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Writing a Financial Aid Appeal Statement

 

 

Writing Your Financial Aid Appeal Personal Statement

 

Students applying for a Financial Aid Appeal (Qualitative, Quantitative, and Combination Appeals) MUST include a Personal Statement explaining in detail the circumstances that prevented them from meeting their financial aid requirements. 

This page provides guidance and tips for writing your appeal explanation statement. 

Explain What Happened And What Has Changed

Your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal statement must address the following explanations:

  • What happened - Why were you unable to maintain satisfactory progress in previous semester(s)?
  • What has changed - How have these issues been resolved?
  • What will you do - What is your plan to ensure you are successful from this point forward?
student typing on computer
Student posing with hands pointing to their left.
Acknowledge the Issue. Evaluate your situation to understand what has hindered your academic progress. 

  • Why have you struggled to make satisfactory academic progress?
  • Are you experiencing difficulties with time management or study skills?
  • Could you be spending more time in tutoring or proactively seeking clarification from your instructors?
Example:
During my first semester at Pikes Peak, I found myself overwhelmed by the academic rigor of the schedule and classes. Unprepared and unsure of where to seek help, I developed anxiety and quickly fell behind. At one point, I stopped attending classes because I felt so far behind that catching up seemed impossible. This caused my grades to suffer and my anxiety to worsen, leading me to question whether attending college was the right place for me. Due to this, Satisfactory Academic Performance (SAP) was not met.

What is Your Plan? Have a plan to improve and explain how you plan to seek assistance.

  • What changes will enable you to make satisfactory academic progress by the end of next term?
Example:
After my first semester, I sought support from the Tutoring Center, participated in a study group, and added additional study time to my schedule  I registered with the Accessibility Services Office and reduced my course load. I also met with my college adviser to plan the classes I needed to get back on track and to strategize my approach to coursework. 

Note: Unpreparedness for college coursework may not be accepted as a valid reason for an appeal.

 

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Reminder: Your Letter MUST be Typed

Make sure your financial aid appeal letter is typed! Handwritten letters will not be accepted and will result in a denied appeal.

PPSC offers free computer labs for students at our Centennial, Rampart, and Downtown campuses.

Computer Lab Info

Remember to Include Supporting Documents

Don't Forget to Attach Supporting Documentation. Without documentation supporting your extenuating circumstances - your appeal is incomplete!

Examples of documents include - but are not limited to:
    • Medical Documentation Form
    • Hospital records
    • Doctor or counselor letter (signed by attending doctor stating what occurred, dates, and services provided)
    • Eviction notices
    • Death or birth records
    • Divorce decrees
    • Military orders
    • Court records
    • Notarized third-party statements

lightbulb icon Your supporting documents must be uploaded as one PDF file. If you have a separate file for each page, you can combine them using Adobe's free PDF combiner webpage.

Medical Documentation Form
Adobe PDF Combiner
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Still Need Help?

Our financial aid advisors are here to help answer your questions regarding federal financial aid, including:

  • Student Loans
  • Federal Grants (Pell Grant)
  • Work Study
  • Special Circumstances
  • Applying for Aid
  • Dependency Status
  • Aid Appeals
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