<p>Since the application is in early January, how will Harvard know if you were a finalist in Intel or in another prestigious science competition?</p>
<p>I'm sure someone in admissions checks the official online postings of semifinalists, etc. Have no idea if Siemens, Intel, etc. send lists to schools, but the info is out there for the public. DS was involved in a big science competition and got a letter from a college congratulating him within four days of the public announcement. I have no doubt the savvy schools keep and eye on this stuff.</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure the top colleges do keep an eye out for stuff like Intel winners, international olympiad winners etc. My seniors were international olympiad winners and what I heard was either all gold medallists or ALL medallists at a certain international olympiads got letters from the top colleges. That may not apply to all, but it should give you an idea.</p>
<p>Colleges would want to verify huge stuff like those anyway.</p>
<p>Don't expect them to do the legwork for most stuff, though. You can send them an update in February with current accomplishments, which is usually a good idea, particularly if you won an award.</p>
<p>^^They may send you a letter, but it doesn't follow that they will correlate it to your app file. If you have a major award of any kind after you apply, you should email them and inform them for sure.</p>
<p>Can you even send award information as far ahead as march or april?
Like the AMC/AIME/USAMO, for examples, the first two of which are held in February. Can you even send award info. as late as then?</p>
<p>DS sent an update after the Intel announcement. I don't remember hearing that Harvard would get the information any other way.</p>
<p>Siemens foundation formally notifies colleges. Their
(semifinalist, regional, finalist) announcements are timed
to help with college admissions.
:)</p>
<p>I am not sure how Intel STS will work out but know that
Science Service actually goes out of its way to be helpful
to the student.</p>
<p>If I won any big awards in Jan or February, I'd be sure to let Harvard know myself. I wouldn't count on them hearing it through the grapevine.</p>
<p>Mathmom,
Amen!! It's nice to have the external confirmation, but when a students gets these kinds of awards, it's an opportunity to say "hello" once again to your schools!</p>
<p>What if you´re only a sophomore or junior and you got a big award. Do they ever notify you that early? Is there any way to ''help" them put you on their admission radar?</p>
<p>No, no point in sending info early. Harvard doesn't track interest unlike some smaller schools. They've got way too many people interested. But once you apply they will look at everything you send them. Just don't send them so much you annoy them. ;)</p>
<p>I would send it in if you win one of the major prizes. Actually, if you win one of the really big awards (e.g., placing in the top 10), HYP will even go out of their way to recruit you. They'll invite you to lunch with one of their Nobel Prize winners.</p>
<p>I'm not sure I understand, posterX. Do you mean that even though I'm not yet a senior, I should notify Harvard of my big "top 10" award? If so, what do you suggest is the best way to let them know? Thanks!</p>
<p>I wouldn't bother contacting a school for any award before senior year, and then, only if it was after I'd already submitted my application. You can include it on your activity/honors list. They'll notice! DS mentioned his award in interviews, in circumstances where it seemed appropriate. It usually got him a "Gee, you ought to talk to so-and-so in XX department...that's right up Prof. Y's alley!" But there were other times where it was not appropriate, and that is fine, too.</p>
<p>Agree with mathmom that you shouldn't clutter your resume with every little thing so that the really nice honors and activities get lost in the Honor Rolls and Most Improved JV Basketweaving Awards...oh, and by the way, I've gotten patents on three inventions I made in the garage... </p>
<p>The colleges have a point when they say "Tell us what's most important to YOU."</p>
<p>It's also a good reason to start writing your activity resume junior year (and keep track of certificates, etc. starting freshman year). You can cull, edit, and thnk about how to present things accurately and in a way that demonstrates your interest in that activity. DS has gone through at least ten versions since last spring.</p>