Tuesday, March 17, 2020
7 Steps to a Successful MIT Application
7 Steps to a Successful MIT Application SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips In 2018, MIT admitted only 6.7% of students who applied to the school. With such a low admissions rate, it may seem like getting accepted is close to impossible, but weââ¬â¢re here to help! In this guide, weââ¬â¢ll explain everything you need to know to complete the MIT application, including when every important MIT application deadline is, what exactly you need to submit with your application, what admissions officers are really looking for when they review your application, and how you can make each part of your MIT application stand out from the pack. Key Info for the MIT Application You should know all the important information about the MIT application well before you plan on applying to make sure you gather all your materials and meet all the deadlines. Where to find the MIT application: You can find the MIT application here. The application opens in August of each year. How to submit the MIT application: When youââ¬â¢ve completed the MIT application, you can submit it by hitting the ââ¬Å"Submitâ⬠button at the end of the application. SAT and/or ACT scores, as well as your official transcript, must be sent directly to MIT. When to submit the MIT application:It's very important to know the MIT application deadline. MIT offers both early action and regular action application submissions. Below is a chart of the key deadlines for each option. Itââ¬â¢s important to know every deadline since missing just one could mean your application wonââ¬â¢t be looked at. Early Action Deadline What's Due November 1 Application parts 1 and 2Two letters of recommendation Secondary school report November testing date Standardized Test Scores February 15 February Updates Notes Form February 15 Financial Aid Materials (optional) Regular Action Deadline What's Due January 1 Application parts 1 and 2Two letters of recommendationSecondary school report December testing date Standardized Test Scores February 15 February Updates Notes Form February 15 Financial Aid Materials (optional) If youââ¬â¢re applying early action, youââ¬â¢ll need to have both parts of the application completed, and your transcript and letters of recommendation sent, by November 1st. You can still take the SAT, ACT, and/or SAT Subject tests in November, however. Youââ¬â¢ll receive your admission decision in mid-December. For students applying regular action, youââ¬â¢ll need to have all parts of the application completed/sent by January 1st, and you can take your standardized tests no later than December. Youââ¬â¢ll receive your admission decision in mid-March. Should You Apply Early Action or Regular Action? There are two options for applying to MIT, early action and regular action. Is one better than the other?If you apply early action, you do have a slightly better chance of getting accepted. According to MITââ¬â¢s admission statistics, if you apply early action, you do have a slightly better chance of getting accepted than if you apply regular action. However, MIT specifically states this about its early action cycle: "There is no positive or negative prejudice associated with or conferred by applying during either cycle. We do not have a preference, and there is no strategic benefit to be had. We have two cycles for two reasons: 1) it helps us spread our work out over a longer period, devoting more time to each application and 2) it provides applicants with more options so they can choose which works best for them." Additionally, the majority (about 66%) of students who apply early action end up getting deferred and considered in the regular action applicant pool. So an early decision is by no means guaranteed if you apply early action. Bottom line? Apply early action if you can get all the materials in before the deadline, but donââ¬â¢t stress too much about it if you canââ¬â¢t since it likely wonââ¬â¢t impact your chance of getting admitted. How to Apply to MIT There are six main steps you need to follow to submit your MIT application. Below are the steps, numbered in the rough order you should complete them in. Step 1: Create a MyMIT Account and Start Your Application The first step to applying to MIT is simple; you just need to create a MyMIT account.Creating an account only takes a few minutes, and once you do this youââ¬â¢ll be able to complete an application, track the pieces of the application youââ¬â¢ve submitted, join the MIT mailing list, and get your interviewerââ¬â¢s name and contact information. To create an account youââ¬â¢ll have to fill out some basic demographic information such as your birthdate, high school name, and home address. Step 2: Complete Parts 1 and 2 of the Application This is the bulk of the MIT application. Part 1 focuses on biographical information, and Part 2 focuses on your essays, activities, and test scores.Part 1 is the shorter section and should only take you about 30 minutes to complete. Youââ¬â¢ll fill out information about whether you're applying early action or regular action, what your parentsââ¬â¢ jobs and highest level of education are, if you have siblings and where they attend college (if applicable), and all the high schools you attended, among other information.After you submit Part 1, youââ¬â¢ll pay the $75 MIT application fee. Part 2 is more in depth. Youââ¬â¢ll enter information about all the extracurriculars and jobs youââ¬â¢ve participated in, advanced classes youââ¬â¢ve taken, awards youââ¬â¢ve won, and your exam scores (although youââ¬â¢ll still have to send official copies of these scores). Youââ¬â¢ll also self-report all the classes youââ¬â¢ve taken and the grades you got in them although, again, youââ¬â¢ll still need to submit your official transcript.This is also the section where you enter the information about the two teachers who are writing evaluations for you (see Step 5 for more info) and submit any supplemental materials (see Step 6 for more info). Finally, youââ¬â¢ll complete the MITââ¬â¢s personal statements. Unlike many other schools, MIT doesnââ¬â¢t require one long essay; instead, youââ¬â¢ll answer five short prompts. Here are the essay prompts, along with the word count requirement: We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do for the pleasure of it. (100 words or fewer) Although you may not yet know what you want to major in, which department or program at MIT appeals to you and why? (100 words or fewer) At MIT, we bring people together to better the lives of others. MIT students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world's biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way in which you have contributed to your community, whether in your family, the classroom, your neighborhood, etc. (200-250 words) Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations? (200-250 words) Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something important that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation? (200-250 words) After youââ¬â¢ve finished each of these sections and reviewed them, you can submit them. Part 1 must be submitted before Part 2. Step 3: Submit Your Secondary School Report and Standardized Test