How to write a readmission application letter?

Applying to College
1

So I withdrew from my university last semester and plan to go back this fall. On the paper for the application the guidelines are as follows:

Reason you withdrew:
Please support your request for readmission with a letter in proper format and signed by you that explains why you want to return to this university. You must include the following in your letter. 1) Describe what your academic goals will be when you return. 2) What steps have or will you take to ensure academic success. 3) Describe what you have been doing since you withdrew.

So far this is what I have come up with,

Dear Whomever this may concern,

After struggling through 2 semesters without financial aid following my academic suspension in the Spring of 2016, I choose to leave the university due to monetary reasons. Transitioning from the military into college was not as easy as I thought it was going to be, but I will do everything in my power to be a better student.

My academic goals for Slippery Rock is to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Geology. I have an extreme passion for the earth and environment, which is why I choose that major. After I achieve my academic goal of a bachelor’s degree, I plan on attending a graduate school focusing on Paleontology. Since I was a child I have always been fascinated with the environment, and being able to learn about it even further in school makes my life worth something. Upon returning to school I plan on starting a club/organization focusing on the environment and how we as humans can become sustainable and stop destroying our planet. I will achieve the goals I have set for myself through hard work, determination, and with the drive of passion.

For someone who has been out of school for 4 years, it was not easy adjusting to something as different as college. I have learned these past 3 semesters that having steps to ensure your success in school are a big aspect on how and if you are going to succeed. The biggest struggles I had during my downfall of school was financial problems, and time management. Making a schedule is huge and can be a huge step in helping you succeed, and having a strong personal responsibility by following your schedule and getting done what you need to will help everything fall in place. Setting goals is the best way I have found out to stay motivated with your course work, and to surround yourself with people who are in the same major as you. Other steps to take will involve reading the syllabus, not missing class, and seeing my professors during office hours to discuss any problems. I have made sure that before writing this readmission letter that I will be able financially to take care of all the costs of tuition and textbooks as I lacked the use of textbooks in the past 3 semesters. My mother has obtained a job in which she can help me out if I need it.

Since withdrawing from the university, I have made every effort to get my life on track. I have started working a fulltime job so that I will not be financially stressed during the next semester. I have been read a few books concerning my major since my withdrawal and plan to read a few more during this summer such as “Annals of the formal world”, and “The Sixth Extinction”. Other than working and reading my other activities include working out, staying healthy, and occasionally going to see my family at home. Lastly, Since my withdrawal I have made a schedule of each class I will be taking in every semester until I graduate, and what I need to do to bring my GPA above a 3.25.

Getting my financial situation under control is why I know I am going to succeed if given another chance to. I believe this path in my life chose me, and it would wouldn’t be right if I didn’t fulfill it. Environmental Geology is my life and I want to get my degree in it from Slippery Rock University. I have always lived by “It was not a mistake, just a life lesson.” I do not believe that my prior college grades are anywhere near my best, and that is why it is a lesson to do so much better when I return.

Sincerely,

2

any help would be appreciated

3

“I choose to leave the university due to monetary reasons” change choose -> chose

I would move your current third paragraph to be the second because telling the admissions staff how you will change is more important than your love of geology.

I would change sentences like this: “The biggest struggles I had during my downfall of school was financial problems, and time management.” Using the word downfall just sounds a bit strange. For example I would word it as "My financial situation and managing my time efficiently were the biggest challenges I had during my time at Slippery Rock, but since then I have matured and learned how to deal with them.

Here is how I would write the letter:

To whomever this may concern,

My name is XXX and I am hoping to apply for readmittance to Slippery Rock University. After struggling with time management issues during the Spring 2016 semester that lead to an academic suspension and subsequent loss of financial aid, I was forced to withdraw from the University. It was definitely a wakeup call for me to learn that the transition from the military into college was not as easy as I thought it was going to be, but the invaluable experience I gained from my short 3 semesters at Slippery Rock gave me a crucial opportunity to mature and figure out solutions to my issues. It is after careful thought and consideration that I believe myself ready and self-disciplined enough to rejoin the Slippery Rock community.

During my time at the University, I have learned the importance of keeping schedules, setting goals, and maintaining discipline. I have written a schedule of each class I hope to take for every semester until I graduate and have a clear plan to keep my GPA far above a 3.25. From my academic struggles, I have learned the importance of being proactive with my learning and seeking help from professors and peers when needed. In addition, I have pursued a fulltime job to help provide for my cost of attendence and worked hard to improve my work ethic. It was very humbling to be thrown into a position of financial insecurity and academic failure, and I am determine not to repeat my errors.

Environmental Geology has been a passion of mine for as long as I could remember and I couldn’t see myself doing anything other than it. Hopefully, one day I can extend my education to graduate school and Paleontology. I initially chose Slippery Rock as my University of choice because the program was exceptional and highly respected. I hope that you will consider allowing me to rejoin the program to achieve my dreams. I have been reading books such as “Annals of the Formal World” as well as “The Sixth Extinction” which have inspired me to start an organization focused on the environment and sustainability should I be readmitted.

I do not believe that the grades that I had before I withdrew represent who I am as a person. I truly believe that if you would give me the chance, I am able to become the level of student that the University prides itself in. Thank you so much for your consideration and I eagerly await your response.

Best Regards,

Just a suggestion for a letter. Good luck, and thank you for your service!

4

This letter is too long. Address it to the Dean in charge of readmitting students. Call and ask if you don’t know who that is. You need to be clearer:

This is why I messed up.
My goal is to earn a degree in ____________. I plan to do this by attending all classes, reading the syllabus, setting aside specific study time, going to professor office hours, visiting the tutoring center, joining study groups, and so on. I will aim for the highest grades possible. (Your sentence beginning “I have made sure…”.is fine.)
Should I find myself feeling overly stressed, I will schedule appointments at the counseling center. I will ensure my work schedule does not interfere with my academics. I will prirotize college over everything else.
Here are the steps I have taken to ensure I can stay at the university: State concisely how you will be able to maitain your schedule.
I am not wild about the final paragrpah where you say it wasn’t a mistake but a life lesson. It sounds as though yiu are being defensive, even if I get what you mean. I would say “I would be very grateful if you would allow me to complete my degree so I can being a succesful career. I very much appreciate you taking the time to read this. Please contact me if you have my questions.” Or something similar. Good luck.