<p>what are the income ranges for that student events fund thing...? I am at about 65K</p>
<p>Those are not released.</p>
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<p>The top black students are <em>highly</em> recruited, and may have full scholarship offers from other top schools.</p>
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<p>Yes, and in addition to its usual rivals, Harvard is also competing with historically black colleges and universities for these students. Morehouse, Spelman, etc. are very attractive options.</p>
<p>Don't forget FAMU; for a while, they made a real run at Harvard for National Achievement Scholars - awarding them fullrides, in-state or out. Harvard stretched its lead with NAS winners for the Class of 2009.</p>
<p>Hanna and just<em>forget</em>me are absolutely correct about high-performing African American students. In that context, a 69% yield is nothing short of remarkable.</p>
<p>DHA, whatever Harvard's motive in implementing HFAI, it's a good program and works for folks like you. In fact, this is the first time that I've noticed top- ranked colleges with large endowments evaluating themselves on how effectively they recruit and enroll low-income students. That's progress and its good for the top universities and good for the country. I personally don't care WHY Summers did it.</p>
<p>You are certainly correct that being a low-income student is not an advantage below the very top tier/high endowment schools. Those schools worry about yield management and revenue maximization. In that context, a URM (or for that matter, non-URM) that can pay, say $20G, is more attractive (other things being equal) than one who can't pay anything. Remember these are mostly private institutions motivated by self-interest. HYP can afford to be a bit different because their large endowments allow them more flexibility. If Harvard believes that maintaining its "brand" value/image involves demonstrating that in provides opportunities for talented students regardless of income or wealth, I for one am damned glad about that.</p>
<p>As a side note, I think in your nervousness about this process (which we all share) you play the "class" card a little bit too hard, DHA. Dismissing other people's comments because they're "middle class" is not cool. It makes it seem that you have a chip on your shoulder or that you feel someone owes you something. You may not feel that way, but it can come across that way. You've obviously accomplished a great deal to get where you are, don't mar it with misdirected bitterness.</p>
<p>Now don't flame me, DHA, because I'm not your enemy. But URM to URM, I'd say chill a wee bit. And, by the way, I'm rooting for you on December 15th.</p>
<p>Sorry if I cam across as hostile towards the middle-class/Upper-Middle class. The reason though, is that I see many of these kids who coast by my school, not working, not doing anything. They have so many advantages, yet they refuse to work or try hard. They are happy to be where they are. They dont have ambition or determination. Therefore, when I see that in comparison to me, and I envy them. Its unfair that they are given so much -yet try so little. Furthermore, this view is then projected to my view of the United States. As you know, we are the most advanced nation in the world. We are the most free, and the one with the most opportunities. Anyone in this country can study and become successful. However, many throw this away. And then we have programs to support these lazy individuals of society. We have too many advantages in this country, and it is time people recognize this. Otherwise we will lose out position as the best and spiral our own selves downward. We keep criticizing our government, *****ing about every little thing we dont like. God, people should learn to appreciate the sacrifices others have made so they can live so comfortably.</p>
<p>Anyways, back to the original topic, I am a little nervous about the application. I either have a great shot or will be an auto-reject. I wish you the best as well, and hopefully will see you next fall.</p>
<p>DHA....just as my motto goes....."Have faith that Harvard will have faith in you!".... sorry not my friend, you have a much better shot than I do so long as you put all (the non-hostile) beliefs in ur app or rather turned them into a more amiable and indirect belief...ya know...good luck!</p>
<p>But DHA, I'm sure not all of the middle/upper class students "coasted by." I am an upper class and i have definitely faced the stereotypes that because I am upper class, my parents can "coast" me through anything.</p>