Scores Youââ¬â¢ll need to send your official high school transcript to MIT.MIT also requires three test scores. You must take either the SAT or ACT (the writing section/essay isnââ¬â¢t required for either exam) as well as two SAT Subject Tests. One subject test must be a math test (either Math Level 1 or Math Level 2), and the second subject test must be a science test (either Biology, Chemistry, or Physics). Step 4: Ask Two Teachers to Fill Out Your Evaluations Youââ¬â¢ll need two letters of recommendation for MIT, one from a math/science teacher and one from a humanities/language teacher.On your MyMIT Dashboard, youââ¬â¢ll fill out each of your recommenderââ¬â¢s names and email addresses so the form can be sent to them.Your recommendations are due the same day as the rest of your application. Step 5: Set Up and Complete an Interview Interviews are not technically required, but MIT highly recommends them and admits very few applicants who didnââ¬â¢t interview, so youââ¬â¢ll want to do one if itââ¬â¢s at all possible.Once you complete Parts 1 and 2 of the application, youââ¬â¢ll be contacted by an Educational Counselor (EC), who will be the person doing your interview. The EC is an alum of MIT who conducts interviews, and there are over 5,000 of them around the world. You and your EC will set up an interview at a place near you. Most early action interviews take place in November, and most regular action interviews take place in January. The interview typically lasts an hour and often take place in a location such as a coffee shop, restaurant, or library. Some may also take place over Skype. MIT recommends thinking about questions you might be asked before the interview, and here are 14 of the most common college interview questions. Step 6: (Optional) Submit Supplementary Materials You also have the option to submit supplementary materials, this is a completely optional step and is typically done by students with a fine arts portfolio, those with research experience, and/or those who hope to play a varsity sport for MIT. There are six different supplemental materials you can send, and most (all except the varsity sports interest form) come with an additional fee of $5-$10. You can find more information about each of these options on your MyMIT Dashboard. If you choose to complete any of these materials, youââ¬â¢ll submit them separate from the rest of your application. Here are the options for supplementary materials: Maker Portfolio Music Theater Arts Portfolio Research Portfolio Supplemental Recommendations Varsity Sports Interest Varsity Sports Interest Step 7: Submit Your February Updates and Notes Form If you applied Early Action and were accepted or applied Regular Action (you wonââ¬â¢t have your admission decision yet), youââ¬â¢ll also need to submit your February Updates and Notes form by February 15th. Youââ¬â¢ll be emailed information about this form which will mostly consist of letting MIT know what your fall semester grades were and what classes youââ¬â¢re taking for your spring semester. MIT Application Checklist Below is everything you need to submit with your MIT application. You can use this application checklist to stay organized and make sure you've submitted all the required materials. Parts 1 and 2 of the MIT Application Evaluation A: Letter of recommendation from a math or science teacher Evaluation B: Letter of recommendation from a humanities, social science, or language teacher Scheduled Interview SAT or ACT scores Two SAT Subject Test scores (one from each of MITââ¬â¢s two categories) February Updates Notes Form (due in February) $75 MIT application fee How to Do Well on Key Sections of the MIT Application How can you have a stellar MIT application? Because MIT is so competitive, your application will need to be strong in all the key areas MIT evaluates. MIT is looking primarily for academic excellence, leadership experience, passion for learning and your future major, and sociability. There are numerous ways you can show you have these qualities on your MIT application. In this section we go over the five most essential parts of your application and explain exactly what you need in order to stand out and show MIT you have what it takes to succeed there. #1: High School Transcript Your high school transcript is often the single most important piece of your application, so you want it to shine. Your goal here is to show admissions officers that you took difficult classes and got top grades in them, particularly the math and science classes. MIT has rigorous classes, and theyââ¬â¢re looking for applicants who have already challenged themselves by taking advanced classes in high school. If your school offers honors, AP, and/or IB classes, you should aim to take at least some of these advanced classes, especially those in the field you plan to major in. If your school doesnââ¬â¢t offer these classes MIT also has suggestions for alternative ways to challenge yourself. MIThas no requirements for classes you had to have taken in high school but it recommends the following: One year of physics One year of chemistry One year of biology Math, through calculus Two years of a foreign language Four years of English Two years of history and/or social sciences Remember, this is the minimum MIT recommends; youââ¬â¢ll likely have to go above and beyond in some areas to be a competitive applicant. Most applicants will have taken at least four years each of math and science, including multiple advanced classes. Your GPA is also a crucial part of your MIT application since taking difficult classes but doing poorly in them doesnââ¬â¢t show that youââ¬â¢re prepared for the rigor of MIT. The average weighted GPA of MIT admitted students is about 4.13, which means you should aim to get as many Aââ¬â¢s as possible in your classes. #2: Standardized Test Scores MIT doesnââ¬â¢t have a minimum score requirement for the SAT/ACT, but because admission is so competitive, you should aim for a high standardized test score.Your goal should be to reach the 75th percentile score for admitted MIT students. Meeting this score for either the SAT or ACT means you will have scored higher than 75% of other admitted students, which puts you in a strong position during the admissions process. For the SAT, a 75th percentile score is an 800 in Math and a 770 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. For the ACT, itââ¬â¢s a composite score of 35.You can get scores lower than this and still get accepted to MIT, but these are solid goal scores to try to aim for. For your two SAT Subject Tests, you should aim for at least a 750 in both exams. It doesnââ¬â¢t matter which science subject test you take (although if thereââ¬â¢s one thatââ¬â¢s close to your intended major, try to take that one), but you should try to take Math Level 2 for the math requirement if at all possible since a high score on this exam is more impressive than a high score on Math Level 1. #3: Letters of Recommendation Youââ¬â¢ll need two letters of recommendation for MIT, and they should both come from teachers who know you well and can write convincingly about your strengths. A strong letter of rec will include specific examples of your academic abilities and personal skills; it will also