Hello guys, recently I have already submitted my appeal letter to UCB, and I was wondering if I can get some feedback if it’s good or not;
Dear Sir or Madam:
A few weeks ago, I was rejected from UC Berkeley. I realize the admission standards are extremely high but I have new information that was not mentioned in my original application which may change this decision. Because I do not like to ask for special treatment, my original application made no mention of my diagnosis of autism. For that reason I am asking that you please reconsider.
As an autistic student in the mainstream German class of Mr. Francis Nieman I grew tremendously as a learner. He spoke of his own collegiate experience at Berkeley, and of the adjustments he made in order to handle the rigorous coursework. He told of historic buildings and walkways, and of the famous scientists he met there: George C. Pimentel and Glenn T. Seaborg. He graduated with “Academic Distinction” and is now a published author. His story moves me to fulfill my dream of studying Dutch at Berkeley and become language-translator.
In addition to expecting the best from me, Mr. Nieman also increased my awareness of social interactions. I strove to become an asset to my peers and signs of autism began to fade. I was then motivated to explore additional languages and worked to gain a basic understanding of Russian and Latin. Through this I gained greater appreciation of different cultures. Recently this has evolved into a love of literature to improve my communication skills in both speaking and writing. I’ve read The Great Gatsby, Death of a Salesman, Beowulf, Hamlet, and Heart of Darkness to analyze and interpret the significance of literary devices and central themes. Currently I am reading Crime and Punishment, which draws interesting parallels to my own life. Like the protagonist I also grew up with challenges that I could not avoid. I was the child of a gambling-addict and now live in a poor, single-parent family. I have been bullied very publicly because I am different. Unlike the character I chose to respond positively to these things. I am driven to become successful and ambitious. In fact, though I am not enrolled in AP English Literature, I’m determined to teach myself its content, and will take and pass the AP Literature exam this year. I have also published works of poetry on my website because I enjoy continually pushing myself to reach new academic heights.
Despite having been rejected UCB strongly lingers in my mind. I will miss my mother when I go away to college, but she fully supports my goals to study there. Though I wish I did not have this diagnosis and did not need special consideration, I am making peace with autism and my status as a student who has an Individualized Education Plan. UCB is my top school of choice, and I hope you will reconsider and invite me to join your freshman class this fall. I believe I have much to offer you. I hope you will reconsider my application.
Humbly,
my name…
