I am a prospective transfer student seeking for some help on my letter of appeal. I know that it is very rough at the moment and requires a ton of help, but please let me know on what areas I can improve on. I was admitted to UCSB for Fall 2016 admissions but fell short of the Conditions of Admissions in my Spring 2016 quarter. I failed my Linear Algebra course, bringing my Spring 2016 GPA to a low 1.85. UCSB informed me that since I failed the course, this brought my GPA below a 2.0 which ultimately led to their decision to revoke my admissions. So I have been in constant contact with UCSB counselors on what I could do. They told me that raising my GPA to a 2.0, this will help my appeal substantially. And suggested I try and get the “P” grade in my GE class changed to the letter grade I would have earned had it not been a Pass/No Pass course.
Supplemental Information:
-Got my Organic Chemistry Grade Changed from a B- to a B
-Got my “P” grade in my GE Class changed to a B
-VA College Fee Waiver Approval Letter
Letter:
Dear UCSB Admissions Review Committee,
First and foremost, I would like to extend my utmost gratitude for taking the additional time to further consider reinstating me to the University of California, Santa Barbara. I am writing to you today because my rigor and drive as a student was not particularly reflected in the shortcoming of my Spring 2016 quarter.
Having graduated high school, I found that I excelled in most of my classes, to the point where I even graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors. However, at the time I did not find passion in any one particular field. I was not ready to be a University student. My time at De Anza College enabled me to grow beyond my education, having learned how to think critically about my work and to challenge what I am learning to further my understanding. Independent thinking became my strong suit, while being able to lead and contribute to group work and progression.
I understand that falling below a 2.0 GPA was a key factor in determining the future status of my admissions. Upon receiving notice about my admissions being retracted, I worked tirelessly going back and forth between my UCSB counselors and my De Anza College counselors to see what I could do. After getting ahold of my Organic Chemistry professor, I explained my situation to him and asked if he could regrade my coursework on the basis of unforeseen circumstances that occurred during the quarter. After his reevaluation, he indicated that I earned a B instead of a B- I received in the course. I was also able to change my “Pass/No Pass” grade to the B I received in the course after talking to admissions at De Anza College. These two changes brought my Spring 2016 GPA well above a 2.0 and my Cumulative GPA from a 3.05 to a 3.2.
Upon receiving acceptances from other Universities, it did not take me long to decide on UC Santa Barbara. I hold this University in the highest regards because I know it is the perfect fit for me. Its world-class education, outstanding research, well-established faculty and its cultural diversity only lured me further in. These core elements will enable me further to strive for excellence in both my studies and wellbeing. I know I will find success in my field as well as outstanding preparation for the career that awaits me.
Final Notes:
I was accepted in the first wave I believe if that matters. I still haven’t found a way to thread in my Veteran Affairs College Fee Waiver Acceptance into the letter if it even matters. That was approved on July 7th, while my admissions was revoked on July 8th. I did all that they ask but retake the course in the summer since all the classes were filed by the time UCSB counselors suggested I do so. So please let me know where I can improve on. Thanks!