Sample Appeal Letterâ€Academic Dismissal from College

If youve been dismissed from college for poor academic performance, your college will most likely give you an opportunity to appeal that  decision. The best approach is to appeal in person, but if the school doesnt allow face-to-face appeals or if the travel costs are prohibitive, you should plan to write the best appeal letter possible. (In some cases, you might be asked to do both—the appeals committee will ask for a letter in advance of the in-person meeting.) Qualities of a Successful Appeal Letter Demonstrates an understanding of what went wrongTakes responsibility for academic failuresOutlines a clear plan for future academic successConveys points in an honest tone There are many reasons why students get dismissed from college, and many approaches to appealing. In the sample letter below, Emma was dismissed from college after she ran into academic trouble because of difficulties at home. She uses her letter to explain the extenuating circumstances that caused her to perform below her potential. After reading the appeal, be sure to read the discussion of the letter so that you understand what Emma does well and what could use a little more work.   Emmas Appeal Letter ThoughtCo. Dear Dean Smith and Members of the Scholastic Standards Committee: I am writing to appeal my academic dismissal from Ivy University. I was not surprised, but very upset to receive a letter earlier this week informing me of my dismissal. Im writing to you with the hope to be reinstated for next semester. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to explain my circumstances. I admit I had a very difficult time last semester, and my grades suffered as a result. I dont mean to make excuses for my poor academic performance, but I would like to explain the circumstances. I knew that registering for 18 credit hours in the spring would require a lot of me, but I needed to earn the hours so as to be on track to graduate on time. I thought I could handle the workload, and I still think I could have, except that my father became very ill in February. While he was home sick and unable to work, I had to drive home every weekend and some weeknights to help out with household duties and to care for my little sister. Needless to say, the hour-long drive each way cut into my study time, as did the chores I had to do at home. Even when I was at school, I was very distracted with the home situation and was unable to focus on my schoolwork. I understand now that I should have communicated with my professors (instead of avoiding them), or even taken a leave of absence. I t hought I could handle all of these burdens, and I tried my best, but I was wrong. I love Ivy University, and it would mean so much to me to graduate with a degree from this school, which would make me the first person in my family to complete a college degree. If I am reinstated, I will focus much better on my schoolwork, take fewer hours, and manage my time more wisely. Fortunately, my father is recovering and has returned to work, so I should not need to travel home nearly as often. Also, I have met with my advisor, and I will follow her advice about communicating better with my professors from now on. Please understand that my low GPA that led to my dismissal does not indicate that I am a bad student. Really, Im a good student who had one very, very bad semester. I hope you will give me a second chance. Thank you for considering this appeal. Sincerely, Emma Undergrad A quick word of warning before discussing the details of Emmas letter: Do not copy this letter or parts of this letter in your own appeal! Many students have made this mistake, and academic standards committees are familiar with this letter and recognize its language. Nothing will torpedo your appeal efforts faster than a plagiarized appeal letter. The letter needs to be your own. Critique of the Sample Appeal Letter Any student who has been dismissed from college has an uphill battle to fight. By dismissing you, the college has indicated that it lacks confidence in your ability to succeed academically. You arent making sufficient progress towards your degree, so the school no longer wishes to invest its resources in you. The appeal letter must re-instill that confidence.   A successful appeal must demonstrate that you understand what went wrong, take responsibility for the academic failures, outline a clear plan for future academic success, and demonstrate that you are being honest with yourself and the committee. Failure in any of these areas will significantly weaken your chances of success. Own Your Mistakes Many students who appeal an academic dismissal make the mistake of attempting to place the blame for their problems on someone else. Certainly, external factors can contribute to academic failure, and it is fair to describe extenuating circumstances. However, it is important to own up to your own mistakes. In fact, acknowledging mistakes is a major sign of maturity. Remember that the appeals committee does not expect college students to be perfect; instead, they want to see that you recognize your mistakes and have learned from them. The committee is made up of educators, and they have devoted their lives to helping students grow. Show them that you recognize what you did wrong and have grown from the experience. Emmas appeal succeeds fairly well in all of the above areas. First of all, she does not try to blame anyone but herself. She has extenuating circumstances—her fathers illness—and she is wise to explain them, but she doesnt make excuses. Instead, she acknowledges that she did not handle her situation well. She owns up to the fact that she should have been in contact with her professors when she was struggling and ultimately should have withdrawn from classes