Harvard mentions that you should update them with awards through their Application Status Portal, but unlike other schools doesn’t provide an email contact for a regional rep.
I was named an Intel STS Finalist, is there some way to directly let them know beyond the application status portal?
I would suggest that you contact the admissions office or ask your guidance counselor to do it for you. They will inform you as to the best way to convey this information.
That is a fantastic accomplishment, congratulations!
That is a HUGE update; you should FAX Admissions ASAP. FWIW: FAXES spewing out of a machine demand immediate attention – don’t rely on email or the portal, as who knows when someone will open and read those notices. FAX an update letter!
Thank you for the kind words and advice! I will go ahead and send this in as a Fax. As a follow up: would this be the preferred course of action at other schools as well (MIT/Caltech)? I directly notified regional reps at other schools via email, but these three (Harvard, MIT, Caltech) were only updated via an application portal.
Important updates like this one need to be FAXED, as this information could immediatly bump your application to top of the pile going to committee. I would FAX an update letter to all schools on your list ASAP.
@gibby I have a similar issue–I was recently named a Coca-Cola Scholar and qualified/participated in international Zero Robotics competition. Would you recommend that I fax this information to Harvard as well? (I have updated them on the portal two days ago but I don’t know if this piece of information will be reviewed.)
I’m sorry, do you want your update letter to go to the head of the queue? Or, do you want it to be buried for weeks in the portal until someone takes a looky loo? FAX, FAX, FAX the update. What more can I say?
@gibby Sounds good. However, I have an interview with Harvard tomorrow. Would mentioning the updates during the interview be suffice?
^^ While a verbal update to an Admissions Director – not an alumni interviewer – is certainly appropriate, it’s always best to follow up with something in writing than can be added to your file. So, mentioning your update during the interview is NOT enough. You need to FAX Admissions an update letter. If there is a URL of winners, where your name is specifically mentioned, you should include that in your letter, as well.
Thank you so much for your help! I really appreciate it. I’ll fax the update with appropriate information asap.