Financial aid provides financial assistance to students in the form of grants, work-study funds and loans. Though this financial aid is widely available to students but in order to keep it, the students must meet certain requirements such as maintaining satisfactory academic progress (SAP).
A student is required to maintain the grades throughout the period he/she is receiving aid. In case the students are unable to maintain grades, it results in suspension of financial assistance. In such cases, they can appeal for the reinstatement of financial aid by submitting an appeal letter.
What You Should Include
If your grades have suffered due to extenuating or unusual circumstances, you can appeal to your college/university to reinstate your financial aid.
This letter should cite the reasons for failure to meet satisfactory academic progress and how you plan to improve your grades.
A well-written financial aid appeal letter must include:
- Unique/Special Circumstances
Explain the reasons for bad grades very precisely. Specify the unique and extenuating circumstances due to which you failed to meet your academic goals.
Circumstances that are likely to be considered include:
- Illness or injury of the student or a family member or friend.
- Death of a family member or a significant person.
- Divorce
Explain the reason clearly and precisely in your financial aid appeal letter.
- Documents to Back Your Claim
After specifying the reasons for your low GPA, you need to back your statement with documents that support your point. For example, you can attach medical bills or letter from a health care provider in case of injury or illness. Death of someone close documented by a death certificate or obituary.
A divorce decree or letter from an attorney can be used as documents in case of divorce. Submitting documents to validate your reasons will increase the chances of reinstatement of your financial aid.
- Plan To Improve Your Performance
The next step is to provide the officer with a robust action plan that provides details about actions you will take to improve your grades and meet SAP standards in upcoming semesters.
- Request for Reinstatement of Financial Aid and Thank the Committee
Lastly, request the committee to review their decision of suspending your financial aid and request them to reinstate the financial assistance and thank them for their consideration and time.
Examples (for Bad Grades, For Low GPA)
Below is a sample letter for financial aid appeal in case of Bad grades or low GPA.
Your Address
Date
Receiver’s Address
Subject- Financial Aid Appeal
Dear (Name of the Person),
This letter is my formal appeal to reinstate my financial aid suspended due to a poor Grade Point Average. I understand that my financial aid was suspended because of my inability to maintain satisfactory academic progress and non-achievement of the required GPA. Though I respect the committee’s decision regarding the suspension of financial assistance provided to me, I would be unable to continue my education without the financial aid.
The poor academic performance is a first for me too and results from my poor health, so I request you to give me another chance to improve my performance and achieve better grades.
I was diagnosed with typhoid and was hospitalised for ten days. Even after discharge from the hospital, I was so weak that I was on bed rest for another ten days. Due to my illness, my studies suffered. Although I worked hard but was unable to maintain my GPA and fulfill my academic obligations.
Now I have completely recovered from my illness and intend to take workshops and extra classes to cover up the course and assure you I will achieve all my academic goals. I am enclosing a copy of my medical records.
Thankful for your consideration and time. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Your Name and Signature.