Should I even try to Appeal?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Washington
1

So I just got my denial letter from UW and I was fully expecting to be denied. My stats when I applied were a 2.20 unweighted high school GPA (lol) and a 4.0 college GPA because I aced the single 3 credit class I took over the summer at a local state university. Every other aspect of my application was great, 27 ACT, compelling essays, abundant EC’s. I explained how I did not take schooling seriously freshmen and sophomore years and explained how my grade trend has been 3.5+ throughout junior year.

The only reason I want to consider an appeal is so that I can show how my GPA has improved even more and that my grade trend continues. Due to the application deadline I couldn’t include my Fall semester grades. With the fall semester, my GPA increased to a 2.45 unweighted and a 2.84 weighted. I also had 3 college classes and my college GPA is standing at a 3.54 with 13 credit hours completed in total. My appeal would also allow me to include outstanding recommendations from my high school principle, the director of IT for my school system, and my major related computer science professor.

I’m just not sure if it would be even worth my time with the laughable GPA. I’m sure most students appealing won’t have recommendations like I do, but they can only count for so much with my GPA. One thing I would bring up for consideration in my appeal letter is the possibility of conditional admittance, where I would have to maintain a certain GPA, such as 3.5, in order to continue my enrollment after the first or second quarter. My biggest focus would be on the ethos of this positive grade trend and how I have transformed into a new person, and would such demonstrate that with my recommendations. Such as, director of IT - character and work ethic, Principle - Transformation over 4 years, Professor - Ability to succeed at college level.

Of course UW is not my last option and I have already planned so that I can attempt to transfer from out of state however I feel like I should exhaust every option that I can before giving up on my dream college.

2

It may be a long shot, but why not try it and see what happens

3

I have decided to do an appeal as well. It’s always worth it, and I think that you are better off giving it a try as you probably do not want any regrets in the future.

The only thing I’m worried about this year for appeals is that they have already been through way more applicants than the years in the past. I don’t think they’ll be very lenient with appeals, or even very tolerant. That’s why I’m a little hesitant, but I’m going for it.