and taken  a leave of absence  when her fathers illness started to dominate her life. Yes, she had a rough semester, but her failing grades are her own responsibility. Be Honest The overall tone of Emmas letter is sincere. The committee now knows  why  Emma had such bad grades, and the reasons seem both plausible and pardonable. Assuming she did earn solid grades in her earlier semesters, the committee is likely to believe Emmas claim that she is a good student who had one very, very bad semester. Be Specific About Your Plan for Success Emma also presents a plan for her future success. The committee will be pleased to hear that she is communicating with her advisor. In fact, Emma would be wise to have her advisor write a letter of support to go with her appeal. A few elements of Emmas future plan could use a little more detail. She says that she will focus much better on [her] schoolwork and manage [her] time more wisely. The committee is likely to want to hear more on these points. If another family crisis arises, what will Emma do to ensure that she is able to stay focused on schoolwork? What is her time management plan? She wont become a better time manager simply be saying she will do so. In this part of the letter, Emma should be more specific. How exactly is she going to learn and develop more effective time management strategies? Are there services at her school to help with her time management strategies? If so, Emma should mention those services and describe how she will utilize them. On the whole, Emma comes across as a student who deserves a second chance. Her letter is polite and respectful, and she is honest with the committee about what went wrong. A severe appeals committee may reject the appeal because of the mistakes Emma made, but many colleges would be willing to give her a second chance. Indeed, situations like Emmas are the very reason that colleges allow students to appeal a dismissal. The context of the low grades matters. More on Academic Dismissals Emmas letter provides a good example of a strong appeal letter, and these six tips for appealing an academic dismissal can help guide you as you craft your own letter. Also, there are many less sympathetic reasons for being kicked out of college than we see in Emmas situation. Jasons appeal letter takes on a more difficult task, for he was dismissed because alcohol took over his life and led to academic failure. Even in such situations, however, a successful appeal is certainly possible. Finally, if you want to see some common mistakes students make when appealing, check out Bretts weak appeal letter.  Brett fails to own up to his mistakes, comes across as insincere, and blames others for his problems.

Holdens Pessimistic View of the World in The Catcher in...

Lies, failure, depression, and loneliness are only some of the aspects that Holden Caulfield goes through in the novel The Catcher in the Rye written by J.D. Salinger. Salinger reflects Holden’s character through his own childhood experiences. Salinger admitted in a 1953 interview that My boyhood was very much the same as that of the boy in the book.†¦ [I]t was a great relief telling people about it† (Wikipedia). Thus, the book is somewhat the life story of J.D. Salinger as a reckless seventeen-year-old who lives in New York City and goes through awful hardships after his expulsion and departure from an elite prep school. Holden, the protagonist in this novel, is created as a depressed, cynical, and isolated character and he†¦show more content†¦One can see this because he clearly states in the dialogue that he felt like jumping out the window. Holden’s mental state of mind can literally visualizes his own suicide and how and where it would take pla ce. This quote represents the extent of Holden’s depression and loneliness and how much of it consumes him. The tone or attitude in which Holden speaks is based on sarcasm and rudeness which shapes him as a character. He uses sarcasm throughout the book such as on page 71. He says, â€Å"I told her, ‘you’re really lucky. You know that?’ She was a real moron. But what a dancer† (71). Here, Holden is being very sarcastic and rude with this girl which forms Holden into his character. His tone towards the world and to the people in it is just careless because he doesn’t care about being nice to anyone. He continues to act this way, even to people that matter, such as on page 13, he says, â€Å"You mean about my flunking out of Pencey and all? ‘ I said. I sort of wished he’d cover up his bumpy chest. It wasn’t such a beautiful view† (13). Mr. Spencer is one of Holden’s teachers at Pencey and he doesn’t appr eciate that at all. When Mr. Spencer is being sincere towards him, all Holden can think about is the fact that Mr. Spencer’s chest is â€Å"bumpy†. This truly defines Holden as a character and what kind of person he is; a sarcastic and cynical individual, all shown through his tone of voice. Diction is another important element inShow MoreRelatedSalinger s The Rye 1527 Words   |  7 PagesCatcher in the Rye is a novel written by J.D Salinger, it follows 17-year-old Holden Caulfield throughout the days following his expulsion from Pencey Prep. The book dives into Holden’s unstable mind as he recounts his story from a rest home, often feeling confused, lost and mad at the world. This underlining theme of teenage angst has become very popular and finds itself in various works of modern day media such as the television show the Fosters. The Fosters follows the story of a similarly troubledRead More Existentialism in Catcher in the Rye Essay example617 Words   |   3 Pages Existentialism in Catcher in the Rye nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The Catcher in the Rye creates an existentialist out of Holden Caulfield by giving him a strong personal opinion, a different sense of view, and isolation.nbsp; Holdens individuality and his different way of thinking creates within him an Existentialist that refuses to accept weakness but holds sympathy for the weak and vulnerable.nbsp; The basis for these beliefs lies within the most commonly identifiableRead MoreCatcher in the Rye984 Words   |  4 PagesENG 4U1 June 12, 2012 Catcher In The Rye Essay A role model can be can classified as one of many things, but what is it exactly that distinguishes a good one from a bad? The novel, The Catcher in the Rye, written by J.D Salinger is utilized to present the character Holden Caulfield as an unsuitable role model. 