Okay so here is the situation, I just finished my fourth semester of schooling and received an email stating that I had been dismissed from college. I had a 1.8 GPA and the university requires a GPA of 2.0, I have every intention of trying to appeal their decision. I love the school that I’m at, and really do not want to take 12 credits elsewhere and reapply or not come at all. So please if you could give me advice on how to successfully appeal this dismissal and critique my letter, that would be greatly appreciated. Also please read the bit after the letter for additional info about my situation and if I should include any of these extra things into the letter:
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter in response to the recent discovery that I have been dismissed from the University of Akron. When I had received my email of the news of my dismissal I was devastated. Although not completely surprised, but I was very disappointed in myself. I know my grades have not been the best, and quite frankly they’re embarrassing, but I know that I am capable of achieving much better grades and becoming successful. I will now go on to try and explain a major reason of my grades. I have had to undergo some tough challenges this past semester. The point of this letter is not to make excuses, but to clarify some of the reasons why I struggled academically, as well as emotionally.
It was a long road my Grandpa’s passing, he struggled and fought so hard throughout the years, but even more so these past several months. It had taken a real toll on me, not to mention the rest of my family both physically and emotionally. I had heard about all of the events that had taken place mostly through phone calls since I was up at school for the vast majority of the semester. It was a very depressing time in my life, and it still continues to be. He had fallen a little over a month prior to his death, and we all thought that was going to be it, at that time I was trying to prepare myself for the worst. My stress levels were at an all-time high, and to be quite honest I felt depression setting in. My Grandmother had to also be rushed to the hospital on the day of his death due to nearly having a heart attack. He had passed away on April 27, 2015 which was the week before finals. It was the hardest thing that I’ve ever had to go through, and for my whole family to be there while I’m swamped with finals up at school just made it even more unbearable. I had a great amount of stress building up throughout the semester for not being with my family to help take care of him, not to mention balancing that with academics.
During this past semester I have also been unsure about what it was that I want to do in life, as of now my intended major was Integrated Marketing Communications, but I have realized that wasn’t exactly what it was that I wanted to do. I’ve realized my true calling lies in l Public Relations, I have taken a look at both my strengths and weaknesses and PR is the best bet for me. I have been working diligently on a plan to make myself successful in this field. I know exactly what I have to do to improve my grades going forward, if I get the chance to continue my education at this school I will be in constant contact with my advisor and a tutor to keep myself on track.
So I ask you, please reconsider dismissing me from this great school. I have been so blessed to call Akron my home for the past eight or so months. I love the campus, and everything that the University has to offer. There is nothing that I would love more than to graduate with a degree from this great school. I know that I am capable of more than this, if I am given another chance I really believe I can flourish and rise to the top. I really hope to be given another chance, thank you very much for considering my appeal.
Sincerely,
XXXX
So as I stated in my letter, I was in a dark place this past semester. My Grandfather was my hero, and it wasn’t like he just passed away, there was a series of events. Not to mention my dog of sixteen years also died that semester, I was depressed to say the least, as well as stressed (due to a balance of school and personal life). Now I’m not trying to make excuses or throw a pity party, but I’m just trying to explain to the University why I struggled and how I can do better. I also am going to get tested for ADHD, which is something that many people have thought I had my whole life (family, friends, teachers) I definitely have the symptoms, but I just ignored them. Lastly, aside from what to add/take away from my letter, what should I do outside of that? I have 20 days to send it in, is there people I should talk to? Thank you very much to any of you who respond and read this, I really need help on this one!