<p>Hi Guys, I'd like it if some of you (or a lot) would be willing to read over my appeal for academic suspension letter and critique it. I'm putting it together by myself and would like some outside opinions. </p>
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<p>*** *****,</p>
<pre><code>I am writing this letter in an appeal for academic probation. I was placed under academic probation after the fall of my freshman year and was unable to meet the requirements set by the school by failing my Calculus III class. I take full responsibility for my failure, however I believe that certain circumstances occurred during the semester that were out of my control and did affect my academic performance.
During my first semester at ******** I received a cumulative GPA of 1.99, failing both Engineering Computer Programming and Introduction to Marine Engineering. My only explanation for this would be that I took classes that I was not ready for and was unable to properly balance time. I had never taken a class like Marine engineering and thus discovered the best way that I learned the subject too late in the semester to repair my grade. Engineering Computer Programming was simply above my head, I was not ready for the class.
During my second semester I fell seriously ill for multiple weeks and missed several
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<p>weeks of calculus as a result. I was able to keep my semester GPA above the required 2.00 but the work missed in Calculus affected my grade heavily. Despite my efforts I was unable to catchup enough to raise test scores and my grades only continued to fall. Eventually I realized that my grade had fallen to such a low overall grade that I had no chance of passing the class. I made the knowing decision to put all of my efforts into my other classes. I would like to point out that this choice reflects in my other grades. All of my test scores and project grades went up noticeably and I began receiving some of the highest scores in my classes. </p>
<pre><code>I would like to ask the board to consider several points regarding my case. First, I
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<p>had taken a full and challenging course load both semesters that I have attended here. In the Fall semester I took all classes advised for a *** ****** Mechanical engineer as well as Engineering Computer Programming, a Sophomore class. During the Spring I enrolled in some of the more difficult classes offered to me: Calculus III, Marine engineering lab as well as Engineering Physics II.
I became seriously sick for several weeks midway through Spring semester. Just as the first Calculus midterm was approaching I began finding it difficult to stay awake after 6pm and felt extremely lethargic during the day. Assuming it was stress I ignored these problems until I began having sever abdominal pain and was no longer physically capable of eating.
I was already beginning to have difficulties in calculus and was unable to resolve them before I became sick and missed several weeks of math. After I recovered from my illness I was advised to drop the class. Due to terms of probation however I was unable do so.</p>
<pre><code>I have no intention of ever finding myself in the academic position that I am currently in.This year has certainly taught many lessons. I have learned that I have a difficult time speaking with my professors and that it is always necessary to speak with them in order to resolve learning issues. For the following semester I will report to my professors weekly to request a current grade in the class, similar to what some of our sporting teams have their athletes do. This will allow me to be immediately aware if an issue arises and allow me to adequately respond. It will also require me to speak to my professors often, thus be given advice on how I may improve my grades or advice as to the subject being taught.
During this summer I will devote myself to taking Calculus III over again as well as
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<p>Thermodynamics, with the intent of preforming well during the approaching Fall semester. In addition I will be hiring a tutor to work with me on Calculus III and Differential Equations. I wish to assure my understanding in Calculus and additionally be further exposed to Differential Equations, so that I minimize difficulties when taking it next year.
During the Fall and following semesters I will take no more than 15 units, making sure to re-take Engineering Computer Programming, with the intent of repairing my GPA. I will continue this until I believe I can handle a progressively difficult schedule adequately. In addition I will plan classes so that I will have close friends as class mates. This will create stronger study groups that I did not have in this past year. </p>
<pre><code>In closing I would like to say that I do not believe that I am a truly bad student, despite my poor grades. I do not drink, nor party. I have no demerits, treat my professors respectfully and cause no problems in class or corps. I ask you to consult my professors on their opinion as me as a student, I believe that most would be shocked to find me on probation and agree that suspension is too harsh a punishment.
During my first semester I took on far more than I was capable of handling and during the following semester I had bad luck. I want to graduate from this school and one day work as a maritime engineer. I love ****** and want to continue attending this school. Through discipline and hard work I am determined to rectify my grades and graduate in a timely manner. I just ask that I am given this chance to redeem myself.
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<p>Very Respectfully,</p>
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