explain why youââ¬â¢re an excellent applicant for MIT. Speak to the people youââ¬â¢d like to write your letters fairly early, ideally at the end of your junior year or beginning of your senior year.Check out our guide on letters of recfor more information on who to ask to write your letter of recommendation and a step-by-step guide on how to ask. #4: MIT Essays For MIT, youââ¬â¢ll need to write five short essays, each less than 250 words. MIT requires multiple short essays to get a more complete view of who you are, so make sure you show your personality and what you care about. There are three main goals for your MIT essays: Show who you are Show whatââ¬â¢s important to you Show why MIT is the best school for you For tips and strategies on how to answer every one of the MIT essay prompts, check out our in-depth guide to answering the MIT essays. #5: Extracurriculars Your extracurriculars are also a key part of your MIT application. The best way to stand out with your extracurriculars is to emphasize your passion and leadership skills. You can do this by pursuing extracurriculars in a field related to your future major, sticking with them, and achieving leadership roles in them.Learn more about the types of extracurriculars you'll need to get into top-tier schools. Itââ¬â¢s also important to note that you should choose your extracurriculars based on what youââ¬â¢re interested in and passionate about, not what you think will impress MIT. On their website, MIT specifically counsels against this, as theyââ¬â¢d rather have students doing what they love than those spending their time on things they donââ¬â¢t care about just to try and look impressive. Recap: MIT Application Because MIT only accepts less than 7% of applicants, your application needs to stand out if you want a chance of getting in.Before you do anything else, make sure you know that MIT application deadlines. They differ depending on whether youââ¬â¢re applying Early Action or Regular Action. Give yourself enough time to complete all parts of the application, which will include entering in all your grades and classes, completing five MIT essay prompts, and entering in your test scores.Donââ¬â¢t forget to send in additional materials such as your transcript, official test scores, and letters of recommendation. MIT also highly recommends doing an interview. To give yourself the best chance of getting admitted, you want your MIT application to b strong across the board. The five most important parts of your application are your: transcript, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, and extracurriculars. What's Next? Want to see what an MIT acceptance letter look like? Take a look at an actual MIT acceptance letter and learn tips for getting in. Essays are an important part of the MIT application.Learn how to write stellar MIT essays by checking out our guide to the four tips you need to know when writing MIT essays. Want to know how to make your extracurriculars stand out even more? Check out this guide to four amazing extracurricular activities and learn why they're so impressive to colleges. Want to get into MIT or your personal top choice college? We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.
Sunday, March 1, 2020
What Is a 529 Plan How Can It Help You
What Is a 529 Plan How Can It Help You SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips If you want to save in a smart way for college (either for yourself or your child), youââ¬â¢ll want to make the most of your money. One of the best savings plans meant specifically for growing a college fund is called a 529 plan, or a qualified tuition plan. But what is a 529 plan? Like any sort of investment plan, there are several types of 529s, all with their own benefits and drawbacks. In this post, Iââ¬â¢ll talk about the basics of 529 plans, why theyââ¬â¢re helpful, whether they affect financial aid, and where you can get one. What Is a 529 Plan? According to the IRS, a 529 plan is an investment savings plan with tax incentives (and sometimes other benefits) to make it easier to save for post-secondary education. Itââ¬â¢s an account in which you contribute a portion of your income to save for future college expenses. Theyââ¬â¢re generally run by state governments or education institutions, not banks. A 529 is typically a ââ¬Å"set and forgetâ⬠sort of savings plan (although you have a few different options that Iââ¬â¢ll get to shortly) - you decide to make whatever contributions youââ¬â¢d like and a fund manager makes investment choices for you. Some plans require you to purchase ââ¬Å"packagesâ⬠to cover future tuition costs, whereas others allow to contribute however much you want, however often you want. One of the things that makes it special is that it can only be used for education expenses in the future, and can be opened by anyone (the saver) for anyone (the beneficiary). The main advantage to having a 529 plan is that earnings (i.e. the money that the plan makes while your money is invested) are not subject to federal tax, and are generally not subject to state tax, when used for educational expenses. Eligible expenses usually include things like tuition, fees, books, room, and board. In sum: You contribute some amount of your post-tax income either on a regular or more flexible schedule. The money you contribute to the plan is invested, and will usually grow (or will be guaranteed to be worth a certain amount in the future). When the planââ¬â¢s beneficiary wants to use the money for eligible educational expenses, the money can be withdrawn and you donââ¬â¢t have to pay taxes on any money that your plan makes (e.g. capital gains taxes). Iââ¬â¢m Still Confused - Why Is a 529 Plan a Good Thing? 529 plans are similar to retirement savings plans in a few different ways. Because people are generally more familiar with the way retirement savings plans work, Iââ¬â¢ll use them as an analogy. Just like with 529 plans, there are a few different retirement savings options (e.g. traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 401k), but the bottom line is that theyââ¬â¢re all options with tax benefits and incentives to help you save. Depending on what plan you decide to go with, you may have more or less flexibility and/or opportunities for capital gains. As with retirement plans, time is your friend when it comes to 529s - more time means you can contribute more money to the plan, and your money has more time to grow on its own as an investment. You could just stash money away in a savings account, but youââ¬â¢ll probably see less growth due to low interest rates, and youââ¬â¢ll have to pay taxes on any earnings. Just like with any other investment, there is some risk involved in putting your money in some types of 529 plans (Iââ¬â¢ll talk more about this shortly). You may not gain as much money as you anticipate, for example. Overall, though, 529 plans are pretty conservative and provide respectable earnings. Once again, time is your friend! This holds true for any investment or savings plan, really - if you give your money more time to earn, youââ¬â¢ll generally be happier with the outcome. Types of 529 Plans There are two main types of 529 plans: prepaid tuition plans and college savings plans. Iââ¬â¢ll