I will try to keep this post as brief as possible while including the relevant information. I am currently studying abroad on a full scholarship through the U.S. Department of State. Our program is a gap year program, with only participating students who graduated in the spring or summer of 2015. It is marketed as a “13th year abroad”. I knew when I accepted this scholarship I might have to forfeit scholarship monies previously won (I have and I feel it is a small price to pay). I do not feel “the system is screwing me”; I understand rules are rules so I am not complaining but rather looking for advice on how to best proceed with the appeal.
Last year I applied to colleges as a senior and also applied for this program. I did not apply for any of the colleges from the full tuition/full ride list but rather formulated my own list. I have come to realize after more research that I would like to have the option to attend one of these automatic full ride schools (my current list includes a mix of other options as well). I applied to Southeast Missouri State University and after admittance was mailed a transfer student packet. I emailed back inquiring why I was mailed the transfer student packet, as I thought that I fit the freshman requirements. From what I can find on their website (and please feel free to correct me if I am wrong), I did not see that students were required to graduate in 2016. Additionally, I only have 9 transfer credits through dual-enrollment classes at my high school. I have not, and will not, take any college courses during this year.
After submitting supporting documentation, it was determined that I am a freshman student, but am not eligible for any scholarships because the university was not notified of the exchange program beforehand. To me, the thing that is frustrating and confusing is that I am allowed to apply as a freshman but I am not allowed to apply for freshman scholarships. I was told I could appeal this decision.
I know this is a specific situation for a specific school, but I am looking for general advice as to points to include in an appeal letter (I am really unsure of where to begin) or anyone who has had experience with applying to colleges and financial aid during a gap year. Have other gap year students who apply to a new list of colleges run into this problem? After what I believed was growing support for gap years, I did not know that colleges would exclude gap year students from freshman scholarships (unless they took classes during their gap year). It would even be helpful if you agree with the college to explain why, as I have not received much clarification from the admissions office.
I am not very hopeful that I will be successful, but I feel I should try because there is no harm done. If this does not work out, I will just keep moving forward with other options. Thank you very much in advance for your help.