Ms. Henry,

I would like to appeal the decision made by the board to decline my application for admission to the MSU accounting program. While I understand why the decision was made, I respectfully request an appeal of that decision. Mr. so and so explainedthat the new admissions standards require a 3.4 pre-core GPA as well as a 3.4 overall GPA and I do not meet those criteria. I would hope, however, that it could be seen that my grades, with the exception of my first semester freshman year, are above and beyond those necessary to be accepted.

I came to Michigan State as a national honor student with a grade average and committed to further academic success. In hindsight, I feel my first semester schedule was a bit more aggressive than I should have pursued, especially taking into account living on my own for the first time and other “first semester freshman” stress. In particular, it was likely not wise to take a macro-economics class so early with no prior classes in even micro-economics. As you will see, it was that pre-core class that significantly brought down my grade point that semester. I do, however, take full responsibility and hope that you will take that into consideration.

Since then, I have received a 3.83, 3.65, 3.91, and a 3.8 in the semesters that followed. This past semester specifically, I received a 3.8 as a member of the Eli Broad College of Business, with a schedule that consisted of five upper level business classes. I ask that you take this into account in regard to my ability to excel in the accounting program.

Another issue I find to be relevant is the fact that if I were to have applied at the end of my sophomore year I would have been accepted into the program, even with my poor freshman semester. The only reason I applied to the business school as a finance major is because I really had no idea what I wanted to do with my life until this past summer when I learned more about accounting careers.

For the past nine months or so, all I have been focused on academically is accounting. I became very excited about the information and the careers in public accounting specifically. Upon coming to school in the fall I joined the Accounting Student Association so that I could learn even more, and become more involved. Over the past several months I began to research companies to apply, and eventually interview, for internships. After many interviews and office visits, I was lucky enough to receive an offer to be an Assurance Intern with Plante & Moran for this upcoming summer. The process consumed me, and I worked extremely hard to get the offer. I believe this shows that I am a very dedicated, hardworking individual, who can offer much more, to not only the accounting program but companies as well, than just pure academics.

I appreciate your consideration of my appeal request. It would be an honor to be a part of MSU’s accounting program and something I would take very seriously as a key part of my academic career. I thank you very much for your time, and look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Sincerely,
Marc Reno