Hi,
I’m new here and I had my financial aid on hold last semester because of poor academic performance and two prior placements on probation (Fall 2013 and Spring 2014).
But I passed my the last semester (Fall 2014) with a 2.0 GPA which I felt I could have definitely done better. Does using the fact that my father lost his job due to unforeseen circumstances (which is true) a solid case?
Here’s my draft letter:
Esteemed Financial Aid Appeals Committee Members:
My name is xxxxx and I have been a student here at the college since the Fall of 2013. Over the last few months, the conditions in my academic life have improved significantly to the point where I now have a 2.0 GPA. This will ultimately lead me to becoming a more successful student here at xxxx university. And this in of and itself proves that I should be eligible for Financial Aid.
As a sophomore at the University, I was preparing to take classes which could take me off probation and lift my financial aid hold. In the Fall of 2014, these classes were Political Science 100, English 271 and MCS 222. These three classes as proposed by my adviser were the classes in which I have managed to get a 2.0 GPA for this semester.
Unfortunately, my father has lost his job overseas and we are unable to pay for tuition through any other means besides Financial Aid.
But this is not something I believe should hold me back from continuing to improve my academic performance regardless of any financial circumstance.
My plan is to continue maintaining my level of performance and even exceeding it beyond the 2.0 GPA minimum requirement. I’ll do this by:
-Using the Learning Resources Center every Friday afternoon for tutoring assistance and supplemental instruction particularly for my MCS 333
-Attending Skills for Success workshops every afternoon that it is offered to receive additional tips for managing courses and much needed organizational skills.
-Take advantage of professor office hours and review sessions after every class to better grasp the concepts presented in the courses I am planning to enroll in.
-Take advantage of Student and Professor organized peer to peer study groups ensuring that I am fully prepared for upcoming assignments/exams.
-Hold meetings with my academic adviser on a regular basis once every 2 weeks to go over my progress and receive advice.
I believe I have what it takes through this appeal to demonstrate my firm commitment to maintaining and exceeding my 2.0 GPA requirement. I take full responsibility for not having performed to my best in the Spring of 2014 and have decided to follow through with the academic plan laid out with my adviser. I grant that you give another chance to continue my studies and completing my bachelor’s degree in 2017.
Sincerely,
xxxxxx