How to Appeal a College Decision

If you received a rejection letter from a college, you may try to appeal
the decision.

Act quickly. Check the college web site for information on the appeal
process. The information on the appeal process is often difficult to find
on the website. If you can't find any information, follow these guidelines:

Guidelines for an Appeal:

You need to write a letter and provide new information. Briefly state why
you think you should be accepted. Include your semester grades, a
letter of recommendation from a teacher, your counselor, coach or
employer or youth director, if appropriate. Three letters should be
adequate and include all the information in one envelope.

Some colleges have an April 15 deadline for an appeal. You should get
a reply before May 1.

Correct any errors and update information from your original application
and include grades and test scores.

Did you win an award since you submitted your application?

Did you omit important information from your application?

You could address personal circumstances and its impact on your
academic record. Do you have personal hardship?

Send your transcript.

Send the letter of appeal and other supporting documents in one
envelope. Colleges will not accept faxed or e-mailed appeals.

Normally colleges will not reconsider your application unless you
provide new information.

It's important to correspond with the college soon after you receive
a rejection letter. It shows your interest and the college may have
only a few spots available for appeals.

If you are persistent, it might work.

Consider other options:

Colleges might offer you a spring semester option. This is not a
bad choice if it enables you to attend the college later. You could
work, travel or do some community service. You might enjoy the
break from studying. Some colleges do not want you to attend a
community college during that time. It's important to check with the
college and follow their guidelines.

University of California Appeal Process
(This process should work for other colleges)

Check each campus for the appeal process.
Go to the Undergraduate Admission section and search for the
appeal information. (good luck)

UC Berkeley Follow the above information and submit by April 15
     In 2003, Berkeley receive 1,000 appeals and granted admission to
     29 students for fall and 94 admits for spring.

UC Davis
http://admissions.ucdavis.edu/admissions/fr_nonadmitted.cfm

UC Irvine
http://www.admissions.uci.edu/not_admitted.html#appeals

UCLA   http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/AppealsFr.htm
      In 2003, UCLA received 1,300 appeals and reversed 95 decisions.

UC San Diego In 2003, UC San Diego received 833 appeals and
      grated 64 appeals. 8%

UC Santa Cruz
http://admissions.ucsc.edu/frosh_not_select06.cfm#appeal

Looking for a college to apply to in May of the senior year?

Check out a new website: www.nacacnet.org
It lists colleges in the United States that are still accepting applications.