Getting a rejection letter from a college can feel discouraging, especially after all the time and effort you’ve put into your applications. But at times it is never the end of the road, as all hope is not lost. You may send an appeal letter for college and ask for reconsideration.
Remember this: most college admissions decisions are final and can’t be reconsidered. Schools like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, and many other major private universities, don’t allow appeals for any reason. So, if you get rejected from one of these schools, the best thing you can do is accept it and move on.
Public schools, like those in the University of California system, are more open to considering admissions appeals, but each school has its own policy. Be sure to check the admissions website or talk to an admissions rep to see if appealing is even an option. Sending an appeal to a school that doesn’t allow it is just a waste of time.
In this guide, you’ll find clear steps and strategies for writing a compelling appeal letter for college if you’ve been turned down during admissions. Keep in mind, though, that you should only appeal if you truly believe there’s a valid reason for the decision to be reviewed. Lastly, we provide an appeal letter template that you can use.
A college appeal letter is what you send to an admissions office when you’ve been denied acceptance, but believe there’s a valid reason for reconsideration. This letter might explain extenuating circumstances that impacted your academic performance or highlight errors in your transcripts. Since each college or university may have different guidelines for appealing an admissions decision, it’s crucial to understand their specific process before moving forward.
In some cases, yes, but it depends on a few factors. Some colleges don’t allow appeals for rejection decisions, while others do. Your first step after receiving a rejection letter should be to contact the admissions office to find out if and how you can appeal.
There are also a few things to consider before appealing, such as:
Before you begin the appeal process, reflect on these questions. The answers will help you build a stronger case for your appeal.
Before you start the appeal process, here’s what you should remember:
You should only send appeal letters to one or two of your top-choice schools, as your goal is to make a strong argument for why a specific school should reconsider your application. Remember that most colleges will only review an appeal if you have new information not included in your original application.
That said, we will divide the writing process into two sections:
The first section involves understanding the entire appeal process of the school you are sending the letter. This involves looking into the appeal guidelines, important dates, and basically all the necessary information you need in your appeal letter for college.
The second section covers the actual writing process. We’ll discuss the ideal format, content, and some tips for writing a knock-out appeal letter.
Before you start writing an appeal letter, it’s important to first understand the appeals process at the college you applied to. Some schools don’t offer an appeals process and those that do often have specific requirements and deadlines. Be sure to review the college’s admissions policies and appeal guidelines so you can follow the proper steps.
Take a moment to evaluate why you were rejected from the college. Was it due to lower grades, test scores, or not enough extracurriculars? Understanding what may have contributed to the decision will help you address these points in your appeal letter for college.
Sometimes, the college might provide a reason for the rejection, or if you have a good relationship with the admissions office, you could ask for feedback directly. However, it’s usually best not to call the admissions office without a specific contact person to reach out to for guidance.
When writing an appeal letter, think of it as advocating for yourself. First, understand why you’re appealing, then collect the necessary evidence to back up your claims. Before you begin drafting your letter, gather any additional documents that can strengthen your case. These might include:
The reason for your rejection will guide what you include in your appeal. For instance, if low grades were the issue but there were valid reasons for it, provide documentation supporting your situation.
Having a teacher or mentor support you during the appeals process can make a big impact. When you submitted your original application, you probably included a letter of recommendation. Now is a great time to reconnect with that teacher and ask if they would be willing to write another positive letter on your behalf.
If they’re comfortable, you can also ask them to provide their contact information in case the admissions committee has any follow-up questions. Just be sure to get their permission before sharing their contact details!
Writing an appeal letter can be an important step toward getting into your dream college. It’s your chance to explain your situation and ask the admissions committee to take another look at their decision. However, just listing your reasons might not be enough. To make your letter stand out, it’s important to organize it well, grab the reader’s attention, and present your points clearly and persuasively.
Once you’ve decided to appeal, it’s important to act quickly. Submitting your appeal promptly shows the university that you’re eager to attend and not just waiting on other schools. This can demonstrate that they’re your top choice. Plus, the admissions office is likely juggling deadlines and other planning tasks, so getting your information to them without delay is important.
If you’re sending your appeal directly rather than through an online form, consider sending it to department heads, the dean, and the admissions office. This way, key decision-makers will have your information as they review applications. Since admissions decisions are made on a tight schedule, it’s essential to provide everything they need as soon as possible.
Begin your appeal letter by addressing it to the correct person, such as the director of admissions or the admissions committee. If you’re unsure of the name, you can:
Once you have the right contact, start drafting your letter. While it’s understandable to feel upset after a rejection, especially from a top-choice school, try to keep emotions out of the letter. Instead, focus on being respectful and professional throughout.
Start your appeal letter for college with a short introduction, stating who you are and why you’re writing—to appeal the admissions decision. While you might want to highlight your strengths right away, remember that the admissions committee already has your application, including your essay.