talk about both of these plans here. Prepaid Plans Prepaid plans are primarily sponsored by states. Investments are ââ¬Å"guaranteed,â⬠which means that your money is certain to be worth a certain amount in terms of tuition (and sometimes room and board) dollars when the beneficiary heads off to college. Ultimately, these plans ââ¬Å"lock inâ⬠a certain rate of tuition. Savers purchase ââ¬Å"unitsâ⬠or ââ¬Å"creditsâ⬠at participating schools (usually public, in-state schools) for future education expenses for a beneficiary. You usually have the option to choose from several available packages that lump units together (e.g. one year of tuition, two years of tuition, tuition plus housing, etc). Itââ¬â¢s typical to have the option to pay with a lump sum or with monthly installments. The older the beneficiary is when you start purchasing credits, the more expensive these units become. These plans often have residency requirements, which means you have to live in the state that sponsors that particular plan. You should be able to transfer the value to private and out-of-state schools, but you may not get the full value of your plan (this varies widely by state). Ultimately, prepaid plans are fairly ââ¬Å"safeâ⬠because of the guaranteed nature of the investment (although some argue that the deal isnââ¬â¢t as great as itââ¬â¢s made out to be). They are fairly inflexible, however - if the beneficiary chooses to attend a private or out-of-state school, you probably wonââ¬â¢t be able to transfer the full value of the plan. Hereââ¬â¢s an example of a prepaid plan in action: Letââ¬â¢s say youââ¬â¢re interested in the Florida state 529 prepaid plan for your newborn. There are different packages available, but you choose to buy the four-Year Florida University tuition package. This would cost you $28,888.39 in 2016. In 18 years when your newborn heads off to college, the money you spent in 2016 would cover all tuition expenses at an FL state university, no matter how high the costs are in 2038. College Savings Plans College savings plans are a bit easier to understand than prepaid plans. Simply, a college saver opens an account for a beneficiary (the student) to pay for the studentââ¬â¢s eligible college expenses (room, board, tuition, fees). Tax-advantaged college savings plans are usually run by states themselves - some banks offer these plans, but they wonââ¬â¢t come with the same advantages that you can get through your state plan. There are often many investment options to choose from, so the saver can freely customize his/her investment. Withdrawals from this type of plan can usually be used at any college or university, which offers a lot more flexibility for the beneficiary when itââ¬â¢s time to head off to college. Your rate of return on your investments will depend on your specific choice of plan, but some college savings plans may earn as much as 3 to 3.5%. The downside to college savings plans is that unlike prepaid plans, your investment is not guaranteed - theyââ¬â¢re subject to market fluctuations, just like any other investment. The upside to these plans is the degree of flexibility they offer, both in the beneficiaryââ¬â¢s choice of college and the amount the saver chooses to contribute. College savings plans are sort of like this gymnast - theyââ¬â¢re flexible but also not afraid of a little risk. Hereââ¬â¢s an example of a college savings plan in action: Letââ¬â¢s say youââ¬â¢re interested in a college savings plan for your 8-year-old. Youââ¬â¢re not sure where heââ¬â¢ll want to go to school, so you prefer a college savings plan to a prepaid plan because itââ¬â¢s the more flexible option. Your son will be ready to head off to school in 10 years, so you start contributing $5,000 annually to the 529 plan of your choice. Your money is invested in a mutual fund, so you know a certain rate of return is not guaranteed. Your investment does well, however, and you see an annual rate of return at 3.5%. After 10 years you will have contributed $50,000 to the plan, but your ending balance will be $60,710 - you wonââ¬â¢t have to pay any taxes on these gains. If youââ¬â¢d put away the same amount into a savings account with an interest rate of 3.5% over 10 years, your ending balance would come to $57,818 (assuming an annual tax rate of 25% on capital gains). Overview: The Main Differences Between Prepaid and College Savings Plans Prepaid Tuition Plan College Savings Plan Tuition Price Lock Locks in tuition prices at certain schools No lock on tuition costs Eligible Education-Related Expenses Generally just for tuition and mandatory fees For all college-related expenses, including tuition, room, board, fees, books, computer Investment Guarantee State plans are guaranteed or backed by the state No state guarantee; your investment is subject to risk just like any other investment (money could fail to grow, or you could even lose money) Age Limits Most plans have an age limit for the beneficiary (student) No age limits; open to adults and children Residency Requirements Most state plans require either the owner (saver) or beneficiary (student) to be a resident of that state No residency requirement, but there may be some limitations in how you can purchase the plan Enrollment Periods Most plans have limited enrollment periods (periods when you can start participating in the plans) Open enrollment; you can start participating whenever youââ¬â¢d like Should You Get a Prepaid or a College Savings Plan? Your choice of 529 plan will depend on a few different factors. First, how much flexibility in school choice are you looking for? Prepaid plans are less flexible, and as such are best for in-state public schools. You should be able to transfer credit from a prepaid plan to out-of-state and/or private schools, but you probably wonââ¬â¢t get the full value of the plan. The actual amount that youââ¬â¢d be able to transfer depends on the individual plan. Bottom line: If flexibility is a priority, college savings plans may be the better option. If youââ¬â¢re confident that your child will attend an in-state public school, prepaid plans may be the best fit. Second, whatââ¬â¢s your preferred level of risk? Prepaid plans are generally sponsored by the state - the investments, credits, units or whatever you purchase tend to be guaranteed by the state with these plans. College savings plans, on the other hand, donââ¬â¢t generally guarantee returns (unless, of course, theyââ¬â¢re sponsored by the state). If the market performs very well your money could do better than you expected in a college savings plan, although the opposite is also true. Bottom line: If youââ¬â¢re particularly risk-averse, you may prefer a prepaid plan. If you value flexibility over the relative safety of a conservative investment, you might be happiest with a college savings plan. Will a 529 Plan Decrease Financial Aid Eligibility? You might worry that having an investment account earmarked for college expenses might decrease student aid eligibility. In reality, a 529 savings plan has little effect on how much money a student will receive in financial aid. 529 plans are considered parental assets. As such, theyââ¬â¢re factored into federal financial aid formulas at a max rate of 5.6% - that means that 5.6% of your 529 savings are included in the ââ¬Å"expected family contribution,â⬠the figure thatââ¬â¢s so important in the calculation of financial aid. Ultimately, family income is considered a much more important factor when it comes to determining aid eligibility. Learn more about calculating your financial aid eligibility. Where Can You Get a 529 Plan? Each state has its own sponsored 529 plans, but enrollment is sometimes limited based on the type of plan and your own (and/or the studentââ¬â¢s) state of residency. You may be able to enroll directly in the plan, but in other cases youââ¬â¢ll have to enroll via a financial broker. To get information on state-specific plans, Google ââ¬Å"[state] 529 plans.