<p>Read my Appeal Letter and tell me my chances (They are slim I know).</p>
<p>To Whom it May Concern:</p>
<p>During these past few weeks I’m sure the UC Berkeley’s department of admissions has received these letters in excessive quantities. I know that there has been a plethora of sentiments from applicants, parents and discontented critics, conveying their feelings of disdain, sorrow, and confusion. Personally, I have the utmost respect for the University of California at Berkeley and I hold the university in my highest regards; though I am an out of state applicant, I feel like I have developed a more intimate relationship with the school as I do more research on the history and the tradition of Berkeley’s scholarly excellence. While on this quest, I have become increasingly attached to the diversity, and the thrilling atmosphere that is represented thoroughly through Berkeley’s website, other helpful websites, and even in textbooks! In essence of my circumstances, new achievements, and my internal feelings for the university, I am writing this genuine letter.</p>
<p>With the outstanding nobility of a school such as Berkeley, the vast amount of applicants was highly anticipated. The task of every admission officer was incredibly strenuous, as the class of applicants was extremely qualified; therefore, I can fully understand the decision that was made by the officers that read and examined my application, in comparison to others with credentials similar to my own and those were beyond. My reason for composing this letter is to express a dream that has been fostered in my heart; I am cognizant that the outcome of this letter may be the contradictory response to that in which I am seeking, but I simply can not allow this motion to pass without exalting every option that is in my authority.</p>
<p>My life has experienced a significant deal of change over these lengthy five to six months since the beginning of the application process began. The alterations of certain aspects of my life stunned me acutely, as numerous affairs had invaded the parameters of my being. My intentions are not to gain sympathy, but the matter that affects me the most is the ongoing issue with a dear uncle. Shortly after submitting my application to your institution, my uncle was convicted for first degree murder, several counts of burglary and assault. In the chaos of the action, my aunt and my four female cousins were put in severe jeopardy, as my youngest cousin was allegedly apprehended by my uncle. In the process, my uncle committed a vehicular murder, killing a state trooper before he was eventually neutralized. After this overwhelming affair, our entire family received abrupt attention and this sent my house into immediate upheaval. At the fresh age of 17, I could not understand how my beloved uncle, a benevolent man with a kind spirit could be responsible for such monstrosities. My grandparents (the parents of my uncle) were incognito for weeks; the psychological effect on me was severe as I became depressed, while sympathizing with my parents, grandparents and extended family members. Throughout this period, I was still balancing a hectic athletic schedule, a rigorous academic schedule, commitment to clubs for service activities, and self instructed SAT prep. This family affair continues proceed, however my family is pressing ahead and I am managing the increasing amount of responsibilities required of me. I thank God for seeing my family through this dismal window of time and allowing me to persevere during this time as well.</p>
<p>For the duration of the time spent waiting on the decision from UC Berkeley, I have acquired some new accomplishments in academics, athletics and other areas as well. I finished my first semester with A’s in: Honors English IV and Yearbook III, which were the only two high school courses taken in the fall semester, taken in conjunction with three college classes. I finished my class at Martin Community College with A’s in all three classes that include: College Algebra, Honors Psychology, and Introduction to Sociology. My GPA increased to a 4.3 weighted/3.8 un-weighted and it will continue to increase with the completion of the spring semester. From the first SAT I took in May of 2012 until now I had done nothing, but improve. My scores went from the lowest of all my scores, which was a 1500 to a 1710 that I received on my last SAT in December of 2012. This 200 point increase in my composite score came from self-instructed SAT prep. I would get on YouTube and look at ways to tackle math problems, sentence completion and even writing the essay. I increase my math score from a 480 to 540; my critical reading score of 560 to 580; and my writing score of 470 to a 590. While these scores are not the highest, I worked exceedingly hard to augment these scores under the intense pressure of deadlines other circumstances. I achieved all of these academic accomplishments while playing football where I received these rewards: first team all-conference for my performance at wide receiver and cornerback; second team all-area for my performance at cornerback; coach’s award for being an outstanding role model for the team; I was also recruited by Methodist University and North Carolina Wesleyan College as a Division III recruit. I began my second semester of school adding the course of Leadership Development to my schedule that included AP English, AP U.S. History and Spanish II. I currently have A’s in all four classes. During this spring semester I led my basketball team at the point guard position and leading defensive player, before I suffered a broken hand causing me to miss the rest of the season and the first four games of baseball season. Baseball season is currently underway and I have returned after five weeks of recovery. Other accolades that I have been recognized for are: being voted homecoming king, being voted as treasurer for the National Honor Society, being selected as a national finalist for the 2012-2013 Discus Award for being an all-around high school student, and I recently sang in my third consecutive talent show. My senior year has been an ultimate success, despite the adversity I have faced within my family, academic stress and sports injuries.</p>
<p>Moreover, the views that I hold on the world and social equality will not be able to come to full fruition at any other institution. I have been accepted to the very reputable universities of: the University of California at Santa Cruz, the University of Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University and Methodist University; however, the consistent reputation of UC Berkeley’s program in social science are the best match to suit my passion for social justice. I am willing to accept any offer: as this university is the only institution that can support my needs as an activist for positive change. The on campus vigor and desire for a social improvement is what attracts me. After researching the Free Speech Movement, the history of protests and activism, Berkeley became more than a school to me; it became a home away from home, because here in North Carolina the prejudice and parochial outlook vilify my vehement stance on many political and social affairs. At any other school, I would be forced to conform, while Berkeley’s legendary past and present day account inspires innovation, imagination and revolutionary change. My position on issues such as racial equality, the conditions of our civil liberties and the popular same sex marriage taboo will never be entirely expressed at any other university. The passion I possess for liberating others; for understanding others; for serving others, cannot be honed at the aforementioned schools. Only UC Berkeley is able to satisfy all the vital aspects that will allow me to develop exponentially as a successful social leader!</p>
<p>In summation, I understand and respect your decision to deny me admission; however I do hope that with the implementation of new information, you will reopen my file. I have exhausted every factor in my jurisdiction and I believe that God holds my future. The only thing left to do is submit this letter and allow destiny to run its course. Thank you for granting me this opportunity and roll on you bears!</p>