I spent a few months writing and editing my essay to be considered for reinstatement for Spring 2018, but was informed today that an application is the first step. In this, I don’t get 3-5 paragraphs to persuade or convince the committee why I should be readmitted. I get one sentence per question! It’s a PDF with limited typing space and it’s required that I type my info. I seriously spent an hour at the library staring at this thing and 2 doing my best to fill it in.
Warning: TMI
To provide context, I hit an incredibly hard rough patch in my young adult life. I failed both of my first semesters as an undergrad, and being hospitalized for almost 2 weeks after a suicide attempt was the icing on the cake. There isn’t just one reason for everything, which is why I’m worried that my argument won’t be “strong” enough for them. Which sucks, because my life back then, well, I can’t even recognize who I was then - I didn’t just struggle academically, I wasn’t functioning as far as employment, relationships, etc. I have a formal diagnosis of depressive disorder and paperwork from the hospital, as well as the documented proof of extenuating circumstances from when I was placed on academic probation. I’m hoping this will be enough. I also have documentation of ways I’ve improved: a letter from my employer, receipts proving that I live on my own (w a roommate) and pay my bills on time, copies of prescription slips that show I was taking medicine (I have been off meds for 4 months).
Anyway, I would appreciate anyone who would take the time to read the following and provide some feedback.
- What is your reason for requesting reinstatement to ____? I want to further my education and transform past failures into future successes.
- Explain what factors led to your dismissal. In short, loss, severe and long-term depression/related issues, financial stress, and poor stress management.
- How do you plan to overcome these factors if you're reinstated? Utilize campus support (academic, psychological services if needed, etc.), execute effective organization methods
- Describe the activities you've been engaged in during your time away from university (schooling, work, self-improvement, etc.) Full-time work, counseling and medication, living a far more productive and healthy lifestyle.