You’re
understandably hurting if the transfer college at the top of your list
just rejected you. But your crusade to get into your dream school isn’t
necessarily over.
Many colleges and universities have
established guidelines for appealing admissions and financial aid
decisions, thereby giving candidates a second chance at acceptance.
“We
welcome [students’ concerns] anytime they feel that they received an
unjust decision, or if they have new information [about their
application,]” explains Jill Sangl, assistant director of admissions at
Southern Methodist University.
Before beginning the appeals
process, it’s important to know what types of decisions can be
appealed. “When a student applies to college, he or she will receive
either a ‘yes,’ a ‘no,’ or a ‘maybe,’ [where] the student is put on the
school’s waiting list,” explains Chris Penn, chief technology officer
at Edvisors Network, Inc., which owns HowToGetIn.com, a college
admissions and financial aid Web site. “Most people will appeal
rejections, but students may also appeal a waiting list decision.”
Financial
aid decisions can also be appealed if your or your parents’
circumstances have changed or an unanticipated event has occurred.
How can you appeal?
So, where do you start when
you think you’re entitled to an appeal? First, make sure the decision
was based on accurate information.
“It is entirely possible to
mix up students [during the admissions process,]” says Penn. “Request
to speak to an admissions officer and verify that they have the right
information.”
If the rejection is legitimate, begin with the
rules—the rules of the admissions office, that is. “The appeals process
differs greatly from university to university,” Sangl says.
Colleges
often have regulations for appealing admissions decisions, which may
cover the basis for an appeal, the criteria of candidates who may
appeal, and the documentation required to support an appeal. It’s
important to establish the course you need to take and set a punctual
timeline for your plan.
Next, look for the reason. “You need to
flesh out why you were declined,” says Penn. “Then, get to the bottom
of the problem and make a case for yourself.”
In most cases,
you needn’t go any further than the admissions office to figure out the
reason behind your rejection. “[When students call with questions,] I
try to gently let them know the areas where their application may have
fallen short,” Sangl states.
Once you’ve pinned down the reason,
figure out what you can offer to try to turn the decision to your
favor. “This is the time to use your own voice and be an advocate for
yourself,” Sangl says.
“Think of this appeal as if you were
presenting an official court case,” Penn advises. “You need to put
together as much documentation as possible, so you can trump whatever
admissions officers may bring up or ask for.”
Follow through
Be sure to provide all necessary
and requested documentation. Most colleges will require students to
present information formally and in writing, not just electronically or
over the phone.
However, a phone call for questions and
clarifications can’t hurt. “Students should do what they feel most
comfortable with,” advises Sangl. “I recommend both a phone call and a
written communication.”
Some schools might also employ an
alternative method of qualifying students who think they’ve got what it
takes to be accepted. “In some cases, you may request to take an
entrance exam of some sorts to prove your qualifications,” Penn
says.
The appellate process may seem daunting at first.
“If a student hasn’t dealt with these types of things, they can be
overwhelming,” says Sangl. But you certainly don’t have to go it alone:
Sangl recommends involving your parents and consulting your high school
guidance counselor.
“Counselors have a wealth of experience,”
Sangl says, “and chances are, they’ve worked with other students on
appeals in the past.” For financial aid appeals, you may even consider
consulting a financial counselor for reinforcement.
Be prepared for any outcome
It’s important to
note that admissions and financial aid appeals are not always
successful. In fact, the chances of gaining admission after an appeal
may be slim, depending on the college.
“Admission staff may be
overwhelmed,” Penn explains. “They get thousands of applications, which
demand attention.” As such, appeals sometimes don’t receive the
scrutiny that’s necessary for a student’s second chance. An even
greater reason for an unsuccessful appeal is the student’s failure to
comply with the college’s requests. “In my career as an admissions
counselor, I’ve only had one student who was successful at an appeal;
however, I also only had one student who truly followed through,” says
Sangl. “It’s important to indicate interest, send requested documents,
and [generally] follow through.”
So, when the letter says no, it
doesn’t hurt to try for a second shot. “Appeals generally don’t cost
anything extra,” Penn says. And you just might be rewarded with a spot
in your transfer college’s class.