 5. I'm sick of all the talking. Let's put this to rest. No more will there be some under achiever that achieved over crying for a piece of the title. No more "co. champions." Not that there ever was really. To my recollection they only give out one crystal ball each year. Still,I am sick of the chatter. I want to see some action.

Reason # 6. I'm sick of hearing Pete Carrol cry about how his team deserves a shot. I want to see USC take on a real team.Not one of these mediocre teams that seem to throw a monkey wrench in the National title implications for USC every year, but a real team, with a real defense. I guess that doesn't take care of Pete Carrol's crying though,because after a thrashing from UG or UF. USC will finally be seen as they are. And not the greatest team in college football.

b-rad from the boot signing off

[http://bradfromtheboot.com]

Miami College And Universities Produce Many Graduates

Applying for college can be quite daunting if you have no idea what you are looking for. In the following article, you will find a synopsis of some of the schools located in Miami, Florida. All of the three colleges offer different things.

Miami Dade College

Why attend?

Miami Dade College, founded in the 1960s, is a state funded college with approximately 175,000 students. It is named as the largest institution of higher education in the nation. Students can choose to attend one of the eight campuses that Miami Dade offers. The college stands on their values of providing the opportunity of education. Sustainability is important for the college, and it has gone through many steps to continue the sustainability on campus and in the community. Miami Dade has also been named the number one college in the nation in awarding the most Associate's degrees to minorities.

Courses and student life

Both undergraduate and graduate students at Miami Dade can excel in their studies. Associate's degrees in areas such as business, computers, and aviation make the transition from high school to college easy for its scholars. Students who are ready to pursue a four-year degree can choose from options like film, television, and digital production, physician assistant studies, and public safety management. If you are a professional already working in the field of your desires, Miami Dade also has career training courses to keep you up-to-date with information and skills.

University of Miami

Why attend?

The University of Miami, which opened its doors in the 1920s, is a private research university with over 15,000 students actively taking classes. The US News and World Report ranked the University of Miami number 38 in their "Best Colleges" listing this past year. Students interested in attending a mid-sized school, should look into a visit at University of Miami.

Courses and student life

This university provides its students with a wide range of bachelor and master degrees. For instance, an undergraduate may take courses in subject areas such as finance, health care management, or marketing. After gaining a four year degree, students have the option of continuing their education at University of Miami and taking courses from programs like architecture, English, or psychology. In regards to extracurricular activities, the sports teams at University of Miami are superb. The teams are part of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Popular men's sports are basketball and tennis, while popular women's sports are basketball and swimming.

Florida International University

Why attend?

Florida International University is Miami's first and only four-year public research university. With almost 46,000 students, Florida International University is one of the 25 largest public universities in the nation. Research is a major component of its mission, where the expenditures for research are more than $100 million per year.

Courses and student life

With more than 180 Bachelor's, Master's, and doctoral programs available for students, Florida International University has something for everyone. Individuals attaining their four-year degrees can take up topics such as botany, business administration, and accounting. If you already have a Bachelor's degree and are looking for a good graduate program, this school has many topics to pick from. Florida International University has Master's programs in mechanical engineering, music, and linguistics, for example, and doctoral programs in areas like economics, exceptional student education, and curriculum.

Now that you have some information on some of the colleges in Miami, Florida, be sure you do addition research on the schools and all that they can provide to meet your career goals. Visiting these South Florida colleges can provide hands-on experience to see how the environment really is.

Avoid College Sticker Shock With Scholarships From Local And National Sources

If you're comparing colleges and universities based on price, don't rely only on their published tuition rates or "sticker prices." Many institutions offer students scholarships and grants that reduce these tuition rates. On average, students might expect to pay anywhere from 10 to 33 percent less than published rates with help from college and university scholarships, grants and waivers alone, according to a report from the non-profit College Board that was released in September.

Colleges and universities, in fact, are the largest provider of scholarships and grants, the College Board's "Tuition Discounting" report notes. For the 2008-2009 academic year, colleges and universities awarded some $24 billion in scholarship and grant money to students at the undergraduate level, the report shows. The proportion of scholarships and grants that institutions provide to students also has been increasing.

Students seeking to reduce tuition rates through scholarships and grants might look at the effort as a business transaction. A recent US News & World Report article suggested that students apply to several schools that compete with each other and, after comparing scholarships offers from them, "negotiate." Colleges and universities that are priced similarly but offer less in scholarships and grants than their "competitors" might find ways to reduce their prices to meet or "beat" lower rates.

The average discounts that colleges and universities provide depend upon the type of institution. Two-year public institutions, such as community colleges, are generally the least expensive published tuition rates and average 10 percent in discounts through scholarships and grants and the like, the "Tuition Discounting" report suggests. Private, non-profit colleges and universities that tend to be among the priciest when it comes to published tuition rates, average 33 percent in discounts through scholarships, grants and more, according to the report. It's important to keep in mind too that, while colleges and universities extend scholarships and grants to most of their students, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators notes that they might not have enough assistance to go around to make their studies as affordable as every student might need them to be.

