Most schools will place you on academic probation after the first semester where you fail to maintain a 2. 0 GPA. After 1-2 semesters on probation, you may be dismissed. Make sure you aren’t just suspended. Suspensions are often temporary, and you may be able to simply sign up for classes after the suspension is over. At some colleges, dismissal means you’re only barred for a quarter or two. If that’s the case, you’ll be allowed to re-enroll in classes once the dismissal expires. [2] X Research source
If there’s any confusion at all, don’t hesitate to reach out to the dean of student affairs or your counselor. They’ll answer any questions you have.
The letter or email explaining your dismissal should contain info on appealing. If you go to a public university, you actually have certain legally protected rights when it comes to due process. [5] X Research source Every school has their own appeals process. Typically, you provide a short explanation of why you deserve to be let back in and provide documentation as evidence (this could entail police reports, doctor’s notes, death certificates, etc. ).
Were you overwhelmed with stuff going on at home? Did you hit a financial roadblock that required you to work more often, which took away from your schoolwork? You might write, “I recognize that I have failed to live up to Western University’s standards, but I’ve faced some unique struggles this year…” Include a note about why your previous issue won’t be a problem now. You could say, “Luckily, I’ve talked to a tutor who has agreed to work with me on…” or, “I now know not to overload my schedule with…”
Every school will have their own rules on this. Some schools will allow you to reapply immediately, while others will ask you to wait at least 1 semester or 1 year. It’s important to note that the odds are high you may not be accepted, but there is always a chance!
Be honest and don’t hold back information. It may feel kind of embarrassing or humbling to tell someone you don’t really know about your personal business, but it’s your best shot at this point. You might explain that you’ve been dealing with a medical issue that has kept you from maintaining your grades, or walk the dean through a personal issue that has distracted you.
A community college will also be a lot cheaper than a traditional 4-year college. If you struggled academically with the university’s coursework, community college could be a lot easier to manage.
Smaller class sizes. If you got lost in the crowd at your old school, you may excel at a smaller school where there aren’t as many students. Specialized help for struggling students. A lot of schools will provide free tutoring, academic help, or peer study sessions for students who need help. Less extreme standards. If you attended a private institution or ivy league school, you may find college easier if you go somewhere a little more laid back. A school overseas. If local drama was keeping you from succeeding, you may find it easier to excel in a more isolated environment.
While you aren’t technically transferring, you normally have to fill out a transfer application if you want your old coursework to count at your new school. Include as much extracurricular activity as you can on your application. The dismissal may not be a huge deal if you’ve got lots of volunteering or student activity under your belt. If you were dismissed after a single semester and didn’t pass a single class, you may want to use the “new student” application.
There’s no need to disclose your dismissal if it isn’t asked.
