I'm sure many are familiar with a post about some fellow who appealed his rejection to UCLA and eventually got in. I was wondering if anyone else has done this, and if so, what they wrote? I intend on writing one and I'm unsure where to begin. Thanks.
I did this to get an interview at UCSD. It's coming up the first week of April. In my letter I updated them on my activities and stated why I would be a good fit for their school. In my case, it is because I want to pursue a career in academic medicine (UCSD is very big on this) and because I want to work with Latin Americans (I already have some experience with this). I also sent them two more letters of recommendation. I'm not sure where you are in the process but most schools will let you appeal all the way up to the final decision. That is, if you have already interviewed there and they reject you, they won't consider the appeal, but they will do so at every stage up until then. Good luck! And let us all know how it goes. SarahL
I am planning to do the same thing. I interviewed at a school last year and was waitlisted. This year I was rejected pre-interview, this has me confused.Since my previous interview I have enhanced my application by, increasing my GPA to a 3.65, higher MCAT scores on every section, and tons of research. What do you think I should say on this letter?
I would mention those things in the context of telling them why you're a good "fit." When I wrote my letter of appeal to UCSD I first read their web site and made an outline of the things I know about San Diego. I then used aspects of my application, especially new accomplishments, to highlight how I fit their criteria. Their admissions office told me to send it via email to the person whose name was on the rejection letter (Assistant Dean of Admissions, I think). Therefore I didn't really have a limit on the length. However, I have read elsewhere on SDN that letters of appeal should generally be kept to one page. One other thing: use the same sorts of words they use on their web site and admissions publications. If they use a lot of warm, fuzzy words, then write about your "soft" qualities. If they talk about "investigating" and discovering" things, describe how you much love to learn. You get the picture.... Best of luck!! SarahL
Sarah thank you for the information, I appreciate it. I will do exactly what you said. Hope you get into to UCSD, I wish you the best of luck. Knock em' dead.- Ryan
