<p>It would be greatly appreciated. I just made one and feel that maybe my format is off, or my language doesn't convey what I want it to...</p>
<p>Many thanks!</p>
<p>A successful appeal of a rejection is a very rare bird and has far more to do with the individual’s particular situation than any format or language. If you can’t articulate why your very specific set of facts merits reconsideration (e.g., some key information was either inadvertently omitted from your application or arose after is was submitted), then you have no basis to appeal. Many schools won’t even accept appeal letters–are you sure your desired school will?</p>
<p>Yes they do…</p>
<p>My son was waitlisted at UCSD. He wrote an essay (as required) to be considered off the waitlist, as well as a separate letter of appeal for the decision. He was accepted one week later on the appeal, not off of the waitlist (which wasn’t released until a couple of months later), UCSD requires that the appeal letter be very short- I think it was around 250 words. They do not want a re-hash of your original application. They want to know if your circumstances have changed since your application, or if there is something you did not originally include that they should have considered. I won’t send you his essay as it was very specific to his circumstances. You need to look at the school website to see under what circumstances they consider appeals. Your essay should be very short and concise, with very solid reasons why they should accept you. I have seen too many such essays that say basically, you should let me in because it has always been my dream to attend your school. That won’t cut it . Best of luck.</p>
<p>Thank you. I was just looking for the tone of an essay, really. I have all of my proverbial ducks in a row.</p>
<p>The trouble is, none of us who read your letter in the other thread have been able to spot a single duck–not a single reason why the school should reverse its decision. Tone is not the issue, content is. But I can see you aren’t open to any suggestions, so all I can do is wish you luck.</p>
<p>I’m open to suggestions. Any suggestion except “move on”, because I just can’t. Constructive criticism-me until kingdom come.</p>
<p>If you are writing an appeal you must have done something amazing from after submitting your application so I congratulate you on finding the cure to a major disease or becoming a millionaire.</p>
<p>The only constructive criticism to be offered is for you to make a compelling case why the admissions committee made the wrong decision. What sort of arguments would be compelling? Some examples would be an previously undisclosed explanation for your GPA (such as a learning disability that was diagnosed late, or a family tragedy that adversely affected your performance), or a new accolade (such as an award just won for a film you made). Instead, all you’ve written is that you want to attend really badly; your dad would like that, too; you think it’s the best school for your goals; your GPA was lacking despite your having tried to make it better; you promise to work really hard. How does any of that convince the reader who already decided you weren’t qualified that you should nonetheless be admitted? The bottom line is that you have to move on because you have no basis for your appeal–all the constructive criticism in the world can’t change that. So go ahead, send it in–you’re only losing the cost of a stamp after all. But don’t let this quixotic endeavor distract you from developing interest and enthusiasm for the college where you have actually been admitted, the one that values you and wants you, the one you’ll be attending in the fall.</p>
<p>I did have turmoil that affected my performance…</p>
<p>So that’s a starting point. Of course, it would have been much more meaningful if your guidance counselor had discussed this adverse circumstance in your recommendation–e.g., “Baked’s grades suffered when his mother became seriously ill during the second semester of his sophomore year, but he persevered and his recent grades, rather than his GPA, are the most reliable indication of his abilities. His resilience in the face of great family turmoil reflects his admirable inner strength and determination.” It’s less credible and less impactful to raise this sort of issue yourself at such a late date, but if it’s all you have…</p>
<p>More constructive criticism–your appeal is far too long and far too flowery. The water and boxing analogies need to go. Ditto for virtually the entire first paragraph and all the material about your dad. This is not a piece of creative writing. You’re making an argument. Be concise and to the point: “I am seeking reconsideration of my rejection because I believe my application did not adequately convey my abilities and determination. Here is the additional information which I believe is relevant to an assessment of my suitability for University:” Then state the specifics. Then thank you and that’s it.</p>