Hello everyone, unfortunately I ended my first year spring quarter with a 2.0 GPA and am not eligible for financial aid. I have to write an appeal in order to receive financial aid again. I was wonder if anyone can give me critique or tips on my appeal letter. It’s a rough draft, I plan on filling the “blah blah blah” part out after speaking to my advisor. Any comments are welcome. Also, what are my chance of having my appeal approved?
I am appealing my financial aid suspension due to my poor academic standing. I was under academic for spring quarter due to my fall grades and unfortunately was not able to recover to a 2.0 GPA.
I take full and complete responsibility for my actions. I should have been more proactive.
My transition in to college was very difficult for me. I experienced constant sadness and anxiety. I missed my family, I had no luck making friends, and I was unmotivated to apply myself in school.
During my fall quarter, my mental instability got worse and I began self harming. I made multiple appointments with the Student Wellness center to speak with a professional about it, but I would always cancel last minute. I convinced myself that each time I harmed, it would be the last time. I thought I could get thorough my mental issues on my own and would power through the quarter. As shown by my grades, I clearly did not.
Being suspended from financial aid was a wake up call for me. I realize now that I do need professional help. I opened up to my parents about my issues (something I’ve always found very difficult to do) and they’ve agreed that I must see a therapist in August (we don’t return from out of the country until then, I attached pictures of the plane tickets). They also agreed that if I didn’t continue seeing a professional in Davis, I would not be allowed to return.
Unfortunately, I will have no documentation of my time with a proffesional until after this appeal’s deadline. If further documentation is needed to prove that I’m seeking out help, please let me know.
In addition, I took two hard science classes, a math class, an a GE spring quarter in hopes of recovering my GPA. One of the science classes and the math class were repeats, so I thought I could easily handle such a course load. I was not prepared to handle the work load, and truthfully, did not enjoy the science classes.
After thoughtful consideration, I’ve decided to switch my major to managerial economics. I do not expect it to be less challenging, but I do feel that I will be more motivated pursuing that major. I took an economics class in high school and absolutely loved it. I am taking all steps necessary to transition into the managerial economics major.
I have contacted an academic advisor blah blah blah.
I plan on taking proactive steps next quarter, such as attending all my TA’s and professor’s office hours, attending any workshops or tutoring offered, and frequently speaking to academic advisors to make sure I stay on the right path.
While I know I did poorly this academic year, I can and will recover if I take all the steps I’ve listed. In addition, I know that I was not in a good place mentally. I truly believe that speaking to a professional will help me become my usually motivated and hardworking self again.