<p>Here's a quick rundown on what I'm up against. I'm 27 years old. When I was 18 and 20, I enrolled in my local junior college and didn't do so well. I was working full time, living in different places and trying to settle down. I wasn't able to focus on the work and ended up giving up without withdrawing. I only have 3 classes on my transcript, 2 F's and 1 D, making my GPA .5 for 3 credits. I returned this fall and took 2 classes, earning and A in each class, one being a grade replacement for the D. This will make my GPA 1.85, just below my required 2.0 for a Stafford.</p>
<p>My financial aid adviser told me to come to him when my grades are posted and he'll file an appeal. I'm wondering how strong of a case I'll have to win it. I am taking 3 classes in the Spring, and I really need the loan money to get me through. I work full time, no parental funds, and no other help. I should mention I am retaking the classes I failed for grade forgiveness on my transcript in Spring. I plan on a 4.0 by the end of next semester.</p>
<p>In your experience, is my case strong enough to qualify for a Stafford loan?</p>
<p>Should be. My son had a very bad semester in 2007 when he tried to return to school and work full time. He was initially denied aid for this year but wrote an appeal explaining his situation and that he was going to quit his job to focus on school so needed the aid. He was granted probationary aid. Just explain it like you did here.</p>
<p>I hope you get your second chance. Make it count and make the most of this next chapter in your life. Garner good references while building up your education. It is a tough world out there.<br>
I like your 4.0 goal! although no one “handed you an education”…you will have the gift of having done it on your own steam…which makes you someone who will garner extra respect.</p>
<p>Your appeal is handled by your school. While the government requires schools to have satisfactory academic progress requirements, schools set up their own way to handle it, within the guidelines of the federal regulations. Your appeal will be written to your school (ours has a committee that reviews & decides on SAP appeals), and your school will decide if you are eligible for financial aid. Provide as detail as you can about your situation. Make sure you adhere to timeframes and turn in everything required. Best of luck to you!</p>