<p>Son just found out about a major award he will be presented -- it is a big deal (at least to him). Not athletic or artistic, but a citizenship award (contribution to community, overcoming hardship, respect of others, volunteer service). Compliments what he had on the application -- he did tell school in early February that he was one of the kids nominated.</p>
<p>Should he notify schools -- or is it too late in the admission cycle?</p>
<p>If he does notify them, should he just email?</p>
<p>I told him I would ask -- thanks for any input.</p>
<p>I think he should notify them. At this late date, email is the fastest. I think the schools to which your son is applying would place value on the award. As you know, I'm far from an expert in this area.</p>
<p>Congratulations, that's wonderful news! I see no downside in notifying the schools. It may or may not be too late but at least, the schools will be on notice and it is up to them how they use the information. Plus, if your son did tell schools in early February that he was being nominated, following up with the outcome is perfectly natural.</p>
<p>I think an email is fine because the purpose is to notify. It is then up to the school to tell your son how to present the information. That's my opinion, anyway.</p>
<p>As the other posters have said, I don't think there's any downside to letting the schools know. In fact, if your son can figure out how to personalize the news for each school, I think it would be even better. For example, it sounds like he discussed being a finalist for this award in at least one of his interviews, so for that school he could contact the person who interviewed him directly, reference their discussions about him being a finalist, and "update" him with your good news.</p>
<p>Congratulations to your son! I agree with everyone; definitely contact the schools and let them know. As prpdd said, have your son write an email referencing their conversation, the nomination, and the happy result. I think it will just put the icing on the cake of an already great application!</p>
<p>I know I'm not a parent..
but I would write a letter or better yet give a quick call, even if you leave a message.
Emails can easily be looked over.. and the people in AO are very kind, it can't hurt, and the fact that you AND your son care so much might show something</p>
<p>Thanks for the input, guys. He sent an email to his schools updating them on the award. </p>
<p>D'Yer -- major for middle school, but you are correct -- Not all "major" awards are truly major. In this case he will be on TV with the Mayor, etc -- so a pretty big deal for our smaller sized city.</p>
<p>Well -- he already got back several responses, and all four said words to the effect of "Congratulations on your award, you can expect some very good news from us on March 10th" -- so things are looking good and he is very happy he sent the emails.</p>
<p>That is wonderful! I hope you get all the financial aid you need too. I really like the list of schools you and your son put together, given your son's interests.</p>
<p>i think the fact that it is a citizenship award speaks volumes. From what I can tell, every school is looking for good kids, maybe more than anything else. To me, that would be considered a MAJOR AWARD :)</p>
