SAP Appeal Letter

Colleges and Universities A-Z Virginia Commonwealth University
1

Hi guys, I’m in the midst of writing my SAP appeal for my university. I’m really not a strong writer, any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I really want my point to get across. Thanks, guys!

"Dear Financial Aid Appeals Committee,

I have been a student at Virginia Commonwealth University since Fall of 2016. During my first semester at VCU, I struggled heavily with achieving academic success. My anxiety and depression overtook my daily life. My home life was unbearable. I was living with six other adults including myself in a 1,200 square foot home while dealing with a toxic grandmother that made life miserable if everything wasn’t her way. I was also working a full-time job for the first month and a half of my first semester at VCU. The management at my job failed to schedule me properly according to my school schedule. Personal relationships in my life were also disastrous during my first semester. I was an emotional wreck every couple of weeks. I lacked direction, I felt trapped in a major that I knew wasn’t right for me. Both my parents were not able to further their education and attend college. As a child, my father spoke about politics at dinner every night and I sensed his passions for the field. I felt like it was my responsibility to pursue a field I knew he would have if he were given the chances but it didn’t take long to realize that I wouldn’t succeed in trying to live out someone’s else’s dreams for them.

Since then, I have transferred to a different job that shows they respect my school schedule and support me in obtaining my bachelor’s degree. I have also taken some time to reflect on myself and better understand who I am, the reasons for my anxiety attacks, and how to cope during my depressive episodes. My home life has drastically improved since my parents made the decision to leave behind a toxic household and start a life where their every action is within their control.

Having financial aid is a crucial factor in completing my bachelor’s degree successfully. After an appointment with my academic advisor, I was advised to make a visit to the career services center. The career services appointment was everything I needed and more. Additionally, I was recommended to take an interest inventory test that was extremely helpful in narrowing down the career fields that suits my personality and interests.
Since the fall of 2016, I have made a lot of beneficial changes to my life. I sincerely hope that this letter has provided an essential explanation for my past semesters at VCU and shows that I am committed to my college career. I have made mistakes in my past and I take full responsibility for my decisions but please understand that all my previous issues have solutions in place. Please don’t allow my previous mistakes to gauge my future success."

2

A successful appeal must do several things:

  1. show that you understand what went wrong
  2. show that you take responsibility for the academic failures
  3. show that you have a plan for future academic success
  4. in a broad sense, show that you are being honest with yourself and the committee

Here are some examples:

http://collegeapps.about.com/od/Academic-Dismissals/a/Sample-Appeal-Letter-For-An-Academic-Dismissal.htm

Some of this is general, and some specific to your situation.

  1. search this topic on CC and you will see many other posts on academic appeals
  2. Make sure your letter states what the issue was that caused you to have academic difficulties
  3. Did you talk to your professors/dean of students about the issue?
  4. Did you make use of the many resources your school has? if not, why not?
  5. Find out what those resources are…e.g. counseling center, talking to professors, talking to your adviser, withdrawing from class, talking to dean, maybe taking incompletes. Include specifics from your college. Here are more ideas http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1920853-college-is-a-step-up-from-hs-16-tips-on-doing-well-in-college.html
  6. State how you would use those in the future
  7. How are you addressing what caused the issue?
  8. Think about if you should continue at college, or take a break.
  9. Think about if you should continue at a community college, to be close to your family
  10. How is your college funded? Will that continue?

In general, keep in mind what the college wants…they want students who can succeed. They need to know that you understand what the issue was, know now the resources that you can use, how the problems is resolved so you will not have academic issues in the future.