<p>Thanks Bethievt, thanks SDonCC. I finished my letter, (I think it was kind of dramatic, but I hope to tell my truth). I also know that there is a slim chance that anything will change, as well. 99% No, most likely…But I can try.</p>
<p>So far, I’ve been accepted in Kalamazoo, Ursinus, Knox, Wooster, and two others. Most likely I will end up at Kzoo. worst scenario = Wooster. I won’t die…I can just try and transfer :/</p>
<p>Anyways, here’s what I sent to Seth:</p>
<p>Seth,</p>
<pre><code>It’s been a while, I’m sure it’s finally a relief to be near the end of this long process. Like many other Grinnell hopefuls I eagerly checked my admissions decision early this morning, fingers crossed. And like many others, I was very disappointed to find that I was denied admission to Grinnell College, because it was (and is) my number one choice college.
I am writing this as a formal letter of appeal because I believe that I have compelling new information, that would present you, Seth Allen, with more insight as to me as a student, and how I could contribute to the community of Grinnell. First, today I realized (belatedly) that the college had not downloaded the 3rd letter of recommendation from my history teacher, Peter Reilly. I believe that Mr. Reilly’s letter would have given you another perspective on who I am as an intellectual, and as a student. I have contacted him, and will be able to send you his recommendation next week.
Second, I realize that my transcript was not as strong academically as most of the applicants Grinnell usually receives. However, I implore you to see me outside of the limitations of my numbers. In sophomore year I was diagnosed with Major Depress Disorder. I touched upon this in my application, but not specifically. This was a particularly difficult time with my family and I, with different medications and types of therapy. One event of hospitalization affected my school performance so drastically, I was unable to right myself back onto the academically successful course I was used to. It was not until the middle of junior year, that I was able to fully recover and conquer my illness with the proper medication and self discipline. I believe that this determination is visible in the improvement in my grades. And I am determined to continue to improve after high school. My intellectual curiosity is not limited to an a “B” in Chinese class. It is how I approached the world around me. This is what I see as the pioneer spirit within myself. The trail of a pioneer is easier for some than others, and my path was almost nonexistent. I cut my own trail, and forced my way through, and made it to the end.
Since the last update to my application, I have won the state qualifier in debate, in the original oratory category, and will represent the Capitol Valley Forensics League this April in the spring State Tournament. I am the only representative coming from my district. The title of my theme is “The Power of One Becomes the Power of Many: Social Responsibility”. In it, I call citizens to action and to empower themselves through community work and social consciousness. An original work, it was what qualified me for the state tournament. But I believe what also enabled my success was that I did not just write to impress. Social responsibility is my truth. I wrote that speech because it’s how I truly live. When I went to China and worked in rural Hunan with orphans, I didn’t for the “extracurricular” prestige I thought it would bring. It was because of my social consciousness, not on paper, but in my life.
Grinnell was a reach school for me. The day I went on my first tour of the campus, I began reaching. I reached further when I sent in my application. When I was deferred, I kept reaching, and reaching, and reaching. When I was unable to attend the Diversity Preview Program I still reached with all I had because I believe I can contribute Grinnell. With a social consciousness and intellectual curiosity, I mentally reached until I thought I would my tendons would rip from reaching so far. And this morning, after I received my rejection I still continued to reach. I reach, hoping for you to see me beyond my numbers and rank, I reach hoping you see my many other strengths.
</code></pre>
<p>I am so grateful for all of yours and the Admissions Committee’s dedication,</p>
<p>My Name</p>