They’re likely familiar with your name and profile, so it’s best to keep your introduction brief and professional. Aim for two to three sentences, allowing the rest of your letter to focus on the reasons for your appeal.
Clearly explain why you believe the college should reconsider its decision. Be honest about any challenges or extenuating circumstances that may have affected your academic performance or application.
If there are personal circumstances that impacted your ability to meet the university’s criteria, it’s important to address those in your appeal letter for college. For instance, if your rejection was due to a low GPA, but you had to miss classes because of an illness, explain that situation to the admissions team.
If an illness, learning disability, or other health issue affected your education, you can explain how you’ve managed it and why things would be different in college. Similarly, if a personal situation, like a family loss or a move, influenced your academic performance, you should mention that, too.
If you have documentation, such as a doctor’s note or a statement from a teacher, include it to support your case. Providing evidence, whether it’s about personal challenges or correcting academic errors, helps strengthen your appeal. Also, if you have a specific reason for wanting to attend this school, such as staying close to family or managing education costs, be sure to highlight that as well.
Remember, honesty is key in an appeal letter for college. Appeals should only be made for genuine reasons and aren’t a solution for every rejection. Be sure there’s a valid reason before moving forward with an appeal.
To strengthen your appeal, back up your reasons with solid evidence and supporting details. Include specific examples, achievements, and experiences that show your potential as a student and your dedication to academic success.
For instance, if a health issue caused you to miss classes or affected your grades, you could include a doctor’s note to support your case. Providing this type of documentation helps make your appeal more credible and shows you’re serious about addressing any challenges you faced.
Your appeal letter should get your message across without being too long or complicated. Admissions officers and decision-makers often have limited time, so it’s important to be direct and make your reasons for appealing easy to understand.
Make sure every sentence adds to your overall argument. Avoid going off on tangents or adding unnecessary details that might take away from your main points. Keeping it concise shows you respect the reader’s time and can improve your chances of your appeal being given serious attention.
Reaffirm your strong interest in attending the college and your commitment to being a positive addition to the campus community. Mention any specific programs, resources, or opportunities that align with your academic and personal goals to show why the school is the right fit for you.
Clearly ask for your application to be reconsidered and express your hope for a favorable outcome.
Wrap up your letter by thanking the admissions committee for the opportunity to appeal and for taking the time to review your request.
Based on what we have discussed above, here’s an appeal letter sample that you can send to the school’s admissions team:
2458 Oakwood Lane
San Francisco, CA 94110
University of California, Los Angeles
405 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Dear Dr. Emily Rhodes,
I am writing to appeal the admissions decision regarding my application to UCLA. I am deeply interested in attending UCLA and feel that there are aspects of my application that warrant further consideration.
The main reason for my appeal is that my academic performance has improved since I first applied. Earlier in the year, my family went through a difficult period as we relocated to help care for my father, who was recovering from a serious health condition. This move affected my ability to fully focus on my studies, and at the time of my application, my GPA stood at 3.1. However, since settling into a more stable routine, I have been able to refocus on my academics, and my GPA has now risen to 3.5.
In addition to this, I have recently taken on leadership roles in two extracurricular activities: the Robotics Club and the Environmental Awareness Society. I have also received a merit-based scholarship that can be applied to any university, and UCLA remains my top choice. I am committed to attending if admitted, as UCLA offers the academic programs I am passionate about, a vibrant campus culture, and proximity to my family, which is important to me during this challenging time.
I have attached my updated transcripts, details about my scholarship, and a letter from my guidance counselor explaining my situation in further detail. I sincerely hope you will reconsider my application, as I am very eager to become a part of the UCLA community.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Appealing might work depending on the university, but it’s not guaranteed. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan in case the appeal doesn’t go your way. That doesn’t mean you’re giving up on getting in, but while you’re waiting for a response, it’s helpful to think about other options. Waiting for a response to your appeal letter for college can be stressful, so having alternate plans can keep you busy and give you something positive to focus on.
During this time, you can explore other colleges where you’ve been accepted or look into schools you’re still interested in and may have time to apply to. Take this chance to figure out what other options might be a good fit and research if needed.
In an appeal letter for college, you’ll want to explain why you’re asking the school to reconsider. Share any new information, like improved grades or personal circumstances that may have affected your original application. Be sure to include any supporting documents, like updated transcripts or recommendation letters. Finally, express your continued interest in the school and your hope for a positive response. Keep it clear and to the point.
An appeal letter for college should be about one page. Keep it short and to the point, while clearly explaining your situation and reasons for the appeal. You don’t need to go overboard—just stick to the important details.
You should send an appeal letter to one or two of your top-choice schools. It’s best to focus on the colleges where you have the strongest reasons for appeal, rather than trying to appeal everywhere.
Getting a rejection from your dream college is never easy. The immediate reaction is to feel bad or move on right away. However, it is not always the end of the road. Some schools accept appeal letters so you can request for reconsideration.
