If you recently win some awards, can I email the admissions officer as an update?
Or should I wait to be deferred first?
Depends on how important the award is-- is it a school thing or a national award?
Agreed. Unless it’s of a national level recognition – i.e. I can google you and your recent award pops right up – then it’s not worth it to update, IMHO.
How would I go about emailing?
Find out who your regional rep is (usually on website, call if you have to) and compose a short email saying when you applied, what award you won after the application was submitted, and that you remain very interested in XYZ university.
I eventually decided not to because too much of a hassle and doubt it’d make a difference.
I don’t think it has to be national level at all. It can’t hurt, and may help. Email the general admissions email, provide your full name, and if there is an ID or number for your portal access, give that. Provide your update and ask that they please consider it with the rest of your application. It is easy, and could make a difference.