You put your heart and soul into your college application, but the response wasn’t what you hoped for; rejection or maybe waitlisted.
It stings, no doubt.
But here’s the thing – it’s not necessarily the end of the road.
Many colleges allow you to appeal their decision. It’s a chance to tell your story, show your commitment, and potentially turn that “no” into a “yes”.
But how do you write an effective appeal letter?
We’ve got you covered.
Sample Letters of Appeal for Reconsideration (College)
Below are 15 sample appeal letters to give you a sense of what yours might look like.
Each one is tailored to a specific situation, but they all make a compelling case for reconsideration.
Appeal Letter 1
Subject: Appeal for Reconsideration – Jane Doe
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to appeal your decision to waitlist my application to [College Name]. After careful consideration, I strongly believe that [College Name] is the best fit for me, and I am fully committed to attending if admitted.
Since submitting my initial application, I have taken steps to strengthen my candidacy. I retook the SAT and improved my score by 150 points. I also completed an internship at a local newspaper, further developing my writing skills. I am confident that these enhancements, along with my original application, demonstrate my readiness for the rigors of [College Name].
Moreover, [College Name] is truly my top choice. Your renowned journalism program, combined with the opportunity to study under Professor John Smith, is unparalleled. I am eager to contribute to the vibrant campus community and believe I would thrive in [College Name]’s collaborative environment.
Thank you for taking the time to reconsider my application. I appreciate your attention and look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my candidacy.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Appeal Letter 2
Subject: Request for Reconsideration – John Smith
Dear Admissions Committee,
I received your decision to place me on the waitlist at [College Name]. While I understand the competitive nature of the admissions process, I am writing to request that you reconsider my application.
Since applying, I have strengthened my academic profile. My midyear report shows a significant upward trend in my grades, with a 4.0 GPA for the current semester. I also earned a score of 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam. These achievements, I believe, are more indicative of my academic potential than my earlier record suggests.
Furthermore, [College Name] remains my top choice. The opportunity to participate in your unique undergraduate research program is unparalleled. I am particularly excited about the prospect of working with Dr. Jane Doe, whose work aligns closely with my research interests.
I am confident that, given the opportunity, I would contribute significantly to the [College Name] community. Thank you for your reconsideration.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Appeal Letter 3
Subject: Appeal for Admission Decision – Jane Smith
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to appeal the decision to deny me admission to [College Name]. While I understand the competitive nature of the admissions process, I believe my application deserves reconsideration.
Since applying, I have taken steps to strengthen my candidacy. I completed a research internship at [Company], where I developed skills directly relevant to my intended major of biochemistry. I also retook the SAT, improving my score by 100 points.
Moreover, [College Name] is my dream school. Your cutting-edge facilities and renowned faculty in the sciences are unparalleled. I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to conduct research with Professor John Doe, whose work on [research topic] aligns perfectly with my interests.
I am confident that, given the chance, I would thrive at [College Name] and make significant contributions to the campus community. Thank you for reconsidering my application.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Appeal Letter 4
Subject: Admission Decision Appeal – John Doe
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to appeal your decision to deny me admission to [College Name]. While I respect the difficult decisions the admissions committee must make, I believe my application warrants reconsideration.
Since submitting my original application, I have made significant strides. I completed a summer internship at [Company], gaining practical experience in my intended field of study. I also took on a leadership role in my school’s [Club], spearheading a community service project that raised over $5,000 for local charities.
Furthermore, [College Name] remains my top choice. Your interdisciplinary approach to education, combined with your strong emphasis on social justice, resonates deeply with my values and aspirations. I believe I would thrive in the collaborative and engaged community at [College Name].
I appreciate your time and consideration in reviewing my appeal. I am confident that, given the opportunity, I would make a significant contribution to the [College Name] community.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Appeal Letter 5
Subject: Reconsideration Request – Jane Doe
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to request reconsideration of my application to [College Name], which was recently denied. I understand the competitive nature of the admissions process, but I strongly believe that [College Name] is the right fit for me, and I am committed to attending if given the opportunity.
Since submitting my initial application, I have taken several steps to strengthen my candidacy. I completed a pre-college summer program at [University], where I took college-level courses in my intended major of computer science. I excelled in this challenging environment, earning an A in both classes. This experience confirmed my readiness for the rigors of a [College Name] education.
Moreover, I have continued to demonstrate leadership in my extracurricular activities. As captain of my school’s robotics team, I led our group to a first-place finish in the state championship. This achievement showcases my ability to thrive in [College Name]’s collaborative and innovative environment.
I am confident that, given the opportunity, I would make a significant contribution to the [College Name] community. I appreciate your reconsideration of my application.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Appeal Letter 6
Subject: Appeal for Waitlist Decision – John Smith
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to appeal your decision to place me on the waitlist for admission to [College Name]. While I understand the challenges of the admissions process, I believe my application merits reconsideration.
