There is no question that you deserve fair grades. You shouldn’t have to suffer a remediation plan if you did the work to pass a course. You shouldn’t have to worry whether you’ll get a top residency because some instructor decided to lower your clerkship grade on a whim. The grade appeals process at International American University College of Medicine exists to make sure you can respond to situations like these.
There is sometimes a price to pay for filing a grade appeal, though. You could always upset an instructor, and recommendation letters are just as important to your residency applications as your grades.
You have to think carefully before you file an appeal. You need to take into account all the various factors, and there are a lot of them to consider. We can help. The LLF National Law Firm’s Education Law Team was founded to make sure students are treated fairly. We’ve been at this a while now, long enough to know exactly how the IAUCOM system works and what to expect from the appeals process. We can help you with the basics of filing, but beyond that, we can offer advice on whether filing is in your best interests.
At the LLF National Law Firm, we’re dedicated to your success, and we can help you reach your full potential. First, though, you have to contact us. To find out more about just what we can do, call 888-535-3686 today, or take time right now and fill out one of our online forms.
What Do You Gain From Filing a Grade Appeal?
There are certainly upsides to filing a grade appeal. We’re by no means suggesting you should be reticent about getting the grades you deserve. If an instructor has failed you in a course or clerkship, a grade appeal can keep you from having to go through a time-consuming remediation program. It might prevent academic probation or even worse sanctions like suspension and dismissal.
Even if you’re only trying to bump your GPA a little, though—demanding the “A” you earned instead of the “B” you got—a grade appeal can be worthwhile. Residency competition is fierce, and one letter grade could be the difference between the right Matching Day fit and the wrong one. In fact, even your performance in single courses can be crucial if they’re courses that matter to the specialty you’re hoping to pursue.
And you should know that grade appeals are becoming more common in medical school. Recent surveys reveal that there’s been a significant increase in the number of medical students filing grade appeals. This suggests that the problem may not be you or even your instructor. It may be systemic. Filing your appeal could be important to changing how medical schools work.
You have the right to appeal a grade any time you have questions about it. You shouldn’t be shy about it, and if this is the route you decide to take, the LLF National Law Firm is in your corner and ready to help.
What Does the Grade Appeal Process Look Like?
Filing an appeal is a relatively straightforward process. Even so, you want to make sure you follow every step. Don’t give the COM a reason to reject your appeal.
If you’re filing an appeal during the semester, start by talking things out with your instructor. If you can’t resolve the matter through discussion, you can file a written petition with the Dean of Basic Sciences. If the Dean feels you were denied due process, they may undertake their own investigation into the matter.
If you’re filing your appeal after the semester, you should direct it to the Promotions Committee. It needs to be submitted within one week of the end of the course. Your paperwork should describe the nature of the problem and the remedy you’re seeking. Keep in mind that you’ll need solid evidence to support your case. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of saving all of your work, so you have examples of your academic abilities if you need them.
The LLF National Law Firm can be an asset no matter what type of resolution you’re considering. We can work with you to gather evidence, help you draft your appeal documents, and even coach you in talking with faculty. Most importantly, we’ll ensure you’re treated fairly and that you get the justice you deserve.
What Do You Risk in Filing an Appeal
There’s a lot to be gained from a grade appeal. There are some potential downsides as well. The most important of these is that you risk alienating the professor whose grade you’re appealing. Instructors don’t like to be questioned, and medical instructors can be especially prickly about it. An angry instructor isn’t going to write a positive recommendation letter.
Maybe you don’t need to ask that instructor for a letter. Word gets around, though. Upset someone influential, and you might find that other instructors are unwilling to write on your behalf. Plus, anyone can contribute to your MSPE.
So…before you start typing up your appeal, there are some important questions to ask.
First, just how important is getting that higher grade? Are you facing remediation or some other sanction? Does the class in question matter to your residency applications, or is it just a core subject?
What are your chances of winning your appeal? If you don’t have much evidence, you’re going to have a tough time convincing the Dean or the Promotions Committee to take your side. In that case, is it really worth rocking the boat?
How important is the instructor in question to your future? Will you be taking other courses from them? Do they work in the field you’re hoping to pursue?
The LLF National Law Firm is always willing to fight for your rights, and we can be fierce when it comes to protecting our clients. We’ll always be up-front and honest with you, though, if we think you’d be better off accepting the grade you received and moving on.
How Do You Protect Yourself?
Of course, a grade appeal doesn’t have to create chaos. There are steps you can take to minimize the risk of upsetting an instructor. These aren’t foolproof, but you definitely want to take every precaution you can.
Find another instructor in the department, someone you trust, and talk over your situation. They’ll likely know how their colleague will react if you file. They’ll also be able to gauge the general atmosphere of the department and how faculty typically respond to grade appeals.
Likewise, you might want to talk with other students, especially those who’ve taken courses with your instructor or those who have experience filing appeals.
Follow protocol exactly. Talk to your instructor first, so they know what’s coming. Yes, it’s scary facing someone you know might react badly, but it’s better they know what’s coming than be blindsided. Cornered animals can be dangerous.
Be diplomatic no matter who you’re talking with. Even if you know you’re being mistreated, keep your cool. You don’t want anyone in the department to get the impression that you are a “problem student.”
Of course, your most important move when it comes to protecting yourself is to make sure you have the LLF National Law Firm in your corner. Just having us on your side lets schools know that you’re serious about getting justice. Plus, we can do the fighting for you, so you can keep your reputation as even-tempered intact.
What Happens if Things Unravel?
You decide you must file an appeal. You do everything you can to minimize the negative consequences. You still wind up in a tricky situation with an angry instructor who decides to poison the department against you. What do you do now?
University officials are supposed to ensure the school treats every student fairly. If you’re facing retaliation for filing your grade appeal, start by visiting with the Dean of Basic Sciences. They may be able to resolve the matter informally.
Ultimately, the primary authority at the College of Medicine is the Promotions Committee. This committee makes all decisions regarding your movement through the program. It also has procedures in place if you need to file a formal grievance against your instructor.
Finally, there are outside forces you can bring to bear as well. Caribbean med schools face special challenges, and they’re always worried about accreditation agencies and about whether their US partners will keep working with them. If all else fails, you can try approaching some of these partners and asking for help with your situation.
IAUCOM will tell you it’s on your side, and generally speaking, it is. After all, the university wants you to succeed. If you’ve upset someone on the faculty, though, you can’t be sure other faculty and administrators won’t close ranks to protect them.
The LLF National Law Firm’s only concern is you. We want to make sure you’re treated fairly and that you have the very best chances of moving forward and flourishing as a doctor.
Trust the LLF National Law Firm
Filing a grade appeal can be a delicate procedure in medical school. You’re not an undergraduate anymore. Everyone at ASU COM knows you, and anything you do to hurt your reputation could have serious repercussions on your ability to move forward in your career. Nevertheless, there are times when a grade appeal is a necessity.
The LLF National Law Firm’s Education Law Team understands the situation, and we’re clear on the stakes. You can count on us whether you’re just looking for advice or you need to file a formal grievance against the school. We’re always on your side, and we’re always looking out for your interests.
To find out more about how we can help, contact the LLF National Law Firm today at 888-535-3686. Or, fill out our online questionnaire.