<p>I quoted the $3400 figure for work study above, and am well aware of the difficulties meeting the work requirement for many students. I don’t think the summer work requirement still stands.</p>
<p>In an earlier post, I said that Harvard itself should provide extra support for a student such as this, that admissions loves students who have “overcome obstacles,” but once on campus, these same students may need supports that the institution does not yet provide. In this case, tutoring and some extra funds for books etc. would be an example. Accommodations for chronic illness or learning disabilities would be another need for many students. </p>
<p>Many students on financial aid are not able to do the work study, including those with health problems, or those who are struggling academically for whatever reason. It shoudl be raised as an issue with the university.</p>
<p>Online fundraising does not seem like the best way to pay for a student’s education, and students should not have to go to those lengths.</p>
<p>I also mentioned a movie and book about a paraplegic student at Harvard. Her mom had to live in the dorm with her, leaving her other children behind at home. With glowing publicity, this student and her mom were portrayed as heroes. I felt that, instead of heroics on their part, Harvard should have made it possible for the girl to attend without the mom in the dorm. They admitted her, and should have followed through without the family having to make so many sacrifices.</p>