How write a good academic dismissal appeal letter?

Student Lounge College Life
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I will be facing acedemic dismissal this semester because I didn’t reach the minimum GPA . I am still allowed to take summer classes which can help my gpa but I have to write an appeal letter in order to continue in the school for the fall semester and provide documents helping my case. The real reason for my failure in a lot of my classes is my lack of attendance. I don’t have a reason for this except for my depression. I went to school counseling for my suicidal thoughts but they only provide a few sessions. My depression got really bad in college I stopped talking to any friends after my.first year I have no friends at all , I dont text anybody at all not even family I dont even know why I pay my phone bill. I do have a job first full time and than part time cause I thought it would my grades but I didnt. However I dont believe this is a good enough reason so idk what to write about in my letter or to even provide documentation because idk what I would provide. I want to continue school and I’m not that far away from reaching the minimum gpa I’m sure after my summer class it will get better. ( my depression is a lot better in hot months , I always do better in summer classes) I just dont know how to start writing this letter

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Have you been diagnosed with depression? Taking care of your mental health is the most important thing. If you’re still having suicidal thoughts please go see someone. @MaineLonghorn may have some ideas about how to get help for depression if your school doesn’t have counseling.

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The key to a good appeal is showing the school that you’ve addressed the issue and have a plan moving forward so your grades don’t take a hit again.

You need to get your depression managed for the long term.

Depression is absolutely a “good reason” for issues with grades but you need to highlight that you went to counseling and your plan to continue. I wonder if you have a seasonal affective component where the shorter days/less sun impact your mood (very common and treatable).

You need to get help for the depression first and foremost and that’s what you tell your school -that you are now being treated and have a support system in place.

I would also tell them that if your grades start slipping, that you’ll go to tutoring, help session, etc…

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  1. Were you medically diagnosed with depression? If not, have you seen or will you see a doctor? If so, then you may be able to get a retroactive medical withdrawal.
  2. Have you seen a doctor? Is your depression under control? What evidence do you have?
  3. Can you appeal your dismissal?

A successful appeal must do several things:

  1. show that you understand what went wrong
  2. show that you take responsibility for the academic failures
  3. show that you have a plan for future academic success
  4. in a broad sense, show that you are being honest with yourself and the committee

Here are some examples:

http://collegeapps.about.com/od/Academic-Dismissals/a/Sample-Appeal-Letter-For-An-Academic-Dismissal.htm

Some of this is general, and some specific to your situation.

  1. search this topic on CC and you will see many other posts on academic appeals
  2. Make sure your letter states what the issue was that caused you to have academic difficulties
  3. Did you talk to your professors/dean of students about the issue?
  4. Did you make use of the many resources your school has? if not, why not?
  5. Find out what those resources are…e.g. counseling center, talking to professors, talking to your adviser, withdrawing from class, talking to dean, maybe taking incompletes. Include specifics from your college. Here are more ideas http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1920853-college-is-a-step-up-from-hs-16-tips-on-doing-well-in-college.html
  6. State how you would use those in the future
  7. How are you addressing what caused the issue?
  8. Think about if you should continue at college, or take a break.
  9. Think about if you should continue at a community college, to be close to your family
  10. How is your college funded? Will that continue?

In general, keep in mind what the college wants…they want students who can succeed. They need to know that you understand what the issue was, know now the resources that you can use, how the problems is resolved so you will not have academic issues in the future.

Here is a post that I saw on this topic from someone who is on a committee that review these letters:

My committee would consider you a strong case for reinstatement if you can provide:
a) documentation from your health care provider of a diagnosis
b) confirmation from your health care provider that you have been compliant with treatment and your situation has improved so that you are better equipped to handle the stress of college life if/when you return
c) details of how you plan to continue your treatment plan after you return to school
d) details of other campus resources you will use and adjustments you will make after you return to enhance your success
e) some statement of how you know your treatment has improved your situation (e.g. if you have been working during your time away and found it easier to handle the stress and demands as your treatment progressed)