Reinstatement letter - could use some feedback

I’m trying to get reinstated to a university I attended about fifteen years ago. I typed up my reinstatement appeal letter and I could use some feedback. This is my very first draft and I’m short on sleep so I really can’t determine what should be changed. Thanks in advance for your help!!

I am writing to ask your consideration for reinstatement to BlahBlah University. I was academically dismissed over ten years ago after failing to thrive in the university setting.

When I first came to BBU, I spent too much time wanting to experience college life and being away from my parents for the first time and didn’t invest enough time in my studies. It is no excuse for poor performance, however, I know this is something I will not have to worry about repeating.

In the fall of 1997, I began a long term struggle with mental health issues. I had lost both of my grandmothers earlier that year and I thought it was just part of the grief process. I sought out help and was diagnosed with depression and was put on medication. The medication would work well for a while then stop and I would be back where I started. This cycle continued for the next fifteen years until I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2012. My doctor had explained that a person who is bipolar will find temporary relief while on antidepressants but will have symptoms reappear within a few months because these medicines are the wrong type of medication needed. I was placed on the correct type of medication and have been stable since.

Since my time away from BBU, I have completed my associates degree and discovered how to be a successful student. I am a Phi Theta Kappa graduate, was chosen for a professor nominated math department scholarship, and founded the only community college chapter of the Society of Women Engineers. During the time I spent earning my degree, I learned how to utilize the tools around me. I took advantage of professors office hours, tutors, and organized many study groups. I overcame the notion that I didn’t need to ask for help. I also learned how to manage my time effectively.

In the time since earning my degree, I have worked full time at the RandomHospital and have taken steps to ensure my mental health. I then took the opportunity to move back to HomeState to be with my family. I am ready to move forward in my life once again and would like to fulfill my dream of becoming an electrical engineer. I am confident in my abilities to successfully complete my degree.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

CoffeeBlack

My advice, for what it’s worth, is to remove the third paragraph talking about the mental health issues as well as th elater reference to mental health. The fact is that it’s been 15 years and the school will expect that you’ve changed and, hopefully, matured. The rest of your letter shows that you have matured, gotten an associates degree and overall changed your life. That’s what they want to hear.

My opinion is that the mental health issues aren’t relevant and could only hurt your chances of reinstatement.

Are you sure you have to be reinstated? After 15 years and an associate’s degree, you may just have to apply to transfer. I think colleges ask if you’ve ever attended (you’ll have to send your transcripts) so they’ll know you attended, but I’d check with an admissions rep before I sent a letter that may not even be required.

I agree with Troyus- remove the 3rd paragraph as it is irrelevant and provides too much detail that they would not be interested in. I would check with admissions before sending the letter, as it does seem as if you should just be able to re-apply now that you have your AA. Good luck!

Thank you all for your input!

I spoke with the admissions office earlier today to get some information about reinstatement. They have a rule that if you are dismissed with more than X amount of credits and you go and get an associates but are below Y amount of credits, you basically get a clean slate. I’m not sure where I fall along the lines of credits as I earned my associates in a different state and am very unsure of how credits will transfer. It was suggested that since this a grey area, it wouldn’t hurt to write a letter. I’m not sure if I should just wait to see what they say when they evaluate my transcripts but I’m afraid that if I don’t send an appeal letter, they may just flat out deny me.

I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place with that.