â⬠Any page that talks about a state-sponsored plan will have more information about plan details and how to enroll. There are a lot of ads that come up with 529 plan searches, but the first non-ad result is your best bet, like in this example. Summary Hopefully you have a better idea of what 529 plans are and how they can be useful. There are a lot of different options depending on your savings goals, state of residency, and flexibility needs. I encourage you to look at your own state 529 options to see if particular plans appeal to you. If itââ¬â¢s an option, I also encourage you to talk to an expert or trusted financial advisor for advice and guidance! Whatââ¬â¢s Next? If youââ¬â¢re thinking about saving for college (for either yourself or a beneficiary), pat yourself on the back for being so proactive and forward-thinking. Something else you can do to prepare for the future is learn more about college expenses and how to minimize them. First, check out our complete guide to college costs - this outlines all the obvious and hidden expenses associated with going to college. If youââ¬â¢re surprised by how expensive college really is, you may want to read up on why college costs so much. Donââ¬â¢t get discouraged by these sticker prices, though! To figure out how to tackle these costs, check out our complete guide on how to pay for college (it may not be as daunting as you think). Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:
Thursday, February 13, 2020
The effects of TV Advertising on older consumer behaviour over 50 Essay
The effects of TV Advertising on older consumer behaviour over 50 years in the United Kingdom - Essay Example The findings of the research suggest that the segmentation of the group under question leaves somewhat to be desired given that this group are given little relevance and on the whole underrepresented within the media. In addition, it was found that it is not so much the underrepresentation that is an issue with this group, rather it is the portrayal; it is felt that older consumers are portrayed in a disparaging and derogatory manner of being ill and feeble or alternatively unrealistically attractive. This lack of synergy between the advertisers and the third agers is somewhat dangerous given their growing spending power within society and it is one which cannot be ignored if companies wish to be lucrative. The advertisers and the marketers have been exploiting the vulnerable minds of the children as they recognize the increasing influence that children have in family purchase decision making. The study also finds that organisations engage in CSR activities basically with a profit-dr iven motive while trying to project an image of being socially conscious and responsible organisation. All efforts towards this is aimed at enhancing the brand image, the brand identity and the corporate image. The marketing mix elements in advertising for older consumers have not been appropriately addressed. The study concludes that television advertising has not been able to make any significant impact on the older consumers. The limitations to the study have been highlighted and areas for further research have been recommended. Table of Contents Chapter One: Introductory Chapter 1.0 Background 1 1.1 Rationale for research 3 1.2 Aims and Objectives 4 1.3 Research questions 4 1.4 Dissertation Structure 5 1.6 Chapter Summary 6 Chapter Two: Literature Review 2.0 Chapter Overview 7 2.1 The older consumers 7 2.1.1 The concept of ââ¬Ëolder consumersââ¬â¢ 7 2.1.2 Lifestyle of the older consumers 8 2.1.3 Segmentation for the older consumers 10 2.2 The advertising medium 11 2.2.1 Pr inciples of Advertising 11 2.2.2 Advertising as a means of persuasion 13 2.2.3 Television as an advertising medium 14 2.3 CSR and advertising 16 2.4 Consumer behaviour 18 2.5 Consumer buying process 19 2.6 Summary of the chapter 21 Chapter Three: Research Methodology 3.0 Chapter Overview 22 3.1 Academic Research 22 3.2 Purpose of the research and phenomenon 23 3.3 Epistemology 23 3.4 Research Approach 24 3.6 Data Collection 25 3.7 Justification: Secondary Research 25 3.8 Sources of secondary data 28 3.9 Ethical concerns 29 3.10 Chapter Summary 29 Chapter Four: FINDINGS 4.0 Chapter Overview 30 4.1 Television advertising and the older consumers 30 4.2 The impact of television advertising on the children 37 4.3 CSR in television advertising 39 4.3 Chapter Summary 43 Chapter Five: Discussion and Analysis 5.0 Discussion 44 5.1
Saturday, February 1, 2020
Macro5C Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Macro5C - Essay Example The continuous failures may have discouraged the workers therefore they stopped looking for jobs ahead and ââ¬Å"gave upâ⬠the idea of employment. In the above calculation, these people were not included in the unemployed workforce as they are not currently seeking job. However, if the Bureau of Labor statistics decided to include these workers as ââ¬Å"Unemployed labor forceâ⬠then the number of unemployed would go up and therefore the unemployment rate will likely be increased followed by an increase in total workforce, as shown below: Unemployed workforce = 8.4 million + 1.2 million = 9.6 million workers Total workforce = 116.9 + 1.2 = 118.1 Million people New Unemployment Rate = (9.6 / 118.1) * 100 = 0.09129 * 100 = 8.129 % The discouraged workers are not usually taken in to the unemployed workers account as the term ââ¬Å"unemploymentâ⬠directly refers to people who are out of jobs and actively looking for them yet unable to find them, where as discouraged work ers are workers who have given up on their search. ... Answer 3: Unemployment is a vast term used in economics very frequently; unemployment does not only refers to people without jobs due to limited reasons but has more complexities to it that economics defines. There are different kinds of unemployment including frictional, structural, seasonal, classical and cyclical unemployment. Out of all these, for simplicity in theory, economists often use three types of unemployment for explanations of economic phenomena; cyclical unemployment, frictional unemployment and structural unemployment. Frictional Unemployment refers to unemployment that is a temporary condition caused as a result of ââ¬Å"looking between jobsâ⬠. Itââ¬â¢s when an individual leaves one job in search of another and this gap of leaving the job and finding a new job is a temporary period of unemployment known as frictional unemployment. On the other hand, structural unemployment is due to mismatch of skills of the workers; they may become obsolete or not appropria te for the job kind. These two are basic levels of unemployment that would ALWAYS be there in any economy as they are natural and inevitable, so economists donââ¬â¢t really worry about these kinds of unemployment. The major cause of concern for economists is the cyclical unemployment; also known as Demand deficient unemployment. This is caused as a result of lack of aggregate demand in an economy putting downward pressure on the economy and increasing the inflationary gap. This type of unemployment can drive the economy out of working condition if it exists for a long span of time without appropriate government interventions (The great depression of 1930ââ¬â¢s may serve as an example for such a case). When economists talk about ââ¬Å"Natural Rate of Unemploymentâ⬠they are reffering to the full
