(any edit is welcome, as I know this is a really long letter and I’m not sure what to omit yet)
Dear Committee on Academic Reinstatement
I am writing to appeal my academic dismissal from the University of ____ as of the end of this term. I realize I have fallen below the required 1.00 term GPA, but I do hope to be strongly considered for readmission. My term GPA for Spring 2019 was 0.571 while my overall GPA is 2.531.This past semester has been the most difficult I have been through and this ultimately reflected in my poor academic progress with both of my classes. Unfortunately I did not put in the effort needed for the material in class, and my attendance was poor due to not balancing my work and study schedule correctly, and allowing personal matters to cloud my judgement. I know now I should not have been apprehensive about attending classes and exams either, as my professors would have been willing to provide options for me to strengthen my understanding of the material. I felt quite embarrassed to be struggling which snowballed into my situation I currently am in, because I did not want to admit I needed help. The stress of my situation eventually caused me to develop shingles and I was in pain for 3 weeks, even during recovery. After I was able to start studying again, I attempted to seek out private tutors for both classes but the financial strain was too much and I became discouraged in my own ability to catch up properly. My inability to create momentum is entirely my fault, and this caused me to settle for poor grades.
At home, my situation was not ideal, as I only live with my little brother and I had the responsibility of maintaining the home and ensuring there is food on the table. He was going through a very rough time emotionally and financially with losing a job and being unable to find another for months, but while I was struggling, I did not ask for help from him sooner. Upon talking with him I was able to work out a plan that divided the workload between us, and it has been such a relief since. As for tougher times during my semester that require rigorous and long hours, he has agreed that, with proper notice, he will take on a majority of the house responsibilities to allow me to focus. As for my work schedule, I spoke to my employer and they have allowed me the freedom to adjust my scheduled days when my semester workload is too heavy to make sure I am not burning myself out too quickly. My employer fortunately is flexible and knows that academic success is essential and will allow me to prioritize studying, and gave me permission to study while at work during downtime to maximize my time. I know now I can adapt more swiftly when times get rough and I feel I am carrying the weight of the world.
During the semester, I found a degree path and career I am finally excited to pursue. I changed my major from Chemistry to Statistics with a minor in Math and an Actuarial Science Certificate, and I feel as if I finally am working toward a future for myself. I am as determined as ever to finally earn the bachelor’s degree I have worked toward for so long. Before my decision to Withdraw failing from my class, I did make plans to retake MAT 112 in the summer and start off on the right foot with the help of the Math Lab one-on-one appointments weekly to assess and strengthen my weaknesses throughout the semester. I will follow through with this if I am granted my appeal.
As shown in my academic history I have been very successful in keeping my grades high. I was able to transfer with the maximum of 64 credits at a combined 3.2 GPA. My previous semester GPA of this academic year was also strong, at a 3.15 I know I am capable of doing very well, but in a very out-of character manner I allowed myself to lose hope in improving too quickly. I am now motivated to earn my Bachelors in Statistics and graduate on track to begin work as an Actuary. This is my first time in 93 credits that I have been in any less than good academic standing, and I know my plan for my academic future will make this the last.
Going into my future semesters, I have a plan to attend the Math Lab twice weekly, once for a weekly one-on-one appointment with a tutor, and another visit to work on material more independently but with close guidance as a drop-in student. I will adopt this practice for MAT 112, 161, 162, and 261. As for my major specific Statistics courses, I will be making time to attend office hours with all of my professors to review the syllabus and formulate specific study plans to build upon, creating a habit I will not break, as well as meeting with my academic advisor bi-weekly in order to keep track of my progress in the program. This summer I am also enrolled in the first Statistics course, STT 215, of my career which will allow me to branch out into different classes in the coming Fall and Spring. Since finding a career I can work towards with the help of my advisor, I know I cannot afford to become lazy or discouraged because the only person that is affected by my academic performance is myself.