How Does My SAP Appeal Letter Look?
Question by cherricakes: How does my SAP Appeal Letter look?
I’m writing an appeal to receive my financial aid again. Not sure how well I worded this.
Explain in detail the circumstances that caused your lack of satistactory academic progress (4000 Characters
My name is ___ and I am submitting a letter of appeal to suspend my ineligibility for financial aid. I did not maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress during the 2011-2012 academic year and I take full responsibility for not doing so. I am appealing my ineligibility due to chaotic living conditions with my family and the unfortunate loss of my stepfather. These circumstances have resulted in my absence and withdrawal from classes.
During the 2011-2012 school year, I lived with my mother, a full-time nurse who has been undergoing alcoholism and addiction to crack cocaine my entire life and my older sister, who became pregnant. Due to my poor finances distance grew between my family and I. After an auto accident in 2011, that left my car totaled, I relied on my mother and her car to make the commute from my home in Fontana to Riverside. However, issues over transportation arose as my mother refused to help me any longer, consumed by her own personal problems. Things worsened further following the death of my stepfather in January of 2012. I rearranged my class schedule in order to support my mother who feared being in the house alone. I found myself overwhelmed after the loss; I felt guilty and absolutely miserable, especially when my family was unable to attend his home going service. The grief from my stepfather’s death and the stress from the constant arguing with my mother consumed me. Some days I felt I had no reason to get out of bed. My grades began to plummet as I missed classes to tend to my mother or days when I had absolutely no transportation. My mother’s addictions and our head butting came to the point where she refused to take me to school the day of a midterm. I became the black sheep of my family when the news of my sister’s pregnancy and the return of my grandmother. My family disapproved of my sexuality and lifestyle. It was made clear that unless I lived my life how they wanted, I would not have any support from them. By the time spring finals came around, I was homeless with no job, no money and no one to help. I was beyond stressed and it took its toll not only on my education, but my mental and physical health as well. At the end of my sophomore year, I’d lost over 20 pounds and sought help from the school physician to alleviate migraines due to stress.
It is also critical to explain what changes you made to ensure your academic success in the coming year
Though it seems I hit rock bottom during last school year, I have no inentions of giving up on myself. Since the school year has ended, I’ve moved to Perris to live with my father in much better conditions. I recently found a part-time job to support myself and also received a car to ensure I can get back and forth to school. I have rediscovered my motivation and my educational and career goals are very clear. I have already began to reviewing materials for my upcoming fall classes and have made arrangements to meet with a tutor if need be. Next quarter I plan to keep my education my first priority and not only meet SAP requirements but exceed them.
Best answer:
Answer by Rustic B
Your appeal would be stronger if you could cite prior evidence of academic success. In other words, you can demonstrate that you haven’t been a mediocre student your whole life.
Answer by CheekyBabe
I agree with the answer above because it’s one thing to say that you will do better but it’s another to prove that previous to your college career, you were a good student.
Oh, and I would change the word “undergoing” in the first sentence to “suffering” just because I think it makes more sense that way. Other than that, the letter is really well written.
Good luck and I hope you get your financial aid reinstated!
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
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