I am aware of my academic underperformance last Fall and here are the main reasons for it and my plan to adjust and get through them. The first reason for my low performance has been my sleeping. Since beginning college sleeping has always been tough for me. I know most students do not get the sleep they want. However, for me, my sleep has been a medical issue. I do not only struggle with getting the sleep that I want but the sleep that I need on a consistent basis. I have seen multiple doctors for my sleep issue and it’s a work in progress. By that, I mean it defiantly has been improving since starting college but, there is still room for consistency. This relates to my underperformance because with many times not sleeping in a 24-hour period, sleeping deep into the afternoon, and struggling to wake up, it was very difficult to handle a full course load. I managed to get through it with a passing grade in my three other classes but I failed one. The class that I failed was most affected by my lack of sleep. I struggled to get up for class. Then as the missed days added up, it was harder to keep up with the workload. Then it got to a point during the semester where I knew I was not going to be able to pull off the passing grade. At that point, I finally admitted to myself that my sleep was affecting my academic performance. I then petitioned to withdrawal with my sleep being the medical reason however my petition was declined since it was so late in the semester. Even with my trouble sleeping, when I could barely open my eyes after getting an hour of sleep or being up for 24 hours, my goal was still to make it to class as often as I could. That is why it was only one class. The second reason for my low grades was due to my wheelchair. Since starting college my wheelchair has always had issues. Firstly, the repair company that services my chair placed a spare battery in my chair and that was a problem because it was the wrong one. While trying to fix my battery issue, it was cured for about a week and then it was back to giving me trouble. My motors were completely ruined as well. With both issues, I spent all the semester with only the ability to go from my dorm in Congreve to Diamond Library on a single charge, then I would have to charge up for an hour and a half before I could go that distance again. This relates to my academic performance because when my chair doesn’t work is it equivalent to an ambulatory person breaking both legs. I could not go anywhere when my chair was not working properly including my classes. Both my sleeping and wheelchair issues have played a major role in my underperformance.
However, I have a plan to not only avoid low grades but to achieve academic success. The first one is going from a four-class course load to three. I have noticed that I have always struggled with 4 classes and the only time that I have performed to satisfactory standards was when I took 3 classes. With the switch, I know I can handle that course load because I have before. Also, While I would take three courses, I would do so until I feel my sleeping is satisfactory, then move to four. In addition, since it was only one class that I failed and passed the other three shows I can handle a three- course schedule. I understand that might lead to me taking an extra semester or two, but I am just so committed to my academic success and getting it right. It was not until the middle of this semester that I finally decided that I wanted to be a psychologist. The second aspect of the plan has already been completed and that is getting a new wheelchair. I received it on the 22nd of December so it was an early Christmas present. With this chair, I can go 16 miles on a single charge and that alone solves all my wheelchair issues. I could drive from Durham to Portsmouth on a single charge. It comes with many other bells and whistles that make me more independent as well.
I not only have the motivation to continue my studies but the ability to achieve academic success. The only things that have been the reason for my low grades from the beginning are my sleeping and wheelchair issues. With my plan, I believe that it already improves my academic performance because with a chair up and running I can get to my classes every day. That’s the easiest way to succeed. Just showing up is the most important trait to succeed anywhere and now I can do so. Also, with a lower course load I can work on improving my sleep while having a schedule I can still complete.
My closing point is this. I understand the suspension, but I also believe your position is to do what is best not just me but for all students. In this situation, returning this Spring would be the best thing for me. It’s because I love school immensely and I want to be here learning. This University is the place where I want to say were the best years of my life. This University is my home and the last thing I want to do is leave it. In addition, with my adjustments, I can put them to use right now. I know what caused my academic underperformance and I know what will fix it and because of that, getting right back into the Spring semester is the best option. I know I can do this. I will do this given the opportunity to return. Thank you.
I would rearrange the two problems so that the wheelchair problem is first. The reason for that is that you have solved that problem. The sleeping issue is more of a concern because it doesn’t seem like you have solved that problem. Perhaps you could describe it as a medical problem that affects your sleeping, rather than a sleeping problem.
I also suggest shortening the letter. Figure out the word count and try to cut it in half.
Also use paragraphs. Good luck!
cut it by 80%.
- I know that I did not perform to my full ability.
- There are 2 reasons for that, both of which have now been resolved: 2.1 = Old wheelchair died during the term; now have new one 2.2 = Had medical sleeping issue, have worked with my Dr, here is a note saying we have the issue (mostly) under control
- My plan is: Spring term: take 3 courses, as it is clear that even with the above issues I could handle that. Summer: re-take failed course. Autumn term: 4 courses (with medical clearance) or 3 courses (if Dr recommends).
- I love university and am committed to succeeding.
Well, is your second post just the outline for your letter? Because the actual letter needs be written like a letter. You really should mention your actual medical diagnosis that causes you to sleep too much and discuss in a complete sentence the problem with your wheelchair.
@CheddarcheeseMN I believe that was someone else suggesting an outline.
Cut it by somewhere between 50 and 80 percent. Follow the outline that @collegemom3717 provided. Use separate paragraphs for each of the points in that outline. Keep it simple and straightforward [the KISS rule] and turn down the emotions.