Receiving a lower grade than you expected can be frustrating, especially when you believe you deserve better.
If you find yourself in this situation, one step you can take is to write a letter of appeal to your professor or the appropriate department head.
A well-written appeal letter can make a significant difference in getting your grade changed.
But crafting an effective appeal letter isn’t always easy. You need to present your case, respectfully, and convincingly.
To help guide you through this process, we’ve compiled 15 sample letters that demonstrate various approaches to appealing a grade.
Keep reading to see how you can make your case and potentially improve your academic record.
Sample Letters of Appeal for Change of Grade
Below are 15 sample letters you can use as a starting point when writing your appeal for a grade change:
Letter 1: Appeal Based on Inaccurate Grading
Dear Professor Johnson,
I am writing to appeal the grade I received on the mid-term exam in your Introduction to Psychology course. After reviewing my exam and comparing my answers to the answer key, I believe there may have been an error in the grading of question 12.
According to the answer key, the correct answer to question 12 was “c) Operant conditioning.” However, I selected the option “b) Classical conditioning” and my answer was marked incorrect. I respectfully suggest that both answers could be considered correct, as the scenario described in the question involved elements of both classical and operant conditioning.
I would greatly appreciate if you could review question 12 and reconsider the grading. If my answer is deemed correct, I calculate that my exam score would increase from an 88% to a 92%. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter 2: Appeal for Reconsideration Due to Extenuating Circumstances
Dear Dr. Williams,
I am reaching out concerning my final grade in your Organic Chemistry II course. As you may recall, I missed the final exam due to a severe case of the flu that required hospitalization. While I was able to provide a doctor’s note and make up the exam, I don’t believe my performance accurately reflected my understanding of the material.
In the weeks leading up to my illness, I consistently scored above 90% on all assignments and quizzes. I had also been actively participating in class discussions and felt confident in my grasp of the concepts. However, the physical and mental strain of my illness significantly impacted my ability to perform at my usual level on the make-up exam.
I would be immensely grateful if you could consider my circumstances and reevaluate my final grade based on my performance throughout the semester. I am more than willing to discuss this further in person or provide any additional documentation needed.
Thank you for your understanding,
[Your Name]
Letter 3: Appeal for Extra Credit Opportunity
Dear Professor Thompson,
I hope this email finds you well. I am a student in your Introduction to Computer Science course and I am writing to discuss the possibility of an extra credit assignment to boost my grade.
Throughout the semester, I have consistently submitted all assignments on time and actively participated in class. However, I struggled with the most recent project which significantly impacted my overall grade. I take full responsibility for not seeking help earlier when I encountered difficulties.
I am deeply committed to mastering the course material and improving my performance. Would it be possible to complete an additional programming assignment or project to demonstrate my understanding and potentially raise my grade? I am open to any suggestions you may have and I am willing to put in the extra time and effort required.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your response and the opportunity to further discuss how I can improve my standing in your course.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Letter 4: Appeal Based on Inconsistent Grading Criteria
Dear Dr. Anderson,
I am writing concerning the essay grade I received in your Modern American Literature course. After comparing my essays with those of my peers, I noticed significant discrepancies in the grading criteria applied.
In the rubric provided, one of the key components was the incorporation of secondary sources. My essay included five peer-reviewed journal articles, which I thought exceeded the expectations outlined. However, I received a lower grade than my classmates who used fewer sources and did not always cite them correctly.
Additionally, the feedback I received focused heavily on minor grammatical issues rather than the content and analysis, which made up a larger portion of the rubric. I would appreciate if you could clarify the grading criteria and reconsider my essay grade in light of this information.
I am happy to meet with you to discuss my concerns in more detail. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for all the valuable knowledge I have gained in your course.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter 5: Appeal for Retake Due to Technical Difficulties
Dear Professor Rodriguez,
I am reaching out regarding the online final exam in your Principles of Marketing course. During the exam, I experienced significant technical issues that prevented me from completing the test within the designated timeframe.
About 30 minutes into the exam, my internet connection became unstable and I was repeatedly logged out of the testing platform. I tried troubleshooting the issue but was unable to regain a consistent connection. As a result, I was only able to answer a portion of the questions before time ran out, even though I had prepared thoroughly and was confident in my knowledge of the material.
I have documented the technical issues and would be grateful if you could allow me to retake the exam. I understand the importance of fair testing conditions and I assure you that this request is not an attempt to gain any undue advantage. I am simply hoping for an opportunity to demonstrate my mastery of the course content.
Thank you for your consideration and your engaging instruction throughout the semester.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Letter 6: Appeal for Partial Credit on Exam Questions
Dear Dr. Patel,
I am writing to request a review of my grade on the recent midterm exam in your Calculus II course. While I understand that I made some errors in my solutions, I believe that I should have received partial credit on several questions where my approach was correct but my final answer was not.
For example, on question 7, I correctly applied the chain rule and product rule to differentiate the given function. However, I made a minor arithmetic error when simplifying my final answer. Although my answer was not fully correct, I demonstrated a clear understanding of the concepts tested.
