Whether you're appealing an admission decision to a college or university, or a professional decision that's hurt your career, standing up for yourself through an appeal can be a smart strategy to get what you deserve.
Grab the Reader's Attention
People respond better when they feel invested in a situation, so be sure to draw the reader in by explaining the problem and describing why it matters. Keep your writing concise and direct.
Be as factual as possible
When writing an appeal letter, be sure to include all of the facts that you can provide. This includes dates, places, names, and other important details that you can verify with documentation. If you don't have enough evidence to support your request, it will be difficult for the person or group to whom you're writing to decide your case.
Don't Make Outlandish Threats and Promises
If you threaten legal action in your appeal letter, it can look like you're trying to avoid responsibility for your actions. You also don't want to give the impression that you won't follow up on your request for a review or reconsideration.
Use a Clear, Straightforward Tone
When appealing a decision, it's important to be as clear as possible about what happened and why you want a change to happen. This will help the person or group who's reviewing your request to understand what went wrong and how to correct it. Appeals are formal documents, so it's important to format and word them correctly. If you have a friend or family member who is familiar with the rules of grammar and punctuation, they can help to proofread your letter and make sure that it flows smoothly.
Keep Your Appeal Letter Short and Sweet
The length of your letter will play a role in how many people read it, so keep it to three paragraphs or less. This will make it easier for the recipient to skim quickly, and it'll also help them remember your message so they can consider your request again in the future.
Use a Direct Voice
As intimidating as it may be to appeal a decision, be as direct as possible. This will show the person or group to whom you're appealing that you care about your case and that you are serious about the issue.
State Your Desired Outcome
The last paragraph of your appeal letter should contain a clear statement of what you would like the person or group to do about the matter. Be as specific as possible, and be sure to include a deadline or other date by which you need an answer from the person who's reviewing your request.
Conclude with a "Thank You"
When you're writing an appeal letter, it's important to show the person or group to whom you're communicating that you appreciate their time and consideration. This will help you build a more positive relationship and increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
