So last semester I was put on academic probation. I dropped a few courses, passed one, and failed another. Fully my own fault. I really regret it. I'm applying for osap, a government student loan. They estimate I'll get $10,800 based off how much I make, my parent makes, and my cost for tuition, books, and transportation. Before they accept my loan I need to write a letter explaining why I'm on academic probation. Here's what they need

Quote: You have been placed on academic probation for OSAP purposes. Because you have not maintained satisfactory academic progress, you must provide a letter of explanation outlining your situation including the reason(s) you have not progressed academically. This letter should also outline your academic objectives. You must also provide a copy of your transcripts from previous institutions for the past two years of study (if applicable).

also, osap says

Quote: You must also provide a copy of your transcripts from previous institutions for the past two years of study (if applicable).

I've only been at this one institution. Do I need to provide my transcripts? They obviously have access to them as they were aware I'm on academic probation. The "if applicable" makes me consider this because you couldn't be on academic probation if you've never been to college, and the only other way they'd not be applicable is if you were at one college only. finally here is my letter so far

Quote: Letter of Explanation Concerning Academic Probation Unfortunately, I have been placed on academic probation due to poor performance previously in my computer programming and analysis diploma program . During my second year I opted out of applying for OSAP in hopes I would be able to work and go to school. My intentions were to minimize my student loans I would be required to pay once I graduated. I had school 5 days a week and worked all weekend and often after school as well. I did not properly anticipate the stress of working and going to school without a day's rest. In addition my travel time was two to three hours each day. These multiple factors negatively effected my time and energy I had available to me after school to keep up on my studies and projects. I am deeply regretful I allowed myself to fall so far behind that year and now have a new vigor and energy to apply myself this year in an attempt to keep on course. I'm currently taking a summer semester as I plan to get back on schedule and perform as well as I know I can. Unfortunately I'm not able to work the long hours necessary to afford tuition, books, and transportation in addition to applying myself effectively to my studies as I demonstrated last year. I've taken reduced hours at my job so I have more time to focus on school. I'm doing exponentially better this summer semester and now at the half way mark even have a 100% in my systems366 course. I intend to get my GPA back up to a minimum of 3.0 so I can apply for the co-op program and gain valuable real world experience. I have an uncle with the Toronto police who has expressed great interest in helping me with this goal. I am now very grateful that there are services such as OSAP to help students like me make the most basic of ends meet so that I have the energy and time to focus on what is important, my education.

any criticism or advice?

Isn't there someone at your school who can answer your question about transcripts?

Don't start your explanation with the word unfortunately. If you must use that word, bury it at the end of the sentence. Don't talk about your intentions first. Talk about them second.

You tried working your way through school, but the commute used up too much of your time and your studies suffered. You do well in your coursework when you have time to study. You're getting guidance from your uncle the policeman. Please help me out with a loan.

That sums it up.

Quote: Original post by LessBread
Isn't there someone at your school who can answer your question about transcripts?

Don't start your explanation with the word unfortunately. If you must use that word, bury it at the end of the sentence. Don't talk about your intentions first. Talk about them second.

You tried working your way through school, but the commute used up too much of your time and your studies suffered. You do well in your coursework when you have time to study. You're getting guidance from your uncle the policeman. Please help me out with a loan.

That sums it up.

Okay I'll take unfortunately out. The use of 'intentions' were in reference to what my plan was when I failed. The first paragraph is why I did poorly, the second paragraph is what I'm currently doing and plan to do to fix it.

I'll ask the loan office at the school. I can't access my transcripts online because I owe money for my next semester so they don't let you see them till you pay. I'm sure the front desk will be able to help me though.

Quote: any criticism or advice?

Quote: These multiple factors negatively effected my time and energy

Did you see anybody about this? maybe a councillor or a Doctor?
If so get a note from them which describes your situation and there professional opinion on the matter. If not then your really should have and this may serve as reminder to anybody who is reading it and in the same situation.
I know from experience how valuable a note from a professional (especially a Doctor) can be in these situations.

i didn't speak to anyone that could write me a note confirming this... :(

Quote: Original post by JavaMava
I can't access my transcripts online because I owe money for my next semester so they don't let you see them till you pay.

What the...

Quote: Original post by Valderman

Quote: Original post by JavaMava
I can't access my transcripts online because I owe money for my next semester so they don't let you see them till you pay.

What the...

My college has a wbesite you can log into to choose classes for next semester, see your grades for, look at your time table, change your contact info, see what you owe, ect.

If you owe money they lock features like choosing classes, viewing grades, ect. I know it's odd.

I just checked my college website to see how I can get transcripts. Says they are free to current students, cost $10.50 per yer for non students. HOWEVER if you have fees owing, like me, you can't get them.

Quote: Original post by JavaMava
I just checked my college website to see how I can get transcripts. Says they are free to current students, cost $10.50 per yer for non students. HOWEVER if you have fees owing, like me, you can't get them.

Oh great! Sounds like a Catch22 if I ever heard one!

p.s. But yeah my college does the same thing but you can usually get unofficial ones pretty easily. One of the dean's at my college even looked them up on his computer for me one time. You could try that?

Just being picky, but "exponentially" is not the right word. It's a big word people use to sound impressive, but it's not correct usage here.