Open your computer's word processing software to a new blank document. Create a file name and save the document and then type the current date at the top of the page, left justified. Enter down two lines and type "Dear Sir or Madam:" or "To Whom It May Concern:," left justified. Enter down two lines.
Write an introductory paragraph explaining why you are writing the appeal letter. If you feel your FAFSA form inaccurately depicted your financial situation and your ability to pay for school, say so by writing something like "When I submitted my FAFSA application last month there was not a designated space on the form to properly explain my economic situation, which I feel led to a misrepresentation of my current financial status." End your introductory paragraph with a one-sentence thesis statement stating the reasons why you are unable to pay for school yourself and are asking for additional financial aid.
Enter down two lines and begin writing the body of your appeal letter. Have two or three reasons in mind as to why you are requesting additional financial aid (i.e. dwindling savings account, have to support dependent children or lost your job) and use each paragraph to further explain each of the reasons you are requesting additional financial aid. Explaining your reasons and needs in greater detail will help the reader see you as a person and get a better picture of your financial situation instead of seeing you as just a number.
Enter down two lines and write a closing paragraph. Inform the reader of where you are going to school, what your field of study is and when you intend to graduate. Restate the reasons you feel you should be given additional financial aid and how you feel it will help you in your educational pursuits.
Enter down two lines and type "Sincerely" or a similar closing line. Enter down four lines and type out your full name. Proofread and spell check your letter to find and fix any spelling or grammatical errors that it may contain. Print out the letter and sign your name in the space between "Sincerely" and your typed full name.
Hand your completed letter into your school's financial aid office. Your school's financial aid office will then use your appeal letter to work with the Department of Education to get you additional financial aid or may use the letter to get you additional funding through the school itself. You may be asked to provide additional documents along with your letter, such as unemployment information or a bank statement.