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Salinger770 Words   |  4 Pagesmother always told them that childhood innocence is the best thing in the world, but for Holden it is the world. When reading The Catcher in the Rye some people disdain Holden, because they think he’s cynical and immature, but really he is a representation of us all. Unlike other books, the protagonist isn’t someone you want to be friends with, it’s som eone you realize you are. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is Holden’s chronicle of running away from his boarding school and living on his ownRead MoreAnalysis of A Catcher In the Ryes Holden Caulfield: Enemy of Himself1686 Words   |  7 PagesJerome David Salinger’s only novel, The Catcher in the Rye, is based on the life events shaping main character, Holden Caulfield, into the troubled teen that is telling the story in 1950. The theme of the story is one of emotional disconnection felt by the alienated teenagers of this time period. The quote, â€Å" I didn’t know anyone there that was splendid and clear thinking and all† (Salinger 4) sets the tone that Holden cannot find a connection with anyone around him and that he is on a lonely endeavorRead MoreThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain1987 Words   |  8 PagesAlthough there are many intriguing pieces of literary in American History, two of the most influential novels are Catche r in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. Almost ironically, the main characters of both of these novels are shockingly similar. Since these pieces have been published there has been a lot of discussion about how the two novels are related even though they were written in two completely different time periods. Very famous writers craftedRead MoreA Victim Of Childhood Sexual Abuse1640 Words   |  7 Pageseffectively treating these victims. This broken system is depicted by Salinger through the protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye, Holden. Salinger used information he knew to give Holden the qualities of someone who has experience CSA, and uses the characters in Holden’s life to represent the many broken parts of government agencies established to help victims. In J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, protagonist Holden struggles with the mental health issues associated with prolonged childhood sexualRead MoreThe Great Gatsb y By F. D. Salinger2262 Words   |  10 Pagesforming erratic thoughts and actions. In the novel A Catcher in the Rye, J.D Salinger gives insight to the protagonist’s thoughts, experiences, and frustrations in his world. Holden Caulfield’s instinctive desire to be a savior of the innocents evolves, and many times in the story, he faces disappointment. The internal struggles arise when his imagination draws him into situations in which he is unable, but wants desperately to be the hero. The world around him including his peers, family, and randomRead MoreHolden Caulfield of The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger2251 Words   |  10 Pagesforming erratic thoughts and actions. In the novel A Catcher in the Rye, J.D Salinger gives insight to the protagonist’s thoughts, experiences, and frustrations in his world. Holden Caulfield’s instinctive desire to be a savior of the innocents evolves, and many times in the story, he faces disappointment. The int ernal struggles arise when his imagination draws him into situations in which he is unable, but wants desperately to be the hero. The world around him including his peers, family, and random

Journal of Historical Geography

Question: 1.Identify and analyze two causes of world war I (nationalism and imperialism). Use historical examples to support your answer. Of the various causes of world war 1, which do you think was the most important and why?2.Analyze how the stipulation of the treaty of versatiles that ended world war I, along with the Great depression of the 1930s, contributed to the outbreak of the World War II. Then analyze significant ways in which World War II changed the world.3.Identify and analyze the main events of the Korean war and Cuban missile crisis. Then assess how these events affected the relationship between the united states and the soviet union. Identify and analyze the main events of the Korean War and Cuban Missile Crisis. Then assess how these events affected the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union.4.Analyze how the solidarity (solidarnose) movement in Poland led to the collapse of communism in Poland. Point out what events led to the growth of the solidarity mo vement, and then identify and analyze the events that followed Gorbachevs policy of political pluralism in Poland. Use specific details to support your answer then evaluate.5.Analyze how the ideas and actions of Jean Monnet led to the creation of the European Economic Union in 1958. Point out the events that led to the creation of the EEC, and what events followed. Clearly distinguish those countries that supported European unity and those that did not. Use specific details to support your answer. Then evaluate the relative success of the European Union (EU), in