Spencer Lanoue
Writing an appeal letter to a college can be a nerve-wracking task. Whether your application was denied or you’re hoping to contest a grade, the stakes feel high, and the pressure to get it right can be overwhelming. In this post, I'll guide you through the process of crafting a compelling appeal letter that can help you present your case effectively.
Understanding What an Appeal Letter Is
An appeal letter is essentially your chance to make your case. It's a formal request to reconsider a decision that the college has made, whether it's about admission, financial aid, or an academic decision. The goal is to provide new information or context that wasn't available when the original decision was made. Think of it as a second chance to tell your story.
When to Write an Appeal Letter
First things first: timing is everything. You should only write an appeal letter if you truly believe there’s new information or a compelling reason for the college to reconsider. This could be due to personal circumstances, errors in your application, or new achievements. However, if you’re simply unhappy with the decision but have no new information to provide, you might need to accept the outcome.
What to Include in Your Appeal Letter
Your appeal letter needs to be clear, concise, and well-organized. Here’s a basic structure to follow:
Introduction: Start by clearly stating the purpose of your letter. Mention the decision you’re appealing and briefly state why you believe it should be reconsidered.
Body: This is where you’ll provide the details. Explain any new information or context that supports your case. Be factual and avoid emotional language.
Conclusion: Wrap up by reiterating your request and expressing your gratitude for their time and consideration.
Mistakes to Avoid
Before diving into writing, let’s talk about some common pitfalls. Avoid these, and you’ll be well on your way to a strong appeal letter:
Overly Emotional Language: While it’s natural to feel emotional, keep your tone professional and objective.
Lack of Specificity: Be clear and specific about why you’re appealing and what new information you’re providing.
Failure to Follow Guidelines: Some colleges have specific procedures or formats for appeals. Make sure you follow them to the letter.
Crafting a Strong Introduction
The introduction sets the tone for your entire letter, so it’s crucial to get it right. You want to grab the reader’s attention and clearly state your purpose.
How to Start Your Letter
Begin with a respectful salutation and quickly get to the point. If you know the name of the person handling appeals, use it. If not, “To Whom It May Concern” will do, though it’s less personal.
Here’s an example of a strong opening:
Dear [Admissions Committee/Specific Person's Name],
I am writing to appeal the recent decision regarding my application for admission to [College Name]. I understand that there are many factors that go into making such decisions, and I appreciate the time and effort that the committee has already invested.
Stating Your Intent
Clearly state what decision you are appealing and why. Keep it brief but informative. Here’s how you might continue:
I am appealing the decision based on some new information that I believe could impact the committee's view on my application.
Building the Body of Your Letter
The body of your appeal letter is where you provide the meat of your argument. This is your chance to present new information or clarify any misunderstandings.
Presenting New Information
If you have new achievements, awards, or circumstances that weren’t included in your original application, this is the place to mention them. Be specific and factual.
New Achievements: If you’ve recently received awards or accolades, mention how they reflect your skills or dedication.
Personal Circumstances: If personal issues affected your original application, explain them here. Be honest but concise.
Clarifications: If there were errors or misunderstandings in your original application, clarify them.
Using Facts and Evidence
Back up your claims with evidence. This could be in the form of letters of recommendation, certificates, or documentation of your circumstances.
Since submitting my application, I have been awarded the [Name of Award], which recognizes outstanding achievement in [Field]. This accolade underscores my commitment to [Relevant Field].
Maintaining a Professional Tone
Keep your language professional and avoid coming across as confrontational or defensive. Remember, you’re asking for reconsideration, not demanding it.
Concluding Your Appeal
The conclusion of your appeal letter is your final chance to make an impression. Reiterate your main points and express gratitude for the committee’s time.
Wrapping Up Your Letter
Summarize your key points succinctly and reiterate your request for reconsideration. Thank the committee for their time and consideration.
I am grateful for the opportunity to provide this additional information and respectfully request that my application be reconsidered. Thank you for your time and understanding.
Adding a Polite Closing
End with a professional closing statement, such as “Sincerely,” followed by your signature. Ensure your contact information is easily accessible if they need to reach you.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Real-Life Examples and Templates
Sometimes, seeing a full example can make things clearer. Here are a couple of real-life examples and templates to guide you.
Example 1: Appealing an Admission Decision
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to appeal the decision to deny my admission to [College Name]. Since submitting my application, I have achieved significant milestones that I believe merit reconsideration. I was recently awarded the [Name of Award] for excellence in [Field], and I have completed an internship that provided me with hands-on experience in [Relevant Field].
I understand the competitive nature of the admissions process, but I hope this new information demonstrates my commitment and potential contribution to [College Name]. I appreciate your time and consideration in reviewing my appeal.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Example 2: Appealing a Financial Aid Decision
Dear Financial Aid Office,
I am writing to appeal the recent decision regarding my financial aid package. Due to unforeseen circumstances, my family’s financial situation has changed since the submission of my initial application. I have attached documentation that outlines these changes.
I am committed to attending [College Name] and believe that, with adjusted financial aid, I will be able to contribute meaningfully to the campus community. I sincerely appreciate your time and consideration in reviewing this appeal.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
The Importance of Proofreading
Before you send off your appeal letter, take the time to proofread. A well-written letter can make all the difference.
Tips for Proofreading
- Read Aloud: Hearing your words can help catch errors you might miss when reading silently.
- Get a Second Opinion: Have someone else read your letter. A fresh pair of eyes can spot mistakes you’ve overlooked.
- Check for Clarity: Make sure your points are clear and concise. Avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complex sentences.
Using Tools to Assist
Spellcheck tools can catch basic errors, but they’re no substitute for careful proofreading. For more advanced editing, consider using services like Spell. Spell can help you quickly draft your appeal letter, refine your wording, and even check for tone and clarity—all within minutes. It's an AI-powered document editor that makes the process faster and more intuitive.
Formatting Tips
The appearance of your appeal letter is just as important as its content. A well-formatted letter can make a positive impression.
Layout and Design
- Font and Size: Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial in 12-point size.
- Margins: Keep margins at 1 inch on all sides.
- Spacing: Use single spacing within paragraphs and double spacing between them.
- Alignment: Align your text to the left.
Including Attachments
If you have supporting documents, mention them in your letter and label your attachments clearly. For example, “Please find attached a copy of my award certificate.”
Understanding the Appeal Process
Before submitting your letter, familiarize yourself with the college's specific appeal process. Different institutions have different procedures, and following them is crucial for your appeal to be considered.
Typical Steps
- Research: Look up the college’s appeal guidelines. This might be on their website or in the decision letter you received.
- Submission: Follow the instructions for submitting your appeal. This could be via email, online portal, or mail.
- Follow-Up: After submitting, you may need to follow up to confirm receipt. Be polite and patient during this process.
Final Thoughts
Writing an appeal letter for college can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can present a compelling case. Remember to be clear, concise, and professional. With tools like Spell, you can easily draft and refine your letter to increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Good luck!
