Recent disruptions in national mail service caused by concerns about anthrax have highlighted the benefits of electronic notification, McGrath Lewis said.

“Right now, we have no evidence that our mail has been affected,” she said, but noted that e-mail provides an effective alternative to the U.S. mail.

Students yesterday disagreed on whether the promise of prompter notification outweighed the excitement of receiving a traditional acceptance letter in the mail.

“It’s good to be able to have the time to follow up on a back-up plan,” said Nicholas R. Adams ’03, “But you’d miss out on the whole thin letter [or]thick letter excitement.”

The efficiency of e-mail won praise from some.

“It’s a great idea. E-mail is more convenient. You’ll know faster and won’t have to keep worrying,” said Elizabeth C. Hamrick ’05.

Others felt that e-mail was too informal for conveying such important information.

“After you spend so much time on the application, it’s nice to get a letter,” said Lauren E. Bonner `04.

Morgan Snell, an applicant from Virginia, said she would rather wait and receive the traditional letter.

“I can’t imagine getting news like that over e-mail. E-mail is so everyday. I want something that says, “[Harvard] really wants you,” she said.

—Staff writer Eugenia V. Levenson can be reached at levenson@fas.harvard.edu.