Have you experienced a bad semester at school and are now facing the possibility of getting your financial aid suspended?
If your grades are suffering due to extenuating circumstances beyond your control, you may qualify to appeal the organization’s decision and still get financial aid in the future.
Unique Circumstances
Based on the specific reasons why you failed to meet the required academic standards and your unique circumstances, it may in your best interest to write a financial aid appeal letter in order to maintain your funding for school.
There are certain things your letter needs to point out and you’ll also need to provide evidence of your claims as well.
A well-written financial aid appeal should contain the following aspects for best results:
If you’re not really sure why you’re being denied financial aid, immediately contact your school’s financial aid office to find out the details surrounding your financial aid suspension before you write and submit your appeal letter.
First, explain why you were unable to meet your academic goals, which is reflecting in your grades. Keep in mind that simply not liking the class or the professor is not a good excuse.
Suitable circumstances that will likely be considered may involve more personal issues such as a serious accident, severe family problems, work-related issues, divorce, or severe physical or mental problems.
2. Back Up Your Claims
After justifying the reasons why you haven’t met your academic standards, you’ll likely need to provide all the necessary documentation and relevant information in order to support your position.
If your reasons are due to an injury or illness, provide the accident report or medical records from the proper sources. In the case of a divorce or a death in the family, submit a copy of the divorce decree or death certificate for proof.
If your job was very demanding in terms of working too many hours and you felt this was part of the reason why you fell behind in your grades, attach copies of your work schedule and/or pay stubs to support your claim.
3. Develop A Good Plan
Once you clearly justify why your grades have declined and provide the appropriate documentation to prove it, you need to demonstrate to the appeals committee that you have a strong course of action to improve your GPA in order to get back on track.
This plan may involve reducing how many credit hours you intend to enroll in every semester, enlisting the services of a tutor, or changing your major.
You can help build your case by asking your professors to write letters on your behalf to offer proof that you’re very serious about your academic studies and grades.
Lastly, end your letter by stating how upset you are about failing to meet the standard requirements along with the reasons why you weren’t able to achieve the minimum GPA.
Assure your school’s financial aid appeal committee that you have a good and solid plan to follow that will lead to success and put you back in their good graces.
Thank The Committee
Make sure you thank the committee for their consideration and time as well. Counselors are people too and they know that sometimes life just happens, even to the very best students.
Therefore, if you are totally honest and upfront concerning your situation and are 100 percent committed to your plan to redeem yourself, chances are the committee will seriously consider your financial aid appeal and your funding will be reinstated in the end.
Financial Aid Appeal Letter Sample
July 16, 2020
Stewart Benson
876536219 (student ID)
To whom it may concern:
On March 2, 2020, I was involved in a very serious car accident that left me with two broken ribs and a fractured leg.
I was in the hospital for a total of 15 days to recover and then performed physical therapy for seven weeks every day following my release from the hospital.
As you can imagine, this strongly inhibited my ability to attend all my classes and fulfill my academic obligation for the spring 2020 semester.
My present condition:
As of today, both my ribs and leg are almost completely healed and I feel great. I am also sure that I can continue with my studies as originally intended and continue to improve my overall academic progress as well.
I plan to re-register and repeat the classes that I failed in due to my accident. I also intend to take the workshop class that’s offered by the Academic Success Center.
I am going to use the library’s virtual assignment planner to help me keep on track and achieve all my academic goals. I have enclosed a copy of all my medical records relative to my accident as well as the accident report.
Thank you very much for your consideration and time. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
(sign your name here)
Stewart Benson
Financial Aid Appeal Letter Example
January 12, 2021
Maryland University
Attention: Mr. Don Snyder
P.O. Box 1000
Institute Drive, MD 21061
Dear Mr. Snyder:
My name is [Name], and I am writing this letter as part of my appeal to reinstate my financial aid.
On [Date], my father who was paying for my education died of heart failure. I have enclosed the medical documents and death certificate.
Because of this I had to work two jobs and struggled to complete classes during this past semester.
Consequently, my grades dropped and financial aid was revoked. While I respect the school’s decision regarding my grades, I need this financial support to continue completing my degree. Also, I got a tutor and believe my grades will be much better next semester.
Thank you very much for your consideration and time. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
(sign your name here)
[Your Printed Name]
[Student ID]
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