There are, however, private scholarships and grants for which students can apply. In its "Cash for College" brochure, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators notes that students can find out about private scholarship opportunities at libraries on the Internet. Scholarships and grants are offered to students based on financial needs, academic and athletic achievements and talents and skills. Scholarships and grants are also awarded based on level of college and university studies and major subject area of study. There are scholarships these days for women, students of specific racial and ethnic backgrounds, adult students, and to populations who are underrepresented in certain fields.

Students can access scholarship opportunities through free scholarship search engines from the College Board and the US Department of Education and well as those on websites such as scholarships.com and fastweb.com. Relying on a variety of search engines like these is likely to open up a greater number of scholarship opportunities, since some scholarship search engines might produce different results. In general, students might expect search engines to produce scholarships and grants that are available from large corporations, non-profit foundations and professional associations.

Students can also look for scholarships within the communities where they reside, since more local opportunities might not be listed online. Community and civic groups and churches often offer scholarships to students who reside within specific geographic regions. In some instances, students - or their parents - might have to be members of certain organizations in order to be eligible for scholarships and grants.

The Department of Education, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and others recommend also that students complete an online Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine their eligibility for government assistance in the form of grants and scholarships. The results provided are often required by the financial aid offices of colleges and universities and by some scholarship programs anyway. What these types of funds to is give the student free college courses through their application to tuition and book costs. It literally pays to see what you qualify for.

Let's Lower Taxes to Get National Health Care, Social Security and Free College!

The key to financing National Health Care, solving Social Security's long term funding problem, and going to college free of charge is to lower taxes. As incredible as this sounds, it's true. This can be accomplished by eliminating tax deductions and a simple restructuring of the tax code.

Eliminating tax deductions is the key to tax reform. This is because tax deductions are the main cause of tax fraud and the inequities associated with our current tax system. It is the tax deduction that allows the tax code to favor some segments of society over others, decrease the amount of revenue the government needs to properly fund the programs our society deems important, and leads directly to waste, fraud and corruption.

No serious attempt at tax reform can take place without addressing this problem. Therefore, abolishing the tax deduction is the first and most important reform that must take place. When combined with a simple restructuring of the tax code, these simple reforms create a tax system that treats everyone equally. And, when everyone is treated equally three things happen: First, the current codes ability to favor some segments of society over others is eliminated. Second, tax fraud will decrease. And third, government revenue will increase.

For example, in order to increase tax revenue from corporations we must first change the tax structure that allows businesses to reduce, delay or eliminate the taxes owed. Currently, corporations subtract from their gross sales those deductions found in the tax code and labels the resulting number the net profit. This figure is then used as the basis for determining the taxes owed. The first $50,000.00 of net profit is taxed at 15% and above $50,000.00 of net profit the tax increases up to 35%. This creates a very strong incentive to add as many deductions to the tax code as possible in order to reduce the net profit so that the corresponding tax liability is lowered.

The solution is to replace the tax on net profits with a small tax on the gross sales. By definition, the tax on gross sales means that there are no deductions. This reform eliminates the ability of corporations to use the deductions found in the tax code to reduce, delay or eliminate the taxes owed, eliminates the corruption associated with the current tax code, and creates the level playing field that requires all corporations to pay their fair share of taxes. And, when all corporations pay their fair share of taxes, government revenue increases.

The small tax on gross sales also produces a very small corporate tax liability. In fact, the business tax corporations will now be required to pay is so small that employer payroll taxes can be expanded to include National Health Care and still produce an overall tax liability lower than what corporations are currently required to pay. This overall lower tax liability will be the basis for corporate acceptance of their expanded payroll obligation.

These same principles apply to individual taxes. When deductions are eliminated, the ability of individuals to reduce, delay or eliminate the taxes owed comes to an end. This means that the scenario that now occurs, where wealthy individuals end up paying less in taxes than poorer individuals, is no longer possible. This translates into increased revenue for the government.

The elimination of personal tax deductions also heralds the end of personal income taxes. The elimination of income taxes presents as a tax reduction and this tax reduction allows for the expansion of payroll taxes to include National Health Care and Public Education. These new payroll taxes will be readily accepted because individuals will still be paying less in overall taxes and yet will receive more in benefits. Most people will simply wonder why these reforms had not been implemented earlier.

The elimination of tax deductions and a simple restructuring of the tax code needs to be implemented as soon as possible. This is because government revenue raised under the current system is inadequate. For example, in fiscal 2007 the government collected $2.4 trillion dollar, however, it spent $2.8 trillion dollars. This created a deficit of $400 billion dollars and this $400 billion dollars was added to the national debt (which is rapidly approaching $10 trillion dollars). Contrast these amounts with the revenue generated by the reforms set forth in my proposal. Based on very conservative numbers, my tax reform plan will increase government revenue from $2.4 trillion dollars to a staggering $3.31 trillion dollars. This means that rather than running a budget deficit we will be running a budget surplus.

This budget surplus allows us to fund all current programs, create and fully fund National Health Care, resolve Social Security's long term funding problem and expand public education to include college, free of charge. And, as incredible as all this sounds, it was accomplished by lowering taxes!

Fishman's Framework for Tax Reform is available to read free of charge at:
http://www.serioustaxreform.com

Contact: mark@serioustaxreform.com