Academic Dismissal appeal

<p>Hi, I was recently dismissed from Drexel University because of a low GPA.
Any comments you have regarding my writing will be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>To whom this may concern,
My name is XXX and I am currently majoring in Health Sciences. I am writing this letter as an appeal for reinstatement at Drexel University. I have been academically dismissed because I had performed poorly during the winter quarter and thus did not meet the 2.00 GPA requirement of the university. What I do want to say, though, is that my GPA for last quarter is not a clear representation of my abilities.</p>

<p>The first week of the quarter, I was sick and did not attend classes for the first week and a half. As a result, when I returned, I was behind, struggling with the assignments and material being taught. My grades were generally very good, and I had no issues in high school, so falling behind and having trouble caused me to slip into despair, and when my grades worsened, despair became depression. I became fatigued and gained weight, viewing my classes and good grades as beyond my grasp. I began to stay in my room for days, thinking about my terrible progress. I couldn’t get out of bed to attend classes…but when I finally succeeded in dragging myself up in the mornings, I only found that I was extremely behind. About three weeks before finals, my mother called me and informed me that my paternal grandma had passed away. It seemed as if it was one thing piling on top of another…I wasn’t doing well, and now I was heartsick on top of that. The situation worsened, and with each passing day, I withdrew more and more into myself.</p>

<p>I left Drexel to go home for spring break, knowing that I performed poorly. I was, and still am ashamed of the grades I had earned. However, being in a familial environment allowed me to be happier and become myself again. I regained my confidence and drive. However, even though my overall mindset improved, I actually became even more upset because I knew that I had the ability to do better. Now that I am face to face with academic dismissal, I know exactly what I must do to succeed.</p>

<p>Looking back, I realize that there were many sources of help that I was too afraid to accept: I was too proud to be judged by my peers and professors. I know now that there is no shame in asking others for help. If reinstated, I will make appointments with tutors, attend office hours, and do extracurricular activities to not only bolster my confidence, but also to gain more experience in the field I am interested in. Ultimately, it is my success that is important, not the feelings of my peers. Instead of staying in my room, I will study in the library—both to be around other studious individuals and to study in a less distracting environment. If reinstated, a local community college offers Chemistry and Biology courses over the summer that will be beneficial to me. I am still terrified of disappointing my parents, but I know that they are the ones that only want the best for me. I will speak to them if I’m not doing well, regardless if they become angry or not…simply because all in all, they will always be there for me.</p>

<p>With these important lessons ingrained in my mind, I believe that, if reinstated, I will be able to not only achieve, but surpass the academic standards set by Drexel University in the spring quarter. I will devote my time to doing well in class—not only because it is important to me, but because I will not let my family down. Earning a degree from Drexel University is, and always has been, an important goal for me. Drexel is my dream school and it has welcomed me with open arms. I know I have the potential to succeed here, and now I know that I have the willpower as well.</p>

<p>Thank you for considering my appeal.</p>

<p>I think you might have to include an attachment, like a doc’s note, as evidence of your claim of situational depression. In that light, you might wish to add a sentence about intending to seek the support of the counseling center if this happens again. Also, can you include a bit about your academic plan — will you immediately repeat the low-grade/failed courses? How will your GPA hit 2.0 or higher again? Do you know what you’ll do if they deny your appeal? Would you ever be able to return, maybe after doing well at a community college for a while? </p>