Since applying, I have taken concrete steps to enhance my candidacy. I completed an online course in [subject], which has deepened my understanding of the field and strengthened my academic profile. I also assumed a leadership role in my school’s [Club], initiating a project that raised awareness about [issue] in our community.
Additionally, [College Name] remains my top choice. Your [program/major] is unparalleled, and I am especially drawn to the opportunity to learn from [Professor]. I am confident that I would thrive in [College Name]’s rigorous academic environment while contributing meaningfully to the campus community.
I appreciate your time and consideration in reviewing my appeal. I remain deeply committed to attending [College Name] and contributing to its vibrant community.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Appeal Letter 7
Subject: Reconsideration Request – Jane Smith
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to request reconsideration of my application to [College Name]. Although I was initially denied admission, I strongly believe that [College Name] is the best fit for my academic and personal goals.
Since submitting my original application, I have achieved significant milestones that I believe make me a stronger candidate. I scored in the top percentile on the [subject] SAT Subject Test, demonstrating my aptitude in my intended field of study. I also completed a research project under the guidance of [Professor] at [University], which resulted in a publication in [Journal]. This experience solidified my passion for research and my desire to pursue it at the undergraduate level.
Furthermore, [College Name]’s [program/resources] are unparalleled. The opportunity to work with [Professor], combined with access to [resource], would provide me with the ideal environment to pursue my academic interests. I am confident that I would thrive in [College Name]’s challenging yet supportive community.
Thank you for taking the time to reconsider my application. I am deeply committed to attending [College Name] and contributing to its exceptional community.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Appeal Letter 8
Subject: Waitlist Appeal – John Doe
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to appeal my placement on the waitlist for admission to [College Name]. While I understand the competitive nature of the admissions process, I believe my application warrants reconsideration.
Since applying, I have strengthened my candidacy in several ways. I completed a summer internship at [Company], where I gained hands-on experience in [skill]. This opportunity allowed me to apply and deepen my knowledge in a professional setting. Additionally, I assumed a leadership role in [Organization], spearheading an initiative that [achievement]. This experience demonstrates my ability to make a significant impact in my community.
Moreover, [College Name] remains my top choice due to its exceptional [program/resource] and commitment to [value]. I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to [specific opportunity], which aligns perfectly with my academic and career aspirations.
I am confident that, if admitted, I would make a valuable contribution to the [College Name] community. I appreciate your time and consideration in reviewing my appeal.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Appeal Letter 9
Subject: Admission Decision Appeal – Jane Doe
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to appeal the decision to deny my admission to [College Name]. While I understand the competitive nature of the admissions process, I believe my application merits reconsideration.
Since submitting my initial application, I have made significant strides both academically and personally. I completed a dual enrollment course at [University], earning an A in [subject]. This rigorous course load, combined with my strong performance, demonstrates my readiness for college-level work. Additionally, I founded a [Club] at my high school, which has already made a tangible impact in our community through [achievement]. This initiative showcases my leadership skills and commitment to making a difference.
Furthermore, [College Name] remains my top choice due to its outstanding [program/resource] and dedication to [value]. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to [specific opportunity], which perfectly aligns with my goals and interests.
I am confident that, given the chance, I would thrive at [College Name] and make a significant contribution to the campus community. Thank you for reconsidering my application.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Appeal Letter 10
Subject: Reconsideration Request – John Smith
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to request reconsideration of my application to [College Name]. Although I was initially waitlisted, I strongly believe that [College Name] is the ideal environment for me to pursue my academic and personal goals.
Since submitting my original application, I have taken significant steps to enhance my candidacy. I completed a research project under the mentorship of [Professor] at [University], which resulted in a presentation at [Conference]. This experience not only deepened my knowledge in [subject] but also confirmed my passion for research and my desire to continue it at the undergraduate level.
Moreover, I have assumed a leadership role in [Organization], directing a project that [achievement]. This initiative demonstrates my ability to effect positive change and my commitment to making a difference in my community.
I am drawn to [College Name] due to its exceptional [program/resource] and its commitment to [value]. The opportunity to work with [Professor/resource], combined with the vibrant campus community, would provide the ideal environment for me to thrive academically and personally.
Thank you for taking the time to reconsider my application. I am deeply committed to attending [College Name] and contributing to its outstanding community.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Appeal Letter 11
Subject: Appeal for Waitlist Decision – Jane Smith
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to appeal my placement on the waitlist for admission to [College Name]. While I understand the challenges of the admissions process, I believe my application deserves reconsideration.
Since applying, I have made significant achievements that I believe make me a stronger candidate. I was selected as a finalist in the [Competition] for my research on [topic], which I conducted independently over the past year. This recognition underscores my aptitude for research and my potential to contribute to [College Name]’s academic community.
Furthermore, I have taken on a leadership role in [Organization], spearheading an initiative that [achievement]. This experience has honed my leadership skills and demonstrated my ability to make a meaningful impact in my community.
