Rejected? Here’s When (and If) You Should Appeal

Welcome to this week’s edition of College Admission Secrets, your go-to resource for navigating the college admissions journey with clarity and confidence.

In this issue:

• 🔎 College Admissions & Activities – UC admissions are looking for impact, not just titles. Leadership shows up in many forms, what matters is what your student did, not the position they held.

• 🏫 Insider College Spotlight – Why San Diego State University is a smart choice for students seeking strong business, engineering, and research programs in a vibrant SoCal setting.

• 💰 Scholarship of the Week – AFSA National High School Essay Contest.

• 🔥 Quick Admissions Tip – Focus on what you did with the role, not the title. UC readers value initiative and outcomes over fancy positions.

• 🎯 Hidden Opportunity – UC GPA Calculator.

• 📅 Weekly Action Plan – Grade-by-grade tasks to help students stay on track with college planning.

• 📺 Must-Watch Training – How to complete the CSS Profile strategically and avoid mistakes that could cost your family $20K+ per year.

No matter where your student is in the process, we are here to help. Let’s dive in!

💭 COACH TONY’S THOUGHTS

Rejected? Here’s How to Appeal (If You Even Should)

Let’s be honest — most families want to appeal a rejection because they feel their student deserved to get in. And I get it. Your student worked hard, earned great grades, and probably did everything “right.” But before you hit submit on that appeal, let’s talk facts.

Take UCLA, for example. They received over 145,000 freshman applications last year. And they’re had enough offers for only about 12,000 spots. That means over 90% of applicants were denied — most of them highly qualified.

And these aren’t quick rejections. Each application goes through multiple trained readers. Then, in many cases, it moves to an admissions committee where decisions are made collectively.

So when you’re appealing, you’re essentially saying, “Hey, I think all those readers — and the committee — were wrong.”

That’s a big ask.

So when can an appeal actually work?

There are usually only two valid reasons:

1. Something compelling happened since you applied (like a major award, life event, or a new academic achievement that wasn’t available before).

2. You forgot to include something truly significant in your original application (not just “I got more As” or “I really want to attend”).

Getting all As your senior year, loving the school more than ever, or feeling like your essay was underrated — unfortunately, those aren’t compelling reasons.

Bottom Line:

Most students did give it their best shot on the original app. And the truth is, there’s often nothing dramatically new to add. That’s why successful appeals are extremely rare.

That said — if it helps you sleep at night, we do encourage students to submit an appeal. But we also believe in being honest: we won’t overpromise or give false hope. We’ll support you through it if you want to go for it… just know what you’re walking into.

Quick Note: You can’t appeal a waitlist decision — you have to wait to see if you’re admitted off the waitlist later.

📅 WEEKLY ACTION PLAN

Week of March 25th

9th Grade

• Explore summer enrichment – Research internships, academic camps, and volunteer programs that align with interests.

• Develop study routines – Identify weak areas and set up a consistent review schedule for upcoming finals.

• Engage in leadership opportunities – Look for ways to take on more responsibility in clubs or community activities.

10th Grade

• Plan for AP exams – Review AP syllabi, take practice tests, and create a study calendar leading up to May exams.

• Take a career interest survey – Identify potential college majors and career paths based on strengths and interests.

• Start researching college fit – Look at college websites to explore campus life, programs, and admission stats.

11th Grade

• Solidify your college list – Begin categorizing reach, target, and safety schools based on GPA, test scores, and preferences.

• Plan for standardized tests – Register for the June SAT or ACT (if applicable) and set up a study plan.

• Identify recommenders – Start building relationships with teachers who could write strong letters of recommendation.

12th Grade

• Compare financial aid offers – Review award letters and determine the true cost of each college (grants vs. loans).

• Appeal for more aid (if needed) – Contact financial aid offices to discuss additional need-based or merit-based assistance.

• Prepare for decision day – If undecided, revisit top-choice schools (virtual tours, student panels, or admitted student events).

❓ PARENT QUESTION OF THE WEEK

How Do We Compare Financial Aid Award Letters?

Not all financial aid offers are created equal! Understanding the details can save your family thousands. Here’s what to look for:

• Gift Aid vs. Loans – Grants and scholarships are free money, while loans must be repaid. Focus on the net cost after gift aid.

• Hidden Costs – Factor in fees, books, travel, and living expenses, not just tuition. A lower tuition school may have higher overall costs.

• Work-Study & Loan Terms – Work-study isn’t guaranteed, and loan interest rates vary. Know the conditions before committing.

• Appeal for More Aid – If your financial situation has changed or another school offered a better package, you can request a reconsideration.

Bottom Line: Compare total out-of-pocket costs, not just the aid amount. The best offer is the one that makes college affordable without excessive debts, aligns with goals, and allows room for both challenge and personal growth

📢 INSIDER COLLEGE SPOTLIGHT

Insider College Spotlight: San Diego State University (SDSU)

San Diego State University is a highly ranked public university known for its strong business, engineering, and research programs, as well as its prime location in sunny Southern California. With access to internships, global study programs, and a vibrant campus culture, SDSU offers students an excellent mix of academics and real-world opportunities.

