<p>I was deferred early from Harvard, but just recently, I won the Horatio Alger award which I am eligible to win a $10000 prize. I won $1000 already. Should I notify Harvard and other colleges of this award? It is a hardship award given to low-income students who have overcome great difficulties to reach great heights. I am afraid it may decrease my financial aid or may hint to colleges that my income is very low.</p>
<p>definately report!!</p>
<p>I also won the Horatio Alger Award, and was awarded with the National prize of 10,000$. Since this is a national award and that only two people from every state are selected, is it wrote notifying Harvard, despite being deferred. And if so how should one go about reporting the award. Should I just email the admission,college,harvard,edu thing or should i handwrite the note, because i also want to inform them of a schedule change.</p>
<p>Hello There Biz and Tropical:</p>
<p>I have read your posts about being defered at Harvard, and about winning the Horatio Alger Hardship Award. I have some suggestions.</p>
<p>First of all, you should know a little about me. First, I an NOT a member of the Harvard admissions committee. I am, however, a graduate of Harvard, and am also considered an ethnic minority (mexican-american.) I have also interviewed applicants to the college for a few years.</p>
<p>That is, I have some experience which may help you, but I cannot influence your admission directly.</p>
<p>What I will suggest you do is the following:</p>
<p>You should DEFINITELY write the Harvard admissions committee a short letter, and both mail it to them and email it to them. In the letter you should include two things: You should say that you are writing to report that you have just been awarded the Horatio Alger Hardship Award. You should briefly explain what this is, and emphasize that only 100 students in America-- two in each state-- are given this award every year. The second thing you should emphasize in the letter is that Harvard is your first choice of school (if it is) and that you would DEFINITELY attend if you are accepted off the wait list. In the written letter package, you should also include a photocopy of the award letter you received from the Horatio Alger people; if you can find one very relevant newspaper artcle or a blurb off of their website, print it out and send that as well. Request that these things be included in your admissions folder.</p>
<p>The letter should be short and to the point-- no longer than a page. Don't try and pull any "tricks" like sending the admissions committee a birthday cake or silliness like that. DO state, in a direct way, that Harvard is your first choice, and you would definitely attend if admitted.</p>
<p>Do this as soon as possible, as decisions are being made right now these next two weeks!</p>
<p>(Sorry I didn't see your posts until today...)</p>
<p>Feel free to contact me if you have questions.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>-Greg B</p>