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Max Phillips, a Fayette Academy graduate and now a freshman at Harvard, visited Fayette Academy on January 8, 2019, to talk with middle school students in Mary Vanderpool’s English classes. Participating in a program called Harvard First Generation Return to Middle School, Max presented a PowerPoint to seventh and eighth graders about his experiences at Harvard and then answered any questions posed by the students. Along with discussing dorm life, academics, and extra-curricular activities, Max addressed a prominent misconception by many, including his family, friends, and even teachers: Harvard is too expensive! Max wanted students to know that this is not the case due to Harvard’s commitment to financial aid. He pointed out a student’s financial need will not hinder his or her chances of admission because Harvard offers scholarships based on need, not merit. In fact, 60 percent of students attending Harvard are awarded need-based scholarships—loan-free. Max further explained that he had applied to both public and private universities and colleges, in-state and out-of-state, and Harvard proved to be the least expensive. 

Because of Harvard’s practice of need-based scholarships, Max volunteered to participate in the Harvard First Generation Return to Middle School program in order to let students know that they don’t have to apply to Harvard on a whim as he did, thinking even if he were accepted, he would not be able to afford admission. He wants students to know that attending Harvard is a possibility. His advice to students wishing to attend a college such as Harvard is the following: First, take all Advanced Placement and Honors classes offered because a school like Harvard is looking for students who stretch themselves and are willing to work hard. He said it is true that a B in an AP or Honors class is more valuable than an A in a standard one. Second, don’t let the lack of money keep you from applying because Harvard does not view one’s financial need as a deterrent. On the financial aid page of Harvard’s website, it states, “Admission to Harvard is need-blind, meaning your financial need will not impede your chances of admission, [and] once you are admitted to Harvard, we work closely with your family to ensure you can afford to come here.” Max is living proof that Harvard offers a need-based hand.

Max lives in Whiteville, Tennessee, and his parents are Aubrey Phillips and Susan Johnson. His grandfather, Tommy Phillips, lives in Toone, Tennessee, and was the subject of his college essay—Fishing with My Grandpa. 

Author: Mary Vanderpool

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