Final grades are posted, and you log into your student account to check them. A closer look and you see that your final course grade in a class can’t be right. You email your college professor to ask what happened. They tell you it was the grade you earned, or worse, ignore you altogether. What can you do if you disagree with a grade in school? You can file a grade appeal or grade dispute. Read on for how to write one.
What is a grade appeal or grade dispute in school?
A grade dispute is a university policy where you can challenge your college course grade. When filing a grade appeal, the school will have strict rules that must be followed. Many grade grievances must meet a specific criteria. Check your student handbook for the allowed categories for a grade dispute.
I found the grade dispute categories, what now?
You need to find out if there is a form you must use to dispute your course grade, or if you are to write it on a word processing document. Your next step is to format your arguments. I always tell students that the most important arguments should go first. You want to make the biggest initial impact possible. The weaker arguments should come last.
What should I argue in a grade appeal?
You need to think of every point you can make and fit into the specific grade dispute categories that the school laid out. You should stay away from saying other students scored higher than you or that it was unfair without actual evidence to support statements like those. When I write grade appeals for students, I format them just like I would a legal appeal. It gives the grade appeal a professional edge, it reads clearly, and shows the school how serious the student is about fighting the grade.
What happens when I file a university grade dispute?
The entire procedure is outlined in the student handbook. If not, email a point of contact at the student success center and ask them to point you to the grade appeal policy. Be mindful, there are time limits and a sequential process for a grade appeal. Make sure you follow the procedure exactly or you could lose your opportunity.
What evidence should I present to win my grade appeal or grade dispute?
The evidence should match the reason you are appealing. If the syllabus or rubric was unclear, you should include the rubric. If you believe the grade was given arbitrarily, you should have evidence to show students who produced similar work scored better. You should be very clear and to the point when you discuss evidence and how it supports your grade appeal.
If the school denies my grade dispute, can I appeal the denial?
No. Once your grade dispute has been heard by the panel, the decision is final. However, if you discover that the grade appeal board did not follow a policy or procedure, this could be grounds for another appeal. You can only file an appeal of the decision if the grade appeal board did something wrong.
You only get one chance.
I strongly suggest hiring a grade appeal lawyer to help students write their appeals. I often help student by composing their written appeals. Having a professional craft and organize arguments puts students in the best position for a successful result.Click here to read our practice area page on grade changes, grade appeals, and grade disputes. Richard Asselta is an award-winning grade appeal and dispute lawyer. He works with students from New York to California, and everywhere in between. Call The Education Appeal Lawyers today for a free consultation and protect your educational future. 855-338-5299Click here to read what client’s are saying about Richard on Avvo, a lawyer review website.