Meet with a financial aid counselor. Find out the exact reason you were placed on financial aid probation to ensure you address it in your letter of appeal. Learn about how the appeal process works and what rights you have as a student. Ask the financial aid counselor what the odds are of having your appeal granted as well as what he or she recommends if your request is denied.
Take responsibility for your actions. Begin the letter by accepting responsibility for the actions that placed you on financial aid probation. Explain the reasons for your actions, such as a long-term illness or a death in the family.
Outline a plan for improvement. Detail the steps you’ll take to get off of financial aid probation. List resources from the college you’ll use to assist you. Include your plans for remaining in good financial aid status once your probation has been lifted.
Provide documentation. Enclose with your letter of appeal any documentation you have that explains your actions and reasons for being placed on financial aid probation. For example, include a letter from your doctor if you were ill or hospitalized during a portion of the semester, causing you to miss class and not perform as well academically.