How to Write an Appeal Letter for College Admission (with Template)

An appeal letter for college admission is a letter written by a college applicant whose admission was denied, with the purpose of requesting reconsideration for admission. Writing an appeal letter for admission to your dream college doesn’t need to be complicated. It requires you to take some initial steps before you write and demonstrate your case for reconsideration. Write to the admissions office and the dean of the college you wish to attend.

This article will explain how to write your appeal letter and provide a format for your letter.

• Know your college’s appeal process. Some colleges refuse to take admissions appeals, while others provide a form you must complete to request an appeal. Before you begin an appeal letter, learn your college’s appeal process. You may be able to find this information online at the college’s website. You can also call the admissions office at your target college.
• Submit your appeal as soon as possible. It is easy to be discouraged when you receive a letter letting you know you haven’t been accepted into your dream college’s next freshman class. But it is important to act on the appeal process as soon as you can if you are determined to attend your target college.
• Write your letter. This is your entrance into the adult world and your battle to fight. Although advice from parents and teachers is helpful, colleges generally dismiss appeal letters written by parents or teachers.
• Provide specific details. Most successful college admission appeals occur for one of two reasons: 1) your original application contained some error, or 2) definitive changes have occurred since you applied, such as you retook a standardized test and scored significantly higher.
• Verify any changes to your application. If you have retaken the SAT and scored significantly higher, write this information in your letter and provide a copy of your scores. If you have recently won an award, make this clear and include a copy of an award certificate if possible.
• If you choose to provide personal information, do so convincingly. You may have a compelling need to go to college in a specific location. For instance, if your financial situation is such that you need to remain at home to attend college, mention your dedication to your education and financial need.
• Enclose letters of recommendation. If you scored low in mathematics but quite high in English, ask your English teacher to verify your potential as an educator or writer – whatever your goal may be. Sometimes a letter of recommendation can tip the appeal in your favor. This is one place in the appeal process that help can be useful.
• Demonstrate your commitment to attending. If you are certain you will attend the college if you are accepted, let the college know. If you don’t need financial assistance to attend, include this information. These details may help your appeal.
• Write your appeal letter in a professional format. How you write is as important as what you write. Format your content correctly and write in a professional tone. The college wants to know why you should be reconsidered, but not how awful you feel for not being chosen for their next freshman class. Proofread your letter several times for errors, and have others proofread your letter. Be sure it is polished and professional.
• Keep your other options open. Ideally, your appeal will be considered, and you will be admitted to your target college. But remember that successful appeals are rare. You may need to get a great freshman year behind you at another college and apply for a transfer the next year.

Appeal Letter for College Admission (Word Template)

• Know your college’s appeal policy and write promptly. Write your own letter.
• Explain why your appeal should be considered clearly.
• Provide proof in the form of awards, test scores, or letters of recommendation.
• Demonstrate your commitment to attending.
• Write your appeal letter in a professional format like the one above.