<p>I became a Coca-cola finalist (winning $10,000 with the chance for $20,000 at the scholars weekend in Atlanta, Georgia); 250 were chosen out of a pool of 88,000 in the US.</p>
<p>I also became a National Merit Finalist.</p>
<p>I was named as one of the award recipients for the Kalamazoo Excellence in Education; about 30 kids recieve this award from an area spanning 10 or so cities.</p>
<p>I have a recommendation from my violin teacher because I have a number of new accomplishments in music.</p>
<p>Is it worth sending the letters from these organizations to Yale?</p>
<p>I wouldn't send the recommendation from your violin teacher unless it is absolutely outstanding. They really hate lots and lots of recommendation letters.</p>
<p>I think the "National Merit Finalist" title is worth updating them about, and perhaps the "Kalamazoo Excellence in Education" (not really sure what that's comprised of), but probably not the Coca-Cola scholarship award. They don't really seem interested in scholarship money awards; they'd rather have academic or achievement awards, even though you have to have good grades, community service, etc. to get those scholarships. Doesn't make too much sense, but it's best to not bog them down with information. </p>
<p>If you just send in lots and lots of new stuff, it may seem a little desperate, though we all know that us deferries/applicants have good intentions. </p>
<p>One thing is for sure, though; if you haven't sent this information in yet, it's getting too late! I would send it in a letter tomorrow via Proirity Mail ($4.05) if you decide to update them. Otherwise, it probably won't get there in time to be considered.</p>
<p>I actually think NMF is the least important to update about, since it's so easy to get once you're a semifinalist (which you obviously would have informed Yale about earlier), and Yale will have tons of NMFs applying to boot. I'm sure Yale can tell which semifinalists are going to move on in the competition anyways.</p>
<p>Coca-Cola is more impressive in my book, but I don't know if brune is correct in saying that top universities wouldn't be interested in hearing about your scholarship results.</p>
<p>I would write a letter listing these accomplishments--just say you wanted to let them know about some positive developments since you sent in your original app. Just add a line saying documentation can be provided if required.</p>
<p>aznxboy1228 - I received my acceptance letter from Coca-Cola in the mail on Feb. 12 -- much earlier than I expected. The date on the letter said Feb. 10, so they must have made decisions early this year.</p>