Why Consider SDSU?

• Top Business & STEM Programs – SDSU’s Fowler College of Business and College of Engineering are recognized for their industry connections and hands-on learning.

• Research & Innovation – One of the top public research universities, offering grants and opportunities for undergraduates to work on cutting-edge projects.

• Career & Internship Access – Located in a thriving economic hub, SDSU provides internships with companies in biotech, tech, tourism, and finance.

• Diverse & Inclusive – A Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) with strong support programs for first-generation and underrepresented students.

Financial Aid Perk

💰 The Aztec Scholarship Program connects students with hundreds of scholarships based on merit, need, and leadership, helping to reduce college costs.

💰 SCHOLARSHIP OF THE WEEK

Each week, we handpick a favorite scholarship that is currently accepting applications. Here is this week's scholarship:

AFSA National High School Essay Contest

• Award Amount: $2,500

• Deadline: April 1, 2025

• Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school students in grades 9 through 12. Applicants must submit an essay of up to 1,500 words analyzing the role of the U.S. Foreign Service in a significant event or issue, discussing its impact on American foreign policy and peace-building efforts. Essays will be judged on the quality of analysis, clarity of writing, and understanding of the Foreign Service's role.

🔥 QUICK ADMISSIONS TIP

UC Admissions Is More Than Just What You Think…

Many students think UC admissions are all about GPA, test scores, and racking up leadership titles. But what really moves the needle is something deeper: impact.

UC schools aren’t just admitting students who held big roles.... they’re looking for those who made a difference. Leadership can show up in many forms, and it doesn’t have to come with a fancy title.

If you started a project that solved a problem, mentored others in your community, or helped your club grow and thrive, you’re demonstrating exactly the kind of initiative UC values. It’s not about what position you had. It’s about what you did with it.

The most successful applicants go beyond listing activities. They tell stories. They connect their leadership to what matters most to them, whether that’s equity, education, the environment, or innovation.

And that’s what helps them stand out.

Want to learn how to showcase your leadership the way UC readers actually evaluate it? We’re hosting a free training this Thursday that breaks it all down.

You’ll walk away with clear strategies to highlight your impact and elevate your application.

🎯 HIDDEN OPPORTUNITY OF THE WEEK

UC GPA Calculator – Know Where You Stand for UC Admissions

Understanding your UC GPA is crucial for college admissions and scholarship eligibility. Our UC GPA Calculator helps you determine your weighted and unweighted GPA based on UC’s official criteria.

• Accurate Calculation: Uses A-G course grades from 10th and 11th grade, following UC guidelines.

• Honors Course Boost: Accounts for AP, IB, and UC-approved honors courses with weighted GPA adjustments.

• Strategic Planning: Helps you see where you stand and how to improve your GPA before applying.

📺 MUST-WATCH TRAINING

Make the CSS Profile Work For You

The CSS Profile is a powerful financial aid tool used by many private colleges. Filling it out strategically can save your family thousands of dollars. Here's how to complete it effectively:​

• Know the Power of the Form: The CSS Profile gives schools a chance to offer you their own money — beyond FAFSA. If a school requires the CSS and you don’t submit it, you’re automatically disqualified from aid at that college.

• Choose “On-Campus Housing” Every Time: Even if your student is living at home or with relatives, select “on-campus housing.” This shows a higher cost of attendance, which can increase your financial aid eligibility.

• Be Minimal. Only Fill in What’s Required: Most families overshare. There are only 5 questions you must answer in the Parent Financial section. Skip anything optional — don’t list retirement accounts, stock portfolios, or home equity unless required.

• Report Conservatively on Student Income: If your student doesn’t have a job, it’s okay to put “$0” for expected earnings and savings. Don’t inflate the numbers. This can reduce aid.

• Play the “Mean Parent” Game: When asked how much parents, grandparents, or outside sources plan to contribute, the correct answer is “$0.” The more you say you’ll give, the less the school has to offer.

• Avoid the Zillow Trap: When asked for home value, do not use online estimates. Use the assessed value from your property tax bill — it’s usually much lower and helps reduce your profile on paper.

• Don’t Submit Without Help: Once submitted, the CSS Profile is very hard to change. Always talk to a financial aid expert first — one mistake could cost you $20K to $50K per year.

By completing the CSS Profile strategically, you're not just applying — you're negotiating for your family’s future.

ONE QUICK FAVOR

Help Us Make This Newsletter Better

We're committed to making every Tuesday newsletter valuable for your family's college journey. Take a second to let us know how we did - your feedback helps us deliver the content you need most!

P.S. We read every reply! Have a burning college admissions question or topic you'd like us to cover?

Hit reply and let us know - we're here to help your family's college journey succeed.