<p>Greetings, I didn't do well my freshman year therefore, I transferred to a local college to pull up mu grades. I'm mature and ready to return to the university in the fall however I forgot to withdraw and Im being charged thousands of dollars. I was told that I can appeal but I need a valid and an exceptionally good reason for this. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>How about the truth? That is if you really are mature.</p>
<p>Thanks for your response however the truth will NOT work in this case, per the appeal letter, someone must have died, divorced, extreme health reasons etc. I really need help with this. Thanks!</p>
<p>Well then legally, since you didn’t follow the steps for withdrawal, you have to start with that truth which includes owing the money. Then you ask for an exception. If you go in with a lie, or some excuse, you are insulting them, and discrediting yourself from the start. Not a great way to get to your desired result. </p>
<p>Many years ago, before smart phones, I opened my cellphone bill to see my 14yo had figured out how to connect to the Internet and had run up several thousand dollars in data charges. I was beside myself. I called my provider and explained the phone was new to him, please put a block on all data, and was there any chance for appeal for grace. I had to go up four management levels but they finally decided to drop all charges. I never argued the facts, each person I spoke to was very understanding, it was clearly a new device and data was a new concept (he had no idea of the charges). If I’d made up a story, yelled, etc, I guarantee you I wouldn’t have made it past the first person I spoke to. Yes, AT&T wrote off over $5k in charges we legally owed because people can be human and understanding if you give them a chance.</p>
<p>Have to agree with what has been said. Be upfront and honest. </p>
<p>However, perhaps there is a way to try to be more convincing to show that you were indeed not a student (using services, attending classes, consuming food, etc.) at said campus. Try to approach it by showing proof that you had indeed withdrawn (physically, socially, mentally, etc.) but the only thing you didn’t do, is to officially withdraw? Proof that you were unable to be at that school if you show that you were at a local college attending class (perhaps full-time) and not at the university? That you did not occupy a room, have a dining card, engage in social events on campus, etc.? That you did not log on to university accounts and use their services? </p>
<p>Admit you made a mistake, and apologize. Essentially, what you are being charged for is the cost of attending. If you didn’t attend and can prove it, perhaps they may overlook that you did not officially withdraw. If you received any merit or aid for that year, I believe also the right thing to do is to give that back for that year, otherwise it will definitely go against your claim. If you are able to talk to speak to a Dean or Admin who can help advocate for your position that would be better.</p>
<p>In your meeting that ognopgod suggests, let them know that a huge burden of a semester’s fees effectively prevents you from attending for 6 more semesters.</p>
<p>If you can pay a portion, ask if the remainder can be applied as credit to your upcoming semester. This might be an option you propose.</p>
<p>They may be more willing in light of the fact that you’ll be a paying customer for a few years vs. this current past due amount.</p>
<p>Good luck but don’t try to evade responsibility. Read post #4 again. Good luck.</p>
<p>You guys are great thanks so much for your input. :)</p>