Flickr user Xabier Martínez
Should you appeal a college admissions decision? It’s a tough question with no one right answer.
Only 1 to 2 percent of appeals are successful. Some students may see this as overwhelming odds and decide against it. Others may see it as an opening, however small and decide to go for it. If they are lucky, they would be in that 1-2% who managed to get the admissions decision overturned.
There are several factors that come into play when deciding whether or not to appeal the admissions decision.
Does the college review appeals?
It may not be the first thing you look for when checking out a college website, but colleges do include this additional information on their site. Once you’ve decided to appeal, this is the first thing you need to check.
If the college states clearly that their decision is final and they will not entertain any request for reassessment, then you will have to accept this as final. Far better to direct your energies toward exploring other options rather than wasting time pursuing this course of action.
Some colleges have a formal appeals application available right on their website itself.
If a college alludes to the fact that they consider appeals, but does not offer any additional information, you may have to call the school, email them, or visit in person and ask about their appeals procedure.
Appealing a college admissions decision is definitely worth a try if you have your heart set on studying in that particular institution, just be aware of the likelihood of overturning the admission decision, and really consider other options available.
