Does HPC3 give prizes?
The top 25 contestants receive an honorable mention award. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd contestants will also receive gold, silver, and bronze awards, respectively.
Contestants will be acknowledged here and Harvard's official website, and in print. Contestants receive stipends based on their placement, for tuition payment or otherwise, during their higher education if they are admitted to Harvard University.
High-placing contestants may also join next year's commitee as problem reviewers.
There are no direct cash prizes.
Will doing well result in admission to Harvard?
Harvard seeks students who are intelligent and academically capable but also requires involvement in extracurricular activities, service, and a strong character.
As such, doing well in HPC3 does not necessarily guarantee admission, but it does provide strong evidence of intellectual achievement and good recommendations.
How do I qualify?
Several qualifying rounds will be held on major contest sites (primarily CodeForces) Performing well in each round will result in you becoming one of ~500 candidates. Each candidate will write a few short essays on current topics and be interviewed. With a maximum of ~3 per country, 250 to 300 contestants will then be selected. Selected contestants will then be informed to arrange travel to and from Boston.
External contestants can also be selected from known groups of programming skill.
Competitors will only be selected from contestants in year level 11, or equivalent, or lower.
What are the rules?
Rules for the competition can be found here.
Contestants must also follow Harvard's Student Handbook.
How do I get to the contest?
Travel to Boston will be arranged by the contestant or in collaboration with HPC3. Upon arrival to the Harvard Campus go to the welcoming area at Leverett House for dorm lodging and information on the opening ceremony where all will be explained.
Will food and accommodation be provided?
Harvard will provide catering to all contestants at Annenberg Hall as outlined in the schedule. In terms of accommodation, contestants will be given dorm rooms in Leverett House's F and G towers for the duration of the competition.
When and where will it be held?
HPC3 is held for two weeks annually in late June and early July on Harvard campus. Contest rounds are held in the Lyman Laboratory of Computer Science and Physics.
Am I able to bring family or guests?
Family and other guests may spectate the contest rounds and attend the opening and closing ceremonies. However, transport, accommodation, and food will not be availible to guests and must be organized by the guests themselves.
I have special needs/requests, can I still participate?
Harvard is happy to accommodate any needs of its students.
For each requirement, please outline it during the selection interviews after passing the qualifying rounds and you will be told whether or not it can be allowed or done.
Most smaller requirements, like emotional support items, are fulfillable or allowed.