<p>I was rejected in the early decision round at upenn. However, I was considering writing a letter asking to be reconsidered. I am a transsexual, something I did not reveal on my application, but wish I had, especially because upenn has one of the top five LGBT centers of all colleges in the US, something which I would find especially helpful during the difficult transition period. Also, I applied to their business school, and I think being a transsexual businessperson would give me a unique view. Also, a few weeks ago I was diagnosed with ADHD. I'm not sure if they'd view this as being a whiner or if they'd honestly realize that this probably affected my academic performance. Should I write the letter? Are my circumstances enough that they will consider how it might have affected me academically? I had very good sats, okay sat 2s, pretty good extracurriculars, amazing essays (my english teacher forced me to enter one in a contest--I won), but my GPA was only top 15% percent. Considering I have been living with untreated ADD, do you think they might change their mind? Thank you!</p>
<p>I think it's unlikely that the info will now help you with U Penn. An ED rejection seems very definitive to me. I'm doubting they'll reconsider, though, of course, you have nothing to lose by appealing. </p>
<p>However, I think you should send the info to other colleges that you've applied to.</p>
<p>Do you think if I tried the appeal anyway (just for the heck of it--I've got a letter written, might as well send it), it would lower my chances of being accepted if I applied as freshman transfer next year?</p>
<p>You have nothing to lose by sending the letter. Just make sure that you provide the same info to other colleges that haven't made decisions yet about your app. I think the transgender part is more important than was the untreated ADD as it's well known that transgenders face a lot of discrimination and negative social pressure. Also any school that would reject you due to your being transgender isn't a place that you'd be happy attending anyway.</p>
<p>Thank you for all your help! Two more quick questions: do I just send it straight to the admissions office? I'm worried that one line into it a secretary might toss it in the trash once she realizes it's an appeal letter. Also, is it appropriate to ask for help editing the letter on college confidential? Both of my parents are bad writers, and my english teachers blows me off whenever I ask for editing help after school. I've never done this forum thing before, so I'm not quite sure what's appropriate and what's not.</p>
<p>Send it to the admissions office. Secretaries don't have the power to determine what to circular file.
Post on Parents Forum asking parents to PM you if they're willing to edit. There are some nice and wise parents who're willing to do that. (I'm not one of them. but I do wish you well. )</p>
<p>I don't know if you've considered New College in Fla., but I know a transgendered student (female to male) who's happy there. It also offers some nice merit aid.It seems to be a wonderful place for smart students who are self-motivated to study and who also march to their own drummers. I know of 2 NM scholars who picked it as their first choice colleges. One now is in grad school at Johns Hopkins.</p>
<p>Frankly, I think this is a COMPLETE waste of time and energy.</p>
<p>"Do not count on your appeal getting your denial reversed. UCLA, for example, states that it does not set aside space in classes for students who appeal admissions decisions as every denied application has gone through an extensive review.
While all appeals are reviewed on a case by case basis, the rate of decisions being reversed has historically been low.
There are cases, however, where the appeal is successful, such as the one where a UC student who spoke at graduation was someone who had gained admission through the appeals process."
College</a> Admissions Appeals Process Video -- Education-Portal.com</p>
<p>You chose how to present yourself in your initial application and Penn passed. You can reapply for the next admissions cycle and present yourself differently, but the decision for this admissions cycle has been made. You chose to withhold information about yourself so there's no compelling reason for Penn to reconsider their decision.</p>
<p>Thank you for your help everyone! I didn't mean to seem like I was trying to sneak into penn--I just couldn't help but still look for some hope. Thank you for the advice!</p>
<p>It's important to distinguish state schools, which may have official appeals processes, and private universities, especially ultra-selective ones.</p>
<p>You are going to want to get the ADHD issue treated and under control regardless of where you end up for college...it will be easier to adjust your meds and manage the issue while you are still living at home this semester.</p>
<p>My physician and I are planning out my treatment options, and I'll probably start medication in a week or so, so hopefully I'll find out what works best for me by the time I do go to college. I just feel frustrated that if only I had caught it earlier, maybe/probably I would have done better in school, instead of slipping by on natural intelligence and last minute cramming, and then maybe I wouldn't have been rejected. While I'm glad I'll have control of my future academics, I can't help but regret that for 18 years, I didn't.</p>
<p>If they thought you had any chance of admission at all they would have deferred you. They don't. And they didn't.</p>
<p>Alright, the point has gotten across, thanks.</p>