Help with Appealing Academic Dismissal

Applying to College
1

Can you help me? What edits can I make in order to make this an effective appeal?

Dear:

I am writing this letter in request to appeal my academic dismissal from —. I received the dismissal decision letter late last week and was deeply saddened by this. I would like the opportunity to explain my circumstances and plead my case for reinstatement for the next semester. Knowing that I may not be able to further my education saddens me, but it is my own fault for not taking the responsibility for my course work and maintaining a low GPA.

From the start of this program I knew it was going to be difficult and I knew I needed to step up. As soon as classes started though, I found myself in a situation I was unfamiliar with and didn’t want to admit to myself. I was suffering from depression because of the new environment, not knowing anyone, having difficulty meeting people at this university and living alone. I have tried to remedy a few of my problems that I dealt with by moving in with roommates. This turned out not to be a good fit, going home no longer felt like a safe, relaxing place. I was miserable, only adding to my depression.

Recently, I have started seeing a professional for my depression and have been taking the necessary steps to set myself up for success. The therapy sessions have been truly helpful and helped me revaluate what is important to me and what needs to take precedence.

I know I’ve had a couple of setbacks, and I apologize to you for feeling as if I wasted your time for my poor academic performances as well as myself for letting myself down and not seeking professional help sooner. I know I have the study skills and dedication to achieve good grades at this university. If given the opportunity to continue at — I will be making the following changes: (1) Making appointments with all of my professors and going to office hours on a weekly basis, (2) Setting up an appointment with my advisor in order to make a game plan, (3) I will continue to seek professional help in dealing with my depression, (4) Creating short-term goals for each week so as not to overwhelm myself but also keeping in mind my long-term goals, (5) Quitting my job and cutting out activities that do not contribute to my academic success so I can spend all of my time focused on school, (6) I will attend every lecture with the intent and determination to learn regardless of any excuse.

I apologize for my poor performance thus far and I plead that you please consider giving me one more chance to show that I belong here and that I can make it through. I know what is expected of me in order to get the required GPA and I am more than willing and ready to do what it takes.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best,

2

Please read the thread below:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1847129-help-with-appealing-academic-dismissal-p1.html

This person shows a clear progression of a not-great letter becoming a good letter that got the person reinstated.
There are also many threads on CC about this right now, so please do a search.

Your letter expresses a few too many apologies, so tone it down a notch. Be briefer in your explanation, and also acknowledge your failings. “I found myself getting more isolated and depressed and allowed it to affect my work and attendance. I should have sought help sooner. It was wrong of me to assume that I could get by at ____ by doing less than was expected of me.” Something that shows you really understand how you screwed up.

After you say “the therapy sessions have been very helpful” add more…“I now realize I want to continue my education so I can get a degree in ___ and begin a career in ___.”

You need to balance your depression with not focussing on it so much. They may think you are not able to cope with the rigors of college. Are you? Again, tone that down a bit, along with the excessive apologies.

I think your paragraph out.ining your steps to take school seriously is pretty good, but alos unrealistic. Don’t say you will cut out all activites, as that will only make you feel more isolated and depressed. Instead say “I intend to cut down my work hours by half, and will limit activites to,those that don’t interfere with studying and school work.”

Good luck, and please read that thread I posted.

3

@Lindagaf I will take a look at the link and tone down the apologies and work on the edits you suggested. I appreciate your help, thank you.

4

I was reinstated! Thank you so much for your help, @Lindagaf! the thread and your edits helped me! I appreciate you more than you will ever know.

5

Glad to hear it! Best of luck to you, and if you find yourself struggling in the future, be proactive. Seek help before things get too out of control, and you can always ask for advice here again. You have made my day:-)

6

Awesome news, @RAV2519 ! Now keep up your end of the bargain :smiley:

7

Great. Congratulations! Make it work for you.