<p>Hey, I never stated that ten years is not “recent” :D! But still, even Harvard has only been been in existence for such a small fraction of that 4.54 years. In comparison to how long I’ve been in existence, ten years is like ages.</p>
<p>another possible Harvard applicant here…I’ll probably apply here RD since it’s not my top choice.</p>
<p>@ Maria_astr: Oh, very interesting. Thanks for the info :)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Harvard has no early notification program (EA, ED, or otherwise).</p>
<p>^ Right, Harvard discontinued its ED/EA programs several years ago.</p>
<p>My Ivy cousin, whom I regard as a really smart and kind person. 
Yup, that’s my reliable source lol.
When the adcoms decide which applicants to be admitted, they must consider your FA. I’m really not sure about it, but it may be true. The adcoms should admit a certain number of applicants. They have that whattheycallit budget for the admitted students, and have to make sure that they do not pass the budget.
Sorry if its not eloquent, I really try hard.
And if they dont have that scholarship, I guess I should apply for FA too.</p>
<p>Application essays have to be formal -> true?</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>They certainly don’t need to be formal in the academic sense, but avoid ungrammaticality and colloquialisms except for comic effect. Being overly formal could come across awkwardly.</p>
<p>@MonochromeAddict: Really? You’re stupid enough to trust the rumor of your cousin over published material from the proverbial horse’s mouth?</p>
<p>In that case, don’t bother applying.</p>
<p>^ Ouch… that was a little harsh. Honestly though, you can’t believe EVERYTHING others tell you. I’m still trying to convince my mom that Harvard is not a place for stuck-up snobs and nerds who spend most of their time indoors studying… :P</p>
<p>Thanks silverturtle!
Anyway, after several heartbraking, torturing considerations, I decided to apply for FA. My family’s not well off, and it will be really self-centered of me if I force my parents to pay full tuition for my undergraduate studies. I still a younger sister who needs good education as well; It’ll be really selfish if she can’t get it because of me.
So! I think it’s better for both my parents and sister, even if I’m not admitted at Harvard. I still can go somewhere…</p>
<p>^ I think you made the right decision.</p>
<p>MonochromeAddict, applying for financial aid will not put you at any disadvantage for Harvard. In fact, admissions and the financial aid are actually divided into two separate offices.</p>
<p>@kameronsmith: yeah, I’m that stupid. I don’t deserve my >150 IQ. But you have no chance of studying law if you just take the WRITTEN info without really thinking.</p>
<p>We all know that its easier to get in if you dont apply for FA. College is a business. But nevertheless its good to apply if your family can’t comfortably afford the full price tag without it.</p>
<p>Let’s keep this friendly; our bad sides should only be showing closer to application time when the stress builds. :)</p>
<p>xrCalico23, I really hope so. :)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Although I have a moderate degree of skepticism at Harvard’s claim, I certainly wouldn’t say that I know that it’s easier to get in if one does not apply for aid. In fact, I think they’re probably telling the truth.</p>
<p>
Hearsay is not admissible in any court of law, so I wonder why you would believe it.</p>
<p>
We do? Really? So we all hold beliefs in direct contradiction to the truth?</p>
<p>The fact is that Admissions and FA are entirely different offices. Admissions doesn’t even know if you’re applying for FA—all FA decisions are made after you have been admitted.</p>
<p>If you believe it’s some giant conspiracy of deception, then you probably shouldn’t apply. Even if you get in, it’ll be miserable living your life doubting everything colleges tell you.</p>
<p>Also, if it came out that they were being deceptive, there would be pretty serious ramifications.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Actually, they do. It is specifically asked on the common application.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I don’t know how to convince you otherwise, ForHarvard. There’re so many reasons and counterarguments that I can possibly list for you, but I’m honestly too tired to feel inclined to do so at this moment. Navigate college admissions with an open mind, and perhaps over time you’ll start to see differently.</p>
<p>Not that many families can afford the full price tag of Harvard without financial aid, contrary to what one might have believed. In fact, I was just reading this thread in the Parent Forum this other day… </p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/910197-valuable-fa-package-information-hypsm.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/910197-valuable-fa-package-information-hypsm.html</a></p>