Readmission Appeal Letter, Academic Suspension, Help

Applying to College
1

Hi there!

I’m wondering if I can get some critics and feedbacks on a readmission appeal letter.

I’ve been suspended by this great university for failing to keep an adequate GPA. I had a few personal hardships during the semester and they really affected my academic performing. I felt bad that I’ve been suspended, and really want to go back.

The university requires a petition letter for students who wish to go back after serving a semester of academic suspension, and here's their requirements:

The petition should explain the reasons leading to your suspension, as well as what you have done to address these issues. The petition should also detail actions you have undertaken in the interim that support that assessment, evidence of effective functioning since the suspension (e.g., being employed, taking courses at another university, etc.), and evidence you are prepared to return. We will also want you to describe your plan as a undergraduate student.

This is what I wrote:

Dear esteemed members of XXXX:

Greetings.

I respectfully petition readmission to XXX University for 2016 spring semester. I matriculated in the Fall semester of 2014 and was suspended for failing to maintain adequate GPA during the spring of 2015.

I came to XXX initially with a clear purpose of what to accomplish throughout the 4 years of studies, but since it was the first time I had been abroad, I was so eager to experience the new culture that I kept myself busy attending all kinds of on-campus activities, while overlooked the need to make a few supportive friends and familiarize myself with academic regulations. When my first long-term relationship came to a disastrous end by the start of spring semester, I was depressed and lost. Lacking motivations and schedulings, I spent nights partying, left assignments to the last minutes and sometimes even skipped classes. Consequently, I lost ample amount of grades.

I was devastated yet not surprised to learn that I have been put on an academic suspension. I understand that despite all the hurdles that impede with my adjustment to college life, it was mainly my negligence and misbehaves that led to this circumstance. I really enjoy studying Electrical Engineering, and I don’t want to bail out when I have just started.

During my time away from XXX, I took courses at two different institutions. I went to XX University international summer school and earned 6 transfer credits with an A in Microeconomics and a B in Social Psychology. Starting from September, I have been auditing 5 courses related to Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at XXX University. Actively participating in these courses had helped me better understand my interests in Electrical Engineering and regain confidence in learning and time management.

If I’m readmitted I will take full advantage of the academic advising resources to ensure that my academic curriculum stays on track. I plan to get a BS in Electrical Engineering in the next 6 semesters. I ‘m going to make a detailed daily schedule, finish assignments ahead of time and leave space each week for TA sessions and office hours to ensure my grades line with my expectations. When faced with personal dilemmas again, I would talk to families and close friends or visit the XX center for solutions instead of letting the situation get worse.

Through this academic suspension, I’ve learned my lesson and become a more resilient and responsible person. I’m confident that if provided with the chance, I can successfully complete
my study at XXX University.

Thank you for your time in reviewing my petition.

Sincerely,
XXX XX

2

The content is great and your argument is convincing. Just two things:

  • The “esteemed members” and “Greetings” are odd. If you know the particular group / person that is reviewing your petition, address it to them. However, a “to whom it may concern” opening is fine. “Greetings” should be deleted.
  • Grammar and conciseness is an issue in several spots. For example, the senence:
    “I understand that despite all the hurdles that impede with my adjustment to college life, it was mainly my negligence and misbehaves that led to this circumstance.”
    could be rewritten as
    “Despite the hurdles that impeded my adjustment to college life, my negligence of academics and behavioral transgressions led to this circumstance.”
3

Thanks a lot for your feedbacks!! @1golfer1 :slight_smile:

4

I also think you should keep to a standard letter salutation. We do not use ‘esteemed’ and you should omit the ‘Greetings.’ Dear committee members if you don’t know the name of the head, if you do just Dear Dr. Johnson, would do it.

There are many incorrect grammar usages that you must correct. I don’t want to list them all. Run through a grammar check.

I would leave off the mention of ‘nights partying’ the rest and mentioning EC gives the idea well enough. Otherwise it sounds fine.

5

Thanks a lot! I’ll revise the petition according to your advice. @BrownParent

6

The second paragraph could be much shorter.
I came to XXX initially with a clear purpose of what to accomplish throughout the 4 years of studies. But since it was the first time I had been abroad, I was so eager to experience the new culture that I kept myself busy attending all kinds of on-campus activities. I didn’t study enough and my grades suffered.

7

**

**

I don’t see evidence of this^^^

Academic suspension means they want a plan in place, much like a contractual series of steps that can be quantified.

HOW???
ex:
I have scheduled weekly meetings, at 5:30 on Thursdays, with the GA from the physics lab, to review the project for the term in Dr. Smith’s class. The GA is Mark Burns (mburns@maincollege.edu).

Tutoring sessions, for differential equations are held on Wednesday nights at 7:30 in the EE building room 232. I have contacted the tutors (Sally Rogers and Ani Ramesh) and they will be helping me with _________.

Dr. Zuckerberg (mzk@maincollege.edu, x2134)has agreed to meet with me twice a month, on Friday evenings, to review course grades, and progress.

The counseling center (x6785) has afternoon sessions of Zen Yoga on alternate days, for students who need to destress and reorient. They have slotted me for some small group sessions.

The Counseling Center has also provided me with an online calendar program that will have some of my assignments, from my syllabi, pre-entered in the calendar. I have to enter in my assignments and dates of completion to help manage my time.

It has to be something that they can check.