I am particularly drawn to [College Name] because of its [unique program/resource] and its emphasis on [value]. The opportunity to [specific opportunity] is unparalleled and aligns perfectly with my academic and career goals.
I am confident that, if admitted, I would thrive in [College Name]’s challenging yet supportive environment. Thank you for reconsidering my application.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Appeal Letter 12
Subject: Admission Denial Appeal – John Doe
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to appeal the decision to deny my admission to [College Name]. Although I understand the competitive nature of the admissions process, I strongly believe that my application warrants reconsideration.
Since submitting my initial application, I have achieved significant milestones that demonstrate my readiness for the rigors of [College Name]. I completed a college-level course in [subject] at [University], earning an A. This experience not only enhanced my knowledge in the field but also confirmed my ability to excel in a college environment.
Moreover, I have assumed a leadership position in [Organization], directing a community outreach program that [achievement]. This initiative showcases my commitment to making a positive difference and my ability to effectively lead a team.
I am drawn to [College Name] due to its [unique program/resource] and its dedication to [value]. The opportunity to [specific opportunity] is unparalleled and perfectly aligns with my academic and personal aspirations.
I am confident that, given the chance, I would make a valuable contribution to the [College Name] community. Thank you for reconsidering my application.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Appeal Letter 13
Subject: Reconsideration Request – Jane Doe
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to request reconsideration of my application to [College Name]. While I was initially placed on the waitlist, I firmly believe that [College Name] is the best fit for my academic and personal goals, and I am fully committed to attending if admitted.
Since submitting my original application, I have taken concrete steps to strengthen my candidacy. I completed an independent research project on [topic], which I presented at [Conference]. This experience not only deepened my understanding of the field but also demonstrated my aptitude for research and my potential to contribute to [College Name]’s academic community.
Furthermore, I have continued to demonstrate leadership in my role as [position] in [Organization]. I recently led an initiative that [achievement], showcases my ability to make a significant impact in my community.
I am particularly drawn to [College Name]’s [unique program/resource] and its commitment to [value]. The opportunity to [specific opportunity] is unparalleled and aligns perfectly with my goals and aspirations.
Thank you for taking the time to reconsider my application. I am deeply committed to attending [College Name] and contributing to its exceptional community.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Appeal Letter 14
Subject: Waitlist Appeal – John Smith
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to appeal my placement on the waitlist for admission to [College Name]. While I understand the competitive nature of the admissions process, I believe my application deserves reconsideration.
Since applying, I have strengthened my candidacy in several significant ways. I earned a perfect score on the [subject] SAT Subject Test, demonstrating my mastery of the subject. I also completed a summer research internship at [Company], where I gained practical experience in [skill]. This opportunity allowed me to apply and deepen my knowledge in a professional setting.
Moreover, I have assumed a leadership role in [Organization], directing a successful fundraising campaign that [achievement]. This experience highlights my ability to make a substantial impact in my community.
I am particularly drawn to [College Name] due to its exceptional [program/resource] and its emphasis on [value]. The opportunity to [specific opportunity] perfectly aligns with my academic and career aspirations.
I am confident that, if admitted, I would thrive in [College Name]’s rigorous yet supportive environment. Thank you for reconsidering my application.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Appeal Letter 15
Subject: Admission Decision Appeal – Jane Smith
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to appeal the decision to deny my admission to [College Name]. Although I understand the challenges of the admissions process, I strongly believe that my application warrants reconsideration.
Since submitting my initial application, I have made significant strides that demonstrate my readiness for [College Name]. I completed an online course in [subject] offered by [University], in which I earned a certificate of distinction. This rigorous course enhanced my knowledge in the field and confirmed my ability to excel in a college-level curriculum.
Furthermore, I founded a [Club] at my high school, which has already made a notable impact in our community through [achievement]. This initiative showcases my leadership skills and my commitment to making a positive difference.
I am particularly drawn to [College Name] because of its outstanding [program/resource] and its dedication to [value]. The opportunity to [specific opportunity] is unparalleled and perfectly aligns with my academic and personal goals.
I am confident that, given the chance, I would make a valuable contribution to the [College Name] community. Thank you for reconsidering my application.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Closing Thoughts: Making Your Appeal Stand Out
As these sample letters demonstrate, a successful appeal is all about making a compelling case for why you belong at your chosen college.
It’s an opportunity to highlight your strengths, share new achievements, and convey your commitment to the school.
Remember, the key is to be specific. Don’t just say that you’re a good fit – show it.
Discuss specific programs, professors, or opportunities that draw you to the school.
Highlight concrete achievements that have strengthened your application.
Above all, convey your passion and commitment.
Crafting a strong appeal letter takes time and effort.
But it’s worth it.
A well-written, persuasive appeal could be the difference between a “maybe” and a “yes”.
So take your time, put your heart into it, and make your case.
Good luck!