If you are considering appealing a denial, here are some suggestions for how to do it:

WHAT TO DO

1. Call the college admissions office.
First, see if you can find out why you were denied. Politely ask if your application was received, is there anything missing, or some specific reasons for this denial. Often there aren’t any real answers, but every once in a while something substantive such as a clerical or computer error comes out. For example, you might find out that a piece of your application or SAT scores or a recommendation was never received, thereby eliminating you from consideration.

If any of the above is the case, and you have proof to the contrary, then appealing a denial makes real sense. If you find something that needs to be corrected or sent, then do it pronto! Also, ask what the college needs from you to file an appeal, e.g., a formal appeal letter. Some colleges have their own specific appeal processes and forms for students to complete, usually available online on the college admissions website.

2. Or ask your high school counselor to call the college admissions office.
If you are perfectly qualified (perhaps more than qualified) in meeting a college’s SAT, GPA and other requirements, ask your college counselor to call the college to find out why you were denied.

If something is missing from or in error on your application, then immediately take whatever corrective action is necessary to fill the gap. Ask to counselor to find out how to have your application reconsidered.

3. Send an appeal letter to the admissions office.
Write a very positive, upbeat letter to the college indicating your continued, strong interest in the college, including any information about any omissions or errors about which you have become aware. If there are none, but you still want to appeal, then you need to present your case as to why you want to have your application re-considered. Use the same format as noted above in the wait list letter.

4. Be realistic about your chances.
The chances of getting a denial turned around are slim to none. No matter how hard you work at an appeal, it simply may not work out.