Similarly, on question 10, I set up the correct integral and used the appropriate substitution method. Yet, I lost points for a small sign error in my intermediate step, even though the rest of my solution was valid.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could reevaluate my exam and consider awarding partial credit where appropriate. I am committed to learning from my mistakes and improving my problem-solving skills.
Thank you for your time and attention,
[Your Name]
Letter 7: Appeal for Retroactive Withdrawal Due to Medical Issues
Dear Academic Appeals Committee,
I am writing to request a retroactive withdrawal from my spring semester courses due to unexpected medical issues. In early March, I was diagnosed with a serious illness that required immediate treatment and hospitalization.
Due to the sudden onset of my condition and the intensive treatment regimen, I was unable to complete the formal withdrawal process before the deadline. As a result, I received failing grades in all of my courses, which has significantly impacted my academic record and GPA.
Attached to this letter, you will find documentation from my healthcare providers detailing my diagnosis, treatment plan, and the limitations I faced during that time. I would be immensely grateful if you could consider my extenuating circumstances and grant me a retroactive withdrawal for the spring semester.
I take my academic responsibilities very seriously and this request is not made lightly. I am eager to return to my studies and continue making progress towards my degree.
Thank you for your understanding and consideration,
[Your Name]
Letter 8: Appeal for Reconsideration of Final Project Grade
Dear Professor Chen,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to discuss the grade I received on my final project in your User Experience Design course. After reviewing the feedback provided, I believe that some key aspects of my project may have been overlooked or misinterpreted.
In the project rubric, a significant portion of the grade was allocated to usability testing and iterating based on user feedback. As outlined in my project report, I conducted extensive usability tests with 15 participants and made several rounds of revisions based on their input. However, the feedback I received on this section was minimal and did not seem to fully account for the effort and improvements made.
Additionally, I noticed that some of the positive aspects of my project, such as the innovative navigation solution and accessible design features, were not mentioned in the evaluation. These elements required substantial research and planning, and I believe they contributed significantly to the overall quality and effectiveness of my final product.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could take another look at my project and reconsider the grade in light of this information. I am also open to further discussing my work and the evaluation criteria to ensure that I fully understand your expectations and can learn from this experience.
Thank you for your time and for the valuable insights you have shared throughout the course.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Letter 9: Appeal for Incomplete Grade Due to Family Emergency
Dear Dr. Johnson,
I am reaching out to discuss my current standing in your Introduction to Sociology course and to request an incomplete grade for the semester. Over the past few weeks, I have been dealing with a family emergency that has significantly impacted my ability to keep up with my coursework.
My father was recently hospitalized with a serious illness and I have been traveling back and forth to be with my family and help with his care. As a result, I have fallen behind on several assignments and was unable to adequately prepare for the final exam.
I am committed to completing the course requirements and I am confident that I can do so with a bit more time. Would it be possible to receive an incomplete grade and establish a plan for finishing the remaining work over the summer? I understand that this is a significant request and I am willing to provide any necessary documentation to support my case.
Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time. Your flexibility and compassion are deeply appreciated.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter 10: Appeal for Grade Review on Group Project
Dear Professor Patel,
I am writing on behalf of myself and my group members in your Business Ethics course regarding the grade we received on our final project. We believe that there may have been a misunderstanding or miscommunication about the project requirements and grading criteria that unfairly impacted our evaluation.
In the project guidelines, it was stated that the presentation component would account for 30% of the overall grade. However, in the feedback we received, it seems that a much larger emphasis was placed on the visual elements of the presentation, rather than the content and analysis, which we believe were the primary focus of the assignment.
Additionally, we were marked down for not including certain case studies and examples, but these were not explicitly mentioned in the project instructions or rubric. We based our approach on the information provided and feel that we should not be penalized for not including elements that were not communicated.
We would greatly appreciate if you could review our project and the grading criteria to ensure that our work is being evaluated fairly and consistently. If there were any misunderstandings on our part, we are more than willing to discuss and clarify to ensure that we are meeting your expectations.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
[Your Name], on behalf of [Group Members’ Names]
Letter 11: Appeal for Extra Credit Assignment to Boost Grade
Dear Dr. Thompson,
I hope this email finds you well. I am a student in your Introduction to Philosophy course and I am writing to inquire about the possibility of completing an extra credit assignment to improve my grade.
Throughout the semester, I have been consistently engaged in class discussions and have put significant effort into understanding the course material. However, I struggled with some of the more abstract concepts on the midterm exam, which negatively impacted my overall grade.
I take full responsibility for my performance and I am committed to mastering the content and improving my skills in philosophical analysis. I was wondering if there might be an opportunity to complete an additional written assignment or presentation to demonstrate my understanding and potentially raise my grade.
