I am writing to appeal my dismissal from Lindenwood University-Belleville. I had a rough second year at Lindenwood, with a GPA of a 1.8 (failing) due to several deaths in my family and depression following these hardships. I had a total of 3 deaths in my family within a time frame of 2-3 months. My grandmother, and 2 close cousins which were sudden deaths. Due to the deaths in my family I had to return home to Arkansas immediately on short notice, preventing me from attending class for long periods of time. I should have sought help and accommodations.
However, my first year attending Lindenwood I achieved a GPA of at least a 3.2. I achieved this by hard work, meeting in study groups, and dedication to putting my education before everything in my life. I am hoping that my GPA from my first year demonstrates that I am hardworking and knows how to succeed. I am also hoping that you all will give me another chance to display this dedication to pursue my dreams and continue my education at Lindenwood University.
One of the best I’ve seen. Short to the point, no excuses, just an appeal for mercy. You have me convinced.
Thank you so much!
Yeah, it is good, although I am wondering if you were on probation before you were dismissed. If you had two bad below 2.0 semesters in a row someone would wonder why you didn’t make some changes after the first one.
Hi, I was recently placed on Academic dismissal from my University. I was wondering if my appeal is okay. Is there anything I need to add or take out?
I am writing to appeal my dismissal from ********** University. I had a rough second year at *******, with a GPA of a 1.8 (failing) due to several deaths in my family and depression following these hardships. I had a total of 3 deaths in my family within a time frame of 2-3 months. My grandmother, and 2 close cousins which were sudden deaths. Due to the deaths in my family I had to return home to Arkansas immediately on short notice, preventing me from attending class for long periods of time. I should have sought help and accommodations.
However, my first year attending ********** I achieved a GPA of at least a 3.2. I achieved this by hard work, meeting in study groups, and dedication to putting my education before everything in my life. I am hoping that my GPA from my first year demonstrates that I am hardworking and knows how to succeed. I am also hoping that you all will give me another chance to display this dedication to pursue my dreams and continue my education at ********** University.
A successful appeal must do several things:
- show that you understand what went wrong
- show that you take responsibility for the academic failures
- show that you have a plan for future academic success
- in a broad sense, show that you are being honest with yourself and the committee
Here are some examples:
Some of this is general, and some specific to your situation.
- search this topic on CC and you will see many other posts on academic appeals
- Make sure your letter states what the issue was that caused you to have academic difficulties
- Did you talk to your professors/dean of students about the issue?
- Did you make use of the many resources your school has? if not, why not?
- Find out what those resources are…e.g. counseling center, talking to professors, talking to your adviser, withdrawing from class, talking to dean, maybe taking incompletes, BE SPECIFIC
- State how you would use those in the future
- How are you addressing what caused the issue?
- Think about if you should continue at college, or take a break.
In general, keep in mind what the college wants…they want students who can succeed. They need to know that you understand what the issue was, know now the resources that you can use, how the problems is resolved so you will not have academic issues in the future.
So in your case I see some issues:
- You got a 1.8 over two semesters. After the first semester, why didn’t you do something different?
- “I should have sought help and accomodations” What specifically are these at your school?
"Specifically, I should have gone to the Dean of Students and discussed what was happening. I should have also notified my teachers as to my situation. I realize now that withdrawing from a class or taking an incomplete may have helped me have better success. - You could also add specifically what you will do now. Do you need to retake some classes?
Are there other things you could do?
See this link for other ways to get help…make them specific to your college. http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1920853-college-is-a-step-up-from-hs-16-tips-on-doing-well-in-college.html
You mention you suffered from depression which indicates an issue that was medically diagnosed. Were you treated for that by a professional? If so I’d add a sentence about it.