Can someone review my College Dismissal Appeal Letter?

<p>If any errors. Please let me know. Anything.</p>

<p>To Whom It May Concern,</p>

<p>I am writing to appeal my academic dismissal from [a school]. I received this letter on January 6th, 2012. When I recently received this letter for my dismissal, it was unexpected, but I admit that I was aware of my poor academic grades. I blame no one but myself. There are no excuses. However, there are factors to why I did perform extremely poor this semester. I would like to encourage you to reinstate me for next semester.</p>

<p>Getting lousy grades does not fit me or my lifestyle. My transcript shows that I have obtained an overall 3.0 GPA with 56 credits earned during my four years of high school. Whenever I did encounter a hardship, I made it my priority to improve my grades. Last semester, I went through a rough time in my life, and I would like to explain the circumstances. As an incoming freshman, I was a full-time student. I was a Biology major and I came to the conclusion that it required more dedication than I thought would be needed. I wasn’t sure if this is what I really wanted to do. I tried it out anyway. The work load was heavy and I didn’t have a passion for what I was doing. On top of that, I was also taking a Chemistry course and a Biology course as well. All of this course work and my study hours became overwhelming and too stressful for me to handle. In addition to that, my heart wasn’t fully into my work because this is not what I wanted to do. I did manage to get a tutor, ask questions, and talk with my professors which wasn’t enough. I was slowly starting to fall behind in my work. I soon realized that being a Biology major wasn’t for me. Therefore, I changed my major to something I found interest in and something I could actually handle. </p>

<p>Besides my major change, I had another downfall. Unfortunately, I had problems at home because my father is a paraplegic and he had been ill at that time. He was constantly going back and forth to the hospital, leaving my mother to be only person to take care of him since I was away at school. I immediately fell into depression along with my mother. Every time she would contact me, there would always be bad news dealing with my father. Around that same time, my grandfather had passed away. I was dealing with too much burden. As much as I did try to adjust, I became very distracted with my home situation. As a result, my grades were suffering. This is no one’s fault, but my own. I should have communicated better with my professors rather than letting these low grades speak for myself. I know I was wrong, but everybody makes mistakes.</p>

<p>[A school] is where my heart is. This was the only college where I could see myself being here for 4 years. Needless to say, I am more comfortable here than being in my own home. [A school] welcomed me with open arms and I immediately felt like I was apart of another family. Out of five colleges, this was the only college that impressed me the most. During my first semester, I had a life-changing experience. I hope to continue this experience at [a school] , and only [a school] . If I am reinstated, I will make it my priority to not only do better, but excel in my courses next semester. I will get a tutor for every course possible and correct my mistakes from last semester. If another family problem arises, I will handle it better and still take responsibility for my work, unlike last semester. I have learned from my mistakes. Since I changed my major, I am more positive and confident with my decision. I am now sure about what I want to do while having an interest in doing it. Also, my father is recovering from his illness and he is in good health now. Knowing that everything is good at home, I am guaranteed to improve next semester. My actions do speak louder than my words. </p>

<p>Please understand that my poor academic performance that led to my dismissal doesn’t define me as a bad student. I’m a determined student who strives to graduate from [a school] that experienced one horrible semester. I truly hope that you will give me a second chance. Thank you for considering my appeal.</p>

<p>Sincerely,
[An Undergrad]</p>

<p>First, you have given us way too much information (Your real name and your college.) Second, you likely may not be reinstated, but if you were to send this letter, I would make an appointment and bring this letter with you, minus the whole paragraph where you talk about your high school grades and biology and chemistry. I’m sorry for all of your personal challenges … it would be a lot for many people and freshman year is a big adjustment. I hope they consider your letter, and if not, I hope you get back on your feet academically.</p>

<p>Breana: I am so sorry for your situation. It sounds like you have been through quite a bit!</p>

<p>I agree with the recommendation that you should try to get an appointment to have the discussion face-to-face. </p>

<p>How do you know this new major is what you want and it wasn’t just the family situation that caused you to leave Biology? How do you know that you are capable of handling another family emergency or personal situation? </p>

<p>It is hard to believe that a school would dismiss someone after just one semester. I have a hard time understanding that, but the more that you do to show evidence of a real plan, the better chance you might have.</p>

<p>Thank you. How come I may not get reinstated? What are the exact reasons? I would like to know. I truly poured my heart out in this letter. Should i shorten the letter? Please let me know.</p>

<p>Breana:</p>

<p>What was your original major and what is your new major? What were your grades the first semester that caused the dismissal? Did you just stop going to class, not turn in homework, not take tests, etc? </p>

<p>Unfortunately, life throws these curve balls at us on a regular basis. When stuff happens, we need to learn how to reach out for help. So, that is why I suggest that you really understand what you would do if something major happens again. </p>

<p>You have a very challenging situation and it isn’t an easy road. You sound very determined, so having a very clear plan to address what happened will go a long way to showing that you are prepared to handle the next crisis.</p>

<p>You state: “If I am reinstated, I will make it my priority to not only do better, but excel in my courses next semester. I will get a tutor for every course possible and correct my mistakes from last semester. If another family problem arises, I will handle it better and still take responsibility for my work, unlike last semester.”</p>

<p>This is the area where you can better articulate a plan. Saying you will ‘do better’, or ‘excel’, without a clear step-by-step plan, puts you in a situation to fail. How will you ‘take responsibility’?</p>

<p>You are on the right path by pursuing the dismissal. Just keep in mind, that whatever happens, you are still the unique person that you are, and you have a bright future in front of you. It just may require a different path to get there.</p>