I understand that offering extra credit is at your discretion and I respect your decision either way. I simply wanted to reach out and express my dedication to learning and my willingness to put in additional work to succeed in your course.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and for the thought-provoking discussions you facilitate in each class.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Letter 12: Appeal for Grade Review on Capstone Project
Dear Dr. Davis,
I am reaching out to discuss the grade I received on my senior capstone project in your Mechanical Engineering course. After reviewing the feedback provided, I believe that some key aspects of my project may have been misinterpreted or undervalued.
In the project rubric, a significant portion of the grade was allocated to the design process and justification of design choices. As outlined in my project report, I conducted extensive research, explored multiple design options, and provided a detailed rationale for each decision made. However, the feedback I received suggested that my design process was not thoroughly explained, despite the in-depth information provided in my documentation.
Additionally, I believe that the innovative aspects of my project, such as the use of sustainable materials and optimized energy efficiency, may not have been fully considered in the grading. These elements required substantial research and experimentation, and I feel they contributed significantly to the overall impact and relevance of my project within the field of mechanical engineering.
I would greatly appreciate if you could review my project documentation again and reconsider the grade in light of this additional context. I am also open to further discussing my work and the evaluation criteria to ensure that I fully understand your expectations and can learn from this experience as I prepare to enter the workforce.
Thank you for your time, and for the guidance and support you have provided throughout my academic journey.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter 13: Appeal for Grade Review on Research Paper
Dear Professor Johnson,
I am writing to request a review of the grade I received on my research paper in your Developmental Psychology course. While I respect your evaluation and feedback, I believe that some important aspects of my work may have been overlooked or misinterpreted.
In the assignment guidelines, it was emphasized that the paper should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the topic, integrate multiple theoretical perspectives, and provide original insights. I believe that my paper met and exceeded these expectations by drawing connections between various developmental theories, critically analyzing key research studies, and offering unique interpretations of the findings.
However, the feedback I received focused primarily on minor formatting and citation issues, rather than the substance and quality of my arguments. While I understand the importance of adhering to academic conventions, I feel that the strengths of my paper in terms of content and analysis should be given greater consideration in the overall grade.
I would greatly appreciate if you could take another look at my paper and reconsider the grade in light of this perspective. I am also open to further discussing my work and the evaluation criteria to ensure that I fully understand your expectations and can continue to improve my research and writing skills.
Thank you for your time and the challenging and thought-provoking assignments throughout the course.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter 14: Appeal for Grade Review on Lab Report
Dear Dr. Patel,
I am reaching out regarding the grade I received on my latest lab report in your Organic Chemistry course. After reviewing the feedback provided, I believe there may have been some misunderstandings or oversights in the evaluation of my work.
In the lab report guidelines, it was stated that the discussion section should interpret the results, draw connections to the course material, and consider the broader implications of the findings. I believe that my report met these criteria by thoroughly analyzing the data, relating the outcomes to key concepts covered in class, and discussing the potential applications and limitations of the experimental method.
However, the feedback I received suggested that my discussion lacked depth and failed to fully explore the significance of the results. I respectfully disagree with this assessment and believe that my report demonstrated a strong grasp of the subject matter and a thoughtful consideration of the experimental findings.
Additionally, I noticed that some aspects of my report, such as the accuracy of my calculations and the clarity of my graphs, were not mentioned in the feedback, despite being important components of the assignment.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could review my lab report again and reconsider the grade taking into account the points I have raised. I am also happy to meet with you to further discuss my work and to ensure that I am meeting your expectations for this course.
Thank you for your time and for the engaging laboratory experiences you have facilitated this semester.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Letter 15: Appeal for Incomplete Grade Due to Personal Hardship
Dear Professor Rodriguez,
I am writing to request an incomplete grade for your Introduction to Psychology course this semester. Over the past few months, I have been dealing with a personal hardship that has significantly impacted my ability to keep up with my coursework and meet the deadlines for assignments and exams.
Due to a serious family illness, I have had to take on additional responsibilities at home, including caring for my younger siblings and managing household duties. This unexpected situation has left me with limited time and energy to devote to my studies, and as a result, I have fallen behind in several of my courses.
I am committed to completing the course requirements and I am confident that I can do so with some additional time and flexibility. Would it be possible to receive an incomplete grade and work with you to establish a plan for finishing the remaining assignments and exams over the next few months?
I understand that this is a significant request and I am willing to provide any necessary documentation to support my case. I assure you that I am not seeking any undue advantages and that I am fully committed to mastering the course material and meeting the learning objectives.
Thank you for your understanding and consideration during this challenging time. Your support and guidance have been invaluable throughout my academic journey.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Wrapping Up Sample Grade Change Appeal Letters
Writing an effective appeal letter for a grade change requires careful thought, a respectful tone, and a clear presentation of your case.
By using these 15 sample letters as a starting point and tailoring them to your specific situation, you can increase your chances of a successful appeal.
Remember to always be honest, provide relevant evidence, and maintain a professional and courteous tone throughout your letter.
With a well-crafted appeal, you may be able to secure the grade you believe you deserve and continue making progress in your academic journey.