terms of its ability to create a "United States of Europe."6.Identify and describe two causes of the Second World War. Then analyze significant ways in which World War II changed the world. Answer: 1. Maier (2015) has stated that nationalism is one of the extreme forms of patriotism and faithfulness to ones nation. It can be seen that nationalism was ubiquitous in early 20th century in Europe and was a momentous cause for First World War. In the early 1990s, the nationalism created a fierce competition as well as rivalry between the powers of Europe. These powers were Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, Britain, France and Italy. In regards to become the greatest of the great nations, all the nations got engaged in rivalry and thus it can be stated that nationalism is one of the major reasons of World War I. On the other hand, it can be stated that imperialism and imperial rivalry provided both the reason and context for the World War I along with nationalism, militarism and secret alliances (Coffman, 2014). This produced a build-up of tension in Europe and exterior of Europe and during imperialism; the other three reasons as well were capable to largely influence the beginning of the First World War. Therefore, it can be stated that imperialism is defined as the overriding of one nation by another nation that was a chronic predicament prior to World War I because of the industrialist association. However, after focusing on both these parts, it can be stated that there is no particular reason of World War I, as this was the combination of four major reasons. Therefore, no specific reason can be identified as the cause of First World War and though it can be opined that imperialistic events were the foundation of the cause behind World War I (Goodwin, 2013). 2. Many historians have argued that Treaty of Versailles was one of the direct reasons of World War II. From history, it can be seen that on 28th June, 1919, the peace treaty of Versailles helped in putting the end of the First World War and this was marked by Germany and the Allies at the Palace of Versailles near Paris. It can be found that many voices at Versailles held Germany accountable for the war and were calling for the nation to be flattened economically as well as militarily, rendered incompetent for the potential belligerence (Gosney Hughes, 2016). Besides this treaty, many historians stated that Great depression of the 1930s as well was one of the reasons for the World War II. Great depression of the 1930s gave birth of several situations like unemployment in large scale, politics, empire building, self-interest and Britain and France too were reasons. America called in her loans to Germany and this significantly caused the collapse of Germany industry and this directly led towards the rise of Hitlers powers (Freud, 2015). The World War II significantly changed the world and Victory in Europe day marked the starting of World War II, seven years ago. Hovan (2014) has stated that even World War II was ending 70 years ago, most of the Americans already knew that had significantly transformed their country, but the thing they did not know was how much and how long the span would be. Apart from that, it can be stated that though Second World War resolved the issues raised in the First World War, it guided to the Cold War, followed by the partition of Korea, Germany and some confined wars in Vietnam and others (Jian, 2013). 3. In September, 1945, Korea alienated between North and South, after that in the year 1949, Soviets and Americans withdrew armed forces and after that in 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea. In the same year, on 27th June, Truman structured air and marine support for South Korea and called for UN interference. In the year 1950, U.S. multitudes assaulted at Inchon and Pyongyang drops to UN armed forces. At last, in the year 1953, Armistice formally re-established the division of Korea. Fidel Castro assumed the power after the Cuban Revolution and in the same year, on December 19, Cuba openly aligns itself with Soviet Union and their policies (Stone, 2014). However, it can be seen that after the Cuban revolution, Fidel Castro and his forces rise to power. It can be seen that Castro pledged not to have Cuba a communist state. The Soviet Union and the United States of, just after the Second World War, started an armed forces antagonism that guided to the buildup of the enormous nuclear weapon stores. However, it is required to mention that both these countries did not want a nuclear conflict, but they repeatedly built up their wrongdoings to frustrate one another. History says that before the Cuban Missile Crisis of the year 1962, the United States and the Soviet Union lived with the questions regarding how the other would act in response in a nuclear face-off. However, just after the Cuba disaster, both these two nations were sure that other was strong-minded to put off a nuclear holocaust, made stronger hard works to put off the uses of the infinitesimal armaments (Stueck, 2013). 4. Smith (2014) has stated in his research work that the commonality association in Poland was one of the most theatrical establishments in Eastern Europe throughout the Cold War. It can be stated that it was not an association that begin in 1980, but somewhat a persistence of the working class and the polish intelligentsia association that started in the year 1956 and this continued in two other risings, in the year 1970 and 1976. However, it can be stated that the harmony pressure group established intercontinental concentration, scattering anti-communist thoughts and rousing political achievement all through the rest of the communalist community as well as its authority in the ultimate fall of communication in Central and Eastern cannot be inconspicuous or discharged (Kubow, 2013). However, it can be stated that it was fundamentally the last straw for much of Polands employment power with thumps scattering almost at once transversely the nation, in spite of the nonexistence of any of the prearranged system. It can be started that whatever other feelings he might motivate, General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev has populace confused. Suffering from the acute symptoms to the cognitive dissonance, they still saw a very real change in the Soviet Union, yet felt that the system remained fundamentally the same (Kubow, 2013). 