2.49 . I was 0.01 points away from 2.5
You’ve received some very good advice here. Still, there isn’t a compelling basis for an appeal coming across - no extenuating circumstances. At my institution, this appeal would read as a plea for mercy after irresponsible behavior which frankly would be unlikely to be granted for a sophomore. But we are pretty tough - we require documentation of deaths in the family, health issues, etc. and are usually not sympathetic to “Sorry, I messed up” letters.
The most effective appeals I see provide:
a) an insightful explanation for the student’s past poor performance, and documentation for any extenuating circumstances
b) a clear plan that addresses the cause of the past difficulties, to support expectations of improved future performance
You cannot do much about a) at this point but you can strengthen b) significantly. To bolster your appeal, I suggest:
- meet with your advisor, document in your letter that you have done so, and state how you would apply the specific advice you have received from him/her
- ditto with an undergraduate dean
- meet with someone in the learning center and document in your letter that you have done so. Specify which courses you are planning to take next semester have tutoring available. Provide a detailed plan about how you will use that service.
- ditto for any other campus resource that you are planning to use
Show by your actions, not just with words, that you have learned a lesson here and are determined to do significantly better going forward. If you are off campus now and cannot arrange meetings, then make phone calls. Having a compelling plan going forward that you have already put into action would give you a chance at my institution.
Update, the appeal was Granted! thank you so much for all your inputs and help. I really appreciate it
Good luck!
Use it well.
Post the letter that you used so we can point to it for the next person who asks.
The Academic Progress Committee has reviewed your dismissal appeal. We are pleased to grant your appeal and reinstate you on academic probation for the next semester. If, however, your plans change and you do not return next semester – for whatever reasons – your record will reflect that we have academically dismissed you from XXXXXXXXXX. Otherwise, you may find the included Suggestions for Students on Academic Probation helpful as you review your strategies for a successful semester.
At the end of the next semester, we will review your academic progress again and your continuance at XXXXXXX is dependent upon you attaining, at least, a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Furthermore, we reserve the right to dismiss you at any time throughout next semester if you abuse the privilege of returning on academic probation. Such abuses may include (but are not limited to) any offense of the College Conduct Regulations as adjudicated through the campus judicial process. (See Student Conduct Manual published by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.)
Post 45 was asking for YOUR letter, not theirs.
Oh . My letter is
Dear Academic Progress Committee,
I am writing to appeal my academic dismissal from XXXXXXX. I am ashamed to admit my low GPA is a reflection of a lack of effort during the spring 2016 semester. I take full responsibility for my actions.
Being away from home for so long was a very new experience for me, and I greatly overestimated the ability to manage myself in the freedom I now had. I made poor choices this past year, especially during my second semester. I didn’t go to classes because I could sleep in, I went to parties knowing that I had upcoming exams, and I let my social life take over my academic career. I was irresponsible in not seeking help and I’m not proud of my choices or actions.
I realized I lost my focus this past semester and receiving notice of my dismissal was a big wake up-call for me. I pledge to ensure I attend every single class period, as well as proactively schedule office hours at least once a week for every professor. I will see on-campus tutors in the Learning Center for the extra help that I need as soon as I feel I can’t grasp the course material. I will have a weekly schedule with at least 20 hours of study time outside of class to prepare for upcoming assignments, quizzes, and even more adequate time for exams. I have contacted my adviser to retake one class I did poorly in last semester for fall 2016. I am committed to raising my GPA above the minimum requirement within one semester. Nothing is more important to me than graduating XXXXXX and I plan to make my schoolwork a priority.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my appeal. Please contact me by e-mail or phone if you have any questions.
Great! Make sure to actually do those things…use this as a teaching moment and work hard!
A+ for honesty. You may not realize this but your letter is refreshing in that it really makes no excuses and is just straightforward about how you didn’t work hard enough.
It feels tightly organized and well-written.
Hope you are able to do everything you pledged to do because this is a remarkable second chance. Aim for higher than 2.5, see if you can really excel! This letter makes clear that you have the ability.
Thanks so much for letting us know and the very best of luck to you.
Thank you, I will work hard from now on and never slack on my school work.
Yikes. I have to say I didn’t know there were schools that would dismiss a student for less than a 2.5. I thought 2.0 was the minimum…
Good luck OP!