Here is a ROUGH draft of my appeal letter (I know it’s not that good and convincing so that’s why I’m here - any help is needed) :
I knew I wasn’t going to get in. My GPA and test scores were not good enough, but I tried anyways. My name is XXXX, and I want a second chance. Looking at my grades for the past two years, I seem like an average student, but I am more than that. My grades slipped because of my ongoing depression and other mental disorders. Last year especially, it was hard for me to get out of bed. I was constantly scared and paranoid of absolutely nothing and even the simplest of homework became difficult to me. I tried to pull through to the best of my ability, but I chose to settle with B’s instead of the A’s that I know I could have received. However, I know that I am capable of much more. These past few months, I have been trying my hardest to achieve the best grades possible. I declared myself as a Computer Science and Engineering major, even though I already knew it was extremely competitive and the odds were stacked against me. I know I didn’t take physics or higher level math courses in high school, but I am a fast learner and I know I will be able to compete with others. My past grades don’t define my academic potential. This past semester I have received an A in my AP Computer Science A course. I entered the class with no experience in programming, and I have been able to learn, succeed, and catch up with students with extensive experience in programming. My grades this semester demonstrate my growth and progress, and I am certain that throughout my college education, I will keep my grades and motivation high.
My stats:
3.87 GPA
1230 New SAT score
I want to keep it short because I know tired admissions officers don’t want to read a brand new application
Did you look at the UC system’s statement on when an appeal should be submitted?
Yes, the deadline is April 15
“However, students who are not admitted may request a review of the decision if they believe there was an error in the evaluation or can provide new and compelling information not included in the initial application.”
The last part is what is important. Unless you have won some large national award or your transcripts are wrong or something else, there really isn’t much of a reason to appeal. From the UCLA website:
"By “new” we mean information not already presented in the original application (e.g. missing ACT/SAT scores, classes that were not listed as AP/Honors that should have been, additional course work, etc.); information that clearly shows you to have a stronger academic record than had been earlier evidenced. Additional extracurricular activities or fall term grades are not a basis for a reversal of the decision since decisions are based on academic information that was available at the time of application.
In rare cases, students may find it necessary to be in Los Angeles due to a personal hardship. In itself, this is not necessarily grounds for reversal of an admission decision since there are several other colleges in the Los Angeles area. Academic qualifications combined with the particular hardship listed would allow for an additional review of an applicant. If you base your appeal on an emergency or sudden-need situation, please be prepared to document your circumstances."
Not to be a dick but I don’t think you meet the criteria
Its not UCLA I’m appealing, it’s other UC campuses like UCSB, but thanks for the feedback and new information.
I’m going to be very honest with you- your mention of “mental disorders” and “paranoia” would not make me want to admit you if I was an admissions officer. The story you tell here could make the AO question whether you can handle living at college. If you go forward with an appeal, I would caution you to not focus on your health issues as much as they can cause doubt in the admissions officer’s minds.
By new info does that also pertain to new information thatś presented in a report card?