If you’ve received a rejection letter from a college or university, you may feel disappointed and discouraged. However, you do have the option to appeal the decision. Writing a letter of appeal can be a daunting task, but it is an opportunity to provide new information that may have been overlooked in the initial application process. Below are seven examples of sample letters of appeal for reconsideration on admissions that you can use as a guide. Feel free to edit them according to your specific situation.
Example 1: Financial Hardship
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to appeal my rejection from XYZ University. My family and I experienced significant financial hardship last year, which affected my academic performance. I understand that my grades may not have been competitive enough, but I hope that you will take into consideration the circumstances that contributed to my academic struggles.
Thank you for taking the time to reconsider my application.
Best regards,
John Doe
Example 2: Medical Condition
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to appeal my rejection from XYZ University. During my senior year of high school, I was diagnosed with a medical condition that required ongoing treatment and hospitalization. As a result, I missed several weeks of school and was unable to participate in extracurricular activities. While I understand that my academic record may not be as strong as other applicants, I hope that you will take into consideration the extenuating circumstances that contributed to my performance.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Example 3: Family Obligations
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to appeal my rejection from XYZ University. During my junior and senior years of high school, I had to take on significant family obligations that affected my ability to participate in extracurricular activities and maintain a high GPA. While I understand that my academic record may not be as competitive as other applicants’, I hope that you will take into consideration the circumstances that contributed to my performance.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
Mark Johnson
Example 4: Transfer Credit
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to appeal my rejection from XYZ University. I believe that my application may not have been fully evaluated because of a discrepancy in my transfer credit evaluation. After reviewing my transcript, I noticed that some of my courses were not properly credited, which may have affected my GPA and overall application.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Samantha Brown
Example 5: Personal Hardship
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to appeal my rejection from XYZ University. During my senior year of high school, my family experienced a personal tragedy that affected my academic performance. While I understand that my grades may not be as competitive as other applicants’, I hope that you will take into consideration the circumstances that contributed to my struggles.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
David Lee
Example 6: Additional Accomplishments
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to appeal my rejection from XYZ University. I recently received several new awards and recognitions that were not included in my initial application. I believe that these accomplishments demonstrate my dedication to academic excellence and would provide valuable contributions to the XYZ community.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Amy Chen
Example 7: Passion for the School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to appeal my rejection from XYZ University. I am extremely passionate about attending XYZ University and believe that it is the best fit for my academic and career goals. I would be honored to contribute to the XYZ community and hope that you will reconsider my application.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Michael Kim
Tips for Writing a Letter of Appeal
Appealing an admissions decision can be a stressful and emotional process, but there are a few tips that can help you write an effective letter:
- Stick to the facts and avoid emotional language.
- Provide new information that was not included in your initial application.
- Address any weaknesses in your application and explain how you plan to address them.
- Be concise and to the point.
- Proofread your letter carefully for errors and typos.
- Be polite and respectful in your tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I appeal a college rejection?
Yes, many colleges and universities allow students to appeal a rejection decision.
What should I include in my letter of appeal?
You should include new information that was not included in your initial application, explain any weaknesses in your application, and be concise and respectful in your tone.
How long should my letter of appeal be?
Your letter of appeal should be no more than one page long.
What is the timeline for submitting a letter of appeal?
The timeline for submitting a letter of appeal varies by institution, so be sure to check with the specific college or university for their policy.
Who should I address my letter of appeal to?
Your letter of appeal should be addressed to the admissions committee.
Can I submit additional materials with my letter of appeal?
Some institutions may allow you to submit additional materials with your letter of appeal, but it’s best to check with the specific college or university for their policy.
Conclusion
Writing a letter of appeal for reconsideration on admissions can be a challenging process, but it is an opportunity to provide new information that may have been overlooked in the initial application process. Use the above examples and tips to help you write an effective letter and remember to be polite, concise, and respectful in your tone.