Friday, January 24, 2020
Acid Rain :: Free Essay Writer
For years ever since most of the world has been industrialized, the effects of pollution have plagued nations alike. Acid rain is one of the largest contributors to this industrialized form of pollution. Throughout this report an explanation of the devastating effects to the environment caused by acid rain will be given along with what is being done to stop it. Acid rain is made when pollutants arise from the use of coal in the production of electricity, from base- metal smelting and from fuel combustion in vehicles. Once the sulfur and nitrogen oxides from these man made causes are released into the air they are caught by wind currents and are blown hundreds of miles away. The gas pollutants drift along with clouds until the rain eventually converts the sulfuric dioxide into sulfuric acid, and the nitrogen oxide into nitric acid. The newly transformed acid rain, acid snow or fog, falls to the earth where the effects on aquatic habitats, humans, animals, trees, crops, and other forms of plant life are devastating. When acid rain comes in contact with aquatic ecosystems the chemistry of the effects can be extremely complex. If one species or group of species changes or dies out in response to the acid rain, then the whole entire body of water, especially in lakes, is affected through the predator- prey relationship of the food web. In some places where the acid deposition falls, natural substances absorb and neutralize the acid but in most places they build up and the water becomes as sour as lemon juice. In these instances the chance of a food web being disrupted are more likely to happen. When the acidity of the water is around the ph level of 6.0 fish cannot lay eggs. When they canââ¬â¢t reproduce and the acidity level grows then the fish out, and when in lakes are extremely difficult to be replaced. Around this acidity level plants also die out and are poisoned. Insects no longer have a food source and soon they are gone. The water fowl and other birds in the area that fed on fish and insects no longer have a food source and they are the next to go. As the whole entire food web come toppling down the aquatic ecosystems become quiet; quiet as a grave. Acid rain also effects crops and other plant life. Surprisingly though acid rain can actually help out some crops such as strawberries, corn, and tomatoes.
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Workplace Violence
Workplace violence is present in every nook and cranny of corporate America, affecting millions of Americans every year. Workplace violence is defined by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, OSHA, as any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. It ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. In 2011, there were over 2 two million reports and claims of workplace violence, with 458 being homicides1. Workplace violence is at the forefront of everyoneââ¬â¢s mind when a breaking news story is broadcast on the evening news, such as the recent shootings in Santa Cruz, California by a disgruntled ex-cop, and the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, but workplace violence can strike anywhere and at any time, and is a major concern for employers and employees across America. There are different types of workplace violence, which can be categorized as follows: (1)violence by outsiders or nonemployees, usually in the attempt of a crime, such as robbery or shoplifting, (2)violence by a customer or a client, such as a student or a patient, (3)violence by employees and former employees, and (4)violence by domestic partners, such as boyfriends/girlfriends and husbands/wives. Such categorization can help in coming up with ways to prevent workplace violence since each type of violence requires a different approach to prevention, and certain workplaces and environments may be at higher risk for certain types of violence. Although workplace violence can seem very random, there are certain industries and job categories that are more susceptible to violence than others. According to OSHA, certain factors can increase the risk of violence in the workplace, such as exchanging money with the public, working with unstable people, and working where alcohol is served1. People working in certain establishments, such as retail stores and bars, are at increased risk of violence. Professions in law enforcement, healthcare, public service workers and those who work alone or in small groups are at greatest risk of violence. Managerââ¬â¢s role in identifying and reporting workplace violence. Every employee of an organization is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment to work in, and thus should be knowledgeable about workplace violence and be ready to act in advance to reduce the threat of violent incidents. Managers especially have a big duty to make sure that the work environment of their employees has minimal stress triggers, and that the department culture is one that is friendly and open, ensuring that employee safety is valued. Managers should follow their progressive discipline policy when addressing concerns with employees to prevent violent reactions by employees who feel that they have been treated unfairly. Managers should also treat their employees with respect and decency, especially when disciplining or firing them, as depriving an employee of dignity in front of other employees can trigger violent behavior. Most importantly, managers need to be trained on what clues to look for, and how to handle certain situations when confronted with warning signs of workplace violence by employees. This will allow managers and subordinates to know the warning signs and report them to management accordingly. Sure there are people that suddenly ââ¬Ësnapââ¬â¢ and go off the deep end, but in most instances of workplace violence, there are certain signs of trouble that are exhibited by the perpetrator. According to Dr. Lynne McClure, an expert in managing high-risk employee behaviors before they escalate to workplace violence, there are always warning signs involving workplace violence2. She puts these eight warning signs in the following categories: â⬠¢Actor behaviors ââ¬â employees act out their anger by yelling and shouting â⬠¢Fragmentor behaviors ââ¬â employees take no responsibility for their actions and blames others for their mistakes