I am currently enrolled in Vanguard University located in Orange County. After spending a year here, I have realized that it is truly not where I want to be and fear I will not be successful post-graduation. With that in mind, I applied to Chapman University and Loyola Marymount University back in January/February 2018 and finally received a letter from Chapman. It stated that there was literally nothing wrong with my application but they just didn’t have room for me and thought that I would be more successful elsewhere. I want to mention that all throughout high school I was a student of high standards. A GPA of 3.9 with having 10 AP classes under my belt along with over 450 volunteer hours accumulated since my Freshman year of high school and being involved with National Honors Society since the eighth grade, being involved in Interact and Rotary Club, being a staff writer for the newspaper and being involved with Red Cross. I graduated with high honors and all throughout my first year of college, I have had all A’s and one A-, putting me at a 3.94 GPA. I want to repeal to Chapman but do not know if I should. I think its where I should be I just know I need to transfer because I feel I am not being challenged at my current university, Vanguard. Let me know what you think. Also, I would be going into Dodge College because I am going into the entertainment industry.
Almost always, a decision is a decision, and there’s little one can do. It might not hurt, though, to call or email admissions and politely ask for further explanation. The not having room for you might make sense (though they cannot fit one more body?), but the comment about how you would be more successful elsewhere struck me as odd, unless it’s connected to the not having room (read: because we do not have room, you’re best bet is to look elsewhere).
What about LMU?
LMU has accepted me, and it is a magnificent school as well, but I really enjoyed the atmosphere at Dodge when I toured it, that’s why I wanted to appeal my decision.
Okay, but you do have LMU, so that’s awesome. I was worried that you’d be trapped at Vanguard, which is clearly not where you want to be. LMU is a very good school. Try to get excited about it. It also has a school of film and television (you mentioned Dodge, so I am guessing this is your interest?). Congrats on the LMU acceptance.
You’re so right, thanks so much!
Unfortunately, admissions decisions can’t be appealed (unless there was some gross error on your guidance/ counselor/colleges part). Can you imagine if everyone appealed?
@bopper USC gets about 1000 admissions appeals a year, has a formal deadline for them, and typically accepts about 20 of them. As far as I know, most universities do accept appeals but they should be used where information from the original app has changed or was missing info. However, my guess is many of the USC appeal applicants don’t actually have new info, they are just trying again.
Post edit per Chapman FAQs:
You just need to submit an email or letter to your Chapman counselor detailing why you’re appealing and why the committee should review your file. But it’s encouraged to talk with your Chapman counselor first as they can go over the specifics and exactly how the appeal process works, and if it’s something worth pursuing.
LMU is a great school. And is perfectly located for the entertainment industry. It’s a home run.
The next letter to Chapman should be a thank you note for the rejection. Because they said no, you are going exactly where you should be going.
Go become the next big movie exec or agent.!
Should add I agree with other posters - embrace LMU!
@katem22 Congrats on your acceptance to LMU! Both programs are great, and it’s no small accomplishment to be accepted at either one! I agree with everyone else–embrace and be proud of your acceptance at LMU 
and if you decide to appeal, remember that you already have something that’s awesome, so you’re all set with a wonderful launching pad to your future!
What major within dodge did you apply to?
@katem22 How come you didn’t apply to USC