5. Jean Monnet was a pinnacle consultant o the French Government and the main encouragement behind the famous Schuman Declaration that was declared on 9 May 1950. This incident was the main reason of developing European Coal and Steel Community, which is measured as the birth of the European Union. Jean Monnet was the first executive of European Union between 1952 and 1955 (McCann Ortega, 2015). After six years of war, in 1945, Europe became devastated. All the countries began their initiatives to prevent third world war. However, because of Second World War, Europe was divided into East and West that shattered the economy of the community. None of the countries had the resources to rebuild their lives and cultures. The harsh winter made it more difficult to start the process of recovery. That was the time when European Economic Community was developed to support the countries in need. Countries that supported European Union are Belgium, Estonia, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia and Slovakia. European Union faced challenges from Russia that is still creating problem for several countries that are trying to join European Union (Soetendorp, 2014). European Union is an incredible success as there are no similar projects that have 27 countries as members, that are working collaboratively. Those countries are working together to develop successful legislative, judicative and fiscal policies in order to protect the customers and people of Europe (Rehm, 2013). On the other hand, European Union is also known as the most successful peacekeeping policy that has successfully prevented World War III until now by creating strict rules and regulations. 6. Among some long term causes World War II, the main reason was found in the conditions preceding World War I. It is also said World War II was the continuation of World War I. Therefore, it can be said that World War II was expected even before the rise of Mussolini and Hitler. However, there were two main reasons that that influenced World War II. One was the rise of Italian fascism 1920s and Japanese militarism that facilitated the invasions of China in 1930 (Clayton Barnes, 2015). Other was the political take over by Hitler and his Nazi party that happened in Germany that exhibited aggressive foreign policy. During the year of 1931, depression struck Japan and its economy. Government of Japan failed to improve the economy of the country and at that time people started to favor the army of Japan. The Army of Japan believed that Manchuria being a vast and thinly populated area, would help the country to solve their over populated areas. They also believed that as the Manchuria was rich in forests and natural resources, it was perfect for Japan to improve their economy. However, Manchuria showed their allegiance to China (Clayton Barnes, 2015). That was the time when Japan invaded China by destroying a section of railway near Mukden a city of Manchuria. On the other hand, Hitler and his Nazi party started to spread their polices all around the country with an aim to control the world with the same policies. In the year of 1939, Germany attacked Poland and that was the beginning of Second World War. References Clayton, D., Barnes, T. J. (2015). Continental European geographers and World War II.Journal of Historical Geography,47, 11-15. Coffman, E. M. (2014).The War to End All Wars: The American Military Experience in World War I. University Press of Kentucky. Freud, S. (2015).Civilization and its discontents. Broadview Press. Goodwin, D. K. (2013).No Ordinary Time: Franklin Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II. Simon and Schuster. Gosney, M. W., Hughes, C. (2016). World War II. InThe History of Human Resource Development(pp. 89-101). Palgrave Macmillan US. Hovan, P. (2014). Great Depression of the 1930s. London: SAGE Jian, C. (2013).China's road to the Korean War: The making of the Sino-American confrontation. Columbia University Press. Kubow, M. (2013). The Solidarity Movement in Poland: Its History and Meaning in Collective Memory.The Polish Review,58(2), 3-14. Maier, C. S. (2015).Recasting bourgeois Europe: stabilization in France, Germany, and Italy in the decade after World War I. Princeton University Press. McCann, P., Ortega-Argils, R. (2015). Smart specialization, regional growth and applications to European Union cohesion policy.Regional Studies,49(8), 1291-1302. Rehm, J., Shield, K. D., Gmel, G., Rehm, M. X., Frick, U. (2013). Modeling the impact of alcohol dependence on mortality burden and the effect of available treatment interventions in the European Union.European Neuropsychopharmacology,23(2), 89-97. Schmidt, V. A. (2013). Democracy and legitimacy in the European Union revisited: input, output and throughput.Political Studies,61(1), 2-22. Smith, C. (2014).Disruptive religion: The force of faith in social movement activism. Routledge. Soetendorp, B. (2014).Foreign Policy in the European Union: History, Theory Practice. Routledge. Abington. Stone, I. F. (2014).The Hidden History of the Korean War: 19501951. Open Road Media. Stueck, W. (2013).Rethinking the Korean War: A New Diplomatic and Strategic History. Princeton University Press.