â⬠¢Me-First behaviors ââ¬â employees act selfishly without regard to fellow coworkers â⬠¢Mixed-Messenger behaviors ââ¬â employees talk positively but behave negatively â⬠¢Wooden-Stick behaviors ââ¬â employees are not receptive to change, and are inflexible and controlling â⬠¢Escape-Artist behaviors ââ¬â employees compulsively lie and rely on negative stress relievers such as drugs and gambling â⬠¢Shocker behaviors ââ¬â employees suddenly act in ways that are out of character â⬠¢Stranger behaviors ââ¬â employees are remote and have poor social skills, and become fixated on an idea and/or an individual. There is no standard ââ¬Ëprofileââ¬â¢ of a person who commits workplace violence, and by no means is someone a threat just because they display one of these traits. Employees that exhibit many of these traits, and with increasing intensity, may be a danger and may need some help. Being able to identify these signs and warning signals, and reporting it to management timely can help prevent a workplace violence incident. HRââ¬â¢s role in managing and preventing workplace violence. Every reasonable employer wants to keep employees safe from workplace violence, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, less than 30% of employers have a violence prevention policy in place3. Outlined below are some things that a human resource department can implement to mitigate workplace violence. â⬠¢Violence Prevention Policy ââ¬â First and foremost, every company should implement a zero-tolerance policy against workplace violence, which clearly defines what workplace violence is, and the companyââ¬â¢s position on it. The policy must clearly outline which behaviors and actions are acceptable and which are unacceptable. The policy should state that violence of any kind is not tolerated and is grounds for immediate termination. â⬠¢Training ââ¬â Training for managers and employees to ensure that they know the warning signs for violence is critical. There are many signs that can point to indications of imminent violent, so training the employees to recognize the warning signs can help stop a violent act by identifying the individual and providing assistance before a violent act is committed. Each and every employee is responsible for creating a safe working environment, and it is HRââ¬â¢s job to help employees get the training necessary to manage a safe workplace. â⬠¢Hiring, retaining and firing ââ¬â HR plays a critical role in preventing violence in the workplace with its hiring, retention and firing practices. Usually, past behavior can predict future behavior, so it is important that the HR department screen potential new hires carefully. One way to avoid workplace violence is by not hiring people who exhibit violent behavior. Thus, the HR department must conduct thorough background checks on all potential new hires. Companies should make it a general policy to run background checks on all applicants before hiring them. HR departments must make a concerted effort to carefully screen all potential new hires by scrutinizing information on resumes and conducting reference checks. Also, HR can help prevent workplace violence by rooting out trouble-makers early. Retaining employees who have had behavioral issues in the past can expose a company to workplace violence and litigation. The HR department needs to be proactive with helping to identify employees that pose a potential danger thru through analysis of past work records. For example, if an employee has had issues with making threats or getting into confrontations with coworkers in the past, immediate ction may need to be taken before any major incident occurs. Finally, HR plays a big role in creating a peaceful environment when handling employee terminations. When an employee gets terminated, it is a very stressful event for the employee, and ca n push him/her over the edge. In order to ease the stress and alleviate some of the pressures on the employee being terminated, the HR department can help the situation by being compassionate and clearly explaining the reasons for the termination and allowing an opportunity to the employee to discuss any disagreement with the termination. Also, the HR department can provide placement or counseling services. Provide an employee assistance program (EAP) ââ¬â there are many reasons that someone resorts to violence in the workplace, but some stem from issues outside of the workplace, such as relationship issues, financial troubles, or substance abuse problems. Employing an EAP can provide help to employees before a serious incident manifests itself in the workplace. Through the use of an EAP, employees can help manage their issues by coordinating with an objective, third party. All types of services should be offered, including counseling, anger management classes and rehabilitation services. Financial Impact of Workplace Violence ââ¬â Calculating the Cost Workplace violence is real, and with it comes real costs. The actual cost of workplace violence is hard to calculate, but per the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH, a division of the Center for Disease Control, it is estimated that workplace violence costs American businesses $121 billion a year4. This takes into account many factors, including costs due to lost productivity, loss of sales, increase in insurance premiums, litigation costs, lost time and absenteeism, workersââ¬â¢ compensation claims, medical claims, management distractions, negative PR, and organizational change initiatives. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics5: â⬠¢About 500,000 victims of violent crime in the workplace lose an estimated 1. 8 million workdays each year. This represents a $55 million impact as a result of loss of productivity and increased healthcare expenses â⬠¢Domestic violence costs businesses approximately $6 billion annually in healthcare costs, lost productivity, and missed work time â⬠¢The average out-of-court settlement for ââ¬Ënegligenceââ¬â¢ litigation is approximately $500,000 and the average jury award is around $3 million â⬠¢For 6 to 18 weeks after an incident, there is a 50% decrease in productivity and a 20% to 40% turnover in employees The cost of recovery after a catastrophic, workplace violence incident is astronomical, so it is in every companyââ¬â¢s best interest to put in place the necessary preventive measures to avoid such incidents from happening in the first place. Unfortunately, most companies are reactive instead of proactive, so the costs associated with workplace violence may be viewed as the cost of doing business, big business at that. Everyone plays a role in preventing workplace violence. Even with workplace violence receiving increased attention, there is much work that needs to be done to understand the causes and potential solutions. Management, front line employees and the HR department must work together collectively to prevent the next workplace violence incident. The best practices set forth must be implemented and adhered to with perfection. A company canââ¬â¢t guarantee that a violent act will never happen between their four walls, but there are preventive measures that can be taken to improve the chances of avoiding a workplace violence incident.
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Essay on Pathophysiology Exam 1 - 5529 Words
NUR 300 Exam #1 1. Which of the following clients is at a high risk for developing dilated cardiomyopathy? a. A 4-year-old child born with cerebral palsy and confined to a wheelchair b. A 44-year-old noncompliant female who forgets to take her hypertensive medications c. A 17-year-old with a diving injury resulting in paraplegia d. A 78-year-old patient with Alzheimer disease who received a third-degree burn following an oven fire 2. A client is experiencing muscle atrophy following 2 weeks in traction after a motor vehicle accident. Which of the following factors has most likely contributed to the atrophy of the clients muscle cells? a. Reduced oxygen consumption and cellular function that ensures muscle cell survival b. Aâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Mast cells e. T lymphocytes 10. A 77-year-old male client with a diagnosis of stomach cancer has been found to have metastases in his liver. The client and his family are surprised at this turn of events, stating that they do not see how he could have developed cancer in his liver. Which of the following facts would underlie the reply that the care team provides? a. Hepatic stromal tissue shares characteristics with cancerous cells, including lack of anchorage dependence. b. The parenchymal tissue of the liver is particularly susceptible to secondary malignancies. c. The proximity of the liver to the stomach allows for direct spread of cancerous cells due to a lack of contact inhibition. d. The portal circulatory system brings venous blood from the GI tract into the liver. 11. A 41-year-old female with a family history of breast cancer has had a baseline mammogram. She states that she performs monthly self-breast exams but really has a hard time evaluating her lumps since she has numerous cysts. At her annual mammogram, the technician views a suspicious area and refers her to the radiologist. She asks the nurse in the office, How can a lump appear so quickly? The nurses response is based on which of the following principles? a. Cancer cells are undifferentiated and come in various shapes and sizes. b. If the breast has a lot of cysts, then the fluid within those sacs makes it difficult to feel the hard lumps of a cancer. c. Many tumor cells never leaveShow MoreRelatedPathophysiology Essay937 Words à |à 4 Pages1. A 21 year-old college student notices that she frequently develops ââ¬Å"cold soresâ⬠during stressful final exam week. à 1. What is the association between stress and the immune system? The human body has a built in stress response system that usually self regulates. When a threat is perceived the body deploys white blood cells to the area of the body that is under attack (Segerstrom amp; Miller, 2006). Because of this, less important cellular activities are reduced and the immune systemRead MoreTimetable: Touring Car Racing and Life Science Team1676 Words à |à 7 PagesKilloran Barbara.killoran@uws.ac.uk 0141 849 4282 Year 2 Timetable Trimester 1 - Week 1 September 11 cohort Date | 9am-12.00pm | Lunch | 1.00pm-4.00pm | Mon CAPS17/09/12 | M004 amp; F309 9-10am Intro to module J.White amp; B KilloranM004 10am-11am Patient Assessment Workshop (1amp;2) J.WhiteE337 12- 1pm Patient Assessment workshop | | E337 2-4pm PatientRead MoreThe Issues Associates with Acute Renal Failure1025 Words à |à 4 PagesAccording to WebMD (2011), ââ¬Å"the pathophysiology of pre-renal acute renal failure is a sudden reduction in blood flow to the kidney causes a loss of kidney function. In pre-renal acute renal failure, there is nothing wrong with the kidney itself.â⬠The pathophysiology of intra-renal acute renal failure is when there is damage directly done to the kidneys from either inflammation, infection, drugs, toxins, or a reduced blood supply to the kidneys. The pathophysiology of post-renal acute renal failureRead MoreCase Study on a Patient with Appendicitis1328 Words à |à 6 Pagesthings. Occupation: He works at the Nasinu Town Council as a Carpenter Family History: -his father is a known diabetic patient and his grandmother died of leukemia -his paternal uncle had died from septicemia. Social History: Cigarettes 1 pack per week x 12years now; he stopped smoking in 2000 and continued again recently. He drinks alcohol occasionally when a function occurs at home. Social drinker. He has been married for 18years; he has 4 children who are healthy. He is currently aRead MoreCase Study 3 Congestive Heart Failure Essay689 Words à |à 3 Pagesï » ¿Case Study 3 ââ¬â Congestive Heart Failure Patient Case Question 1. Based on the limited amount of information given above, do you suspect that this patient has developed left-sided CHF, right-sided CHF, or total CHF? right-sided CHF Patient Case Question 2. How did you arrive at your answer to Question 1? right-sided CHF = fluid may back up into your abdomen, legs and feet, causing swelling. Patient Case Question 3. What is a likely cause for this patientââ¬â¢s heart failure? IncreasingRead MoreSyphilis : A Thin Spiral Organism Of The Treponema Species1490 Words à |à 6 PagesSyphilis Fact Sheet Karyanne Castle 1. Etiology/Pathophysiology/Incidence/Prevalence: â⬠¢ Etiology: Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by T. Pallidum, a thin spiral organism of the Treponema species of spirochaetales. Syphilis is almost always caused by sexual contact with infected lesions, but can rarely be spread through nonsexual personal contact, infection in-utero, blood transfusion, or organ transplantation. â⬠¢ Incidence/Prevalence: The invention of penicillin has drastically decreased theRead MoreTypes And Types Of Pneumothorax1381 Words à |à 6 Pagesprimary spontaneous pneumothorax, secondary traumatic pneumothorax, iatrogenic pneumothorax, and open or tension pneumothorax. Along with the discussion of the pathophysiology, the topics such as diagnostic tests and primary diagnosis, pharmacological interventions, vulnerable groups, and the nursing diagnosis are also examined. Pathophysiology Primary spontaneous pneumothorax, occurs unexpectedly in healthy people, and it is often caused by the rupture of blebs which are blister-like formations, onRead MoreFailure Of Congestive Heart Failure1262 Words à |à 6 Pagesfirst understand the risks and causes of this condition. Education plays a key role in order to recognize the clinical manifestations and necessary actions to best treat and prevent congestive heart failure before the patientââ¬â¢s prognosis is poor. Pathophysiology Congestive heart failure occurs when a part of the heart is unable to efficiently keep up a sufficient cardiac output to supply blood to the lungs or the entire body. The heart either becomes too weak or too stiff. Many times, heart failureRead MoreDifferences For General Anxiety Disorders1768 Words à |à 8 Pageslimited to ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, caffeine, nicotine; Illicit drug effects including but not limited to alcohol, amphetamines, marijuana, cocaine. (Dunphy, p. 988; table 17.2). 1 points Q U E S T I O N 5 1. Mr. R.L., a 44 year-old Caucasian male presents to your office for a health maintenance physical exam. His past medical history is significant only for a 6 month history of daily, pervasive sadness, feelings of fatigue, worthlessness, anhedonia, decreased libido, and decreased concentrationRead MoreThe General Internal Medicine Ward940 Words à |à 4 Pagesdifferent services to identify diagnosis and management plan. Throughout my medical career, I have strived to succeed with the best of my abilities. I completed all of my courses with above average scores. I have successfully passed my Step 1, 2 CS and CK, and MCCEE exams on first attempt. I have used my knowledge to help fellow colleagues by offering mentorship in to MD3 Neuroscience students while I was in MD4. As a clerk during internal medicine core rotation I had the opportunity to work in both hospital
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)