You worked hard to get to medical school, and you'll work even harder to get through it. With such a heavy and challenging course load, the average medical student must endure long nights of studying, many lectures, and endless hours of clinicals.
Potentially being dismissed from medical school is your worst nightmare after all the work you've put in. And the majority of the time, it is life events that you can't control that have kept you off your A-game. The good news is that medical schools afford you the option of contesting decisions that could prevent you from getting your M.D. via the appeals process.
An appeal is a request to overturn an academic decision, like a dismissal, made by the school. With the help of an attorney, you can craft a compelling and effective appeal to convince your school that the determination is unfair and that you deserve to continue your education at that institution.
Grounds for an Appeal
An appeal will only be considered for review by your school if it is submitted within the deadline and if it is based on good reason. These reasons are referred to as “grounds.” Being dissatisfied with a grade, or a clinical evaluation isn't a reasonable ground for an appeal. The majority of schools are receptive to two permissible grounds in an appeal request: extenuating circumstances and improper conduct.
Extenuating Circumstances
Students can appeal on extenuating circumstances if they've experienced an inevitable life event that has hindered their academic progression. Some reasonable examples of extenuating circumstances are:
- Medical or psychological issues: You suffer from depression or from a debilitating injury that has prevented you from staying on top of your studies.
- Family crisis: Perhaps a family member or close friend has fallen ill or died, and the time that you used to dedicated to school is now occupied with making arrangements, taking care of a loved one, or grieving.
- Financial issues: You lost your job or a main source of income and aren't sure about how you're going to make ends meet - whether that means paying your bills or paying tuition.
Improper Conduct
A student can successfully appeal on this ground when mistakes have been made by school staff, or school guidelines have been incorrectly applied to your case. For example, let's say the school's decision to dismiss you was premature according to the code of conduct, or the evaluations were biased. These are examples of improper conduct.
It's important to note that each institution has its own specific set of guidelines pertaining to appeal criteria, requests, and deadlines. To make sure your appeal is reviewed, you should locate your school's guidelines in the code of conduct and operate accordingly.
United States Student Rights Attorney
You've worked hard to get to medical school, don't just let it slip through your fingers. Take advantage of your right to challenge your school's dismissal by requesting an appeal. If you feel like the grounds mentioned above apply to your case, you should consult with an experienced attorney.
Legal professional Joseph D. Lento has worked with students who aspire to practice in a broad range of industries and understands how to maximize the likelihood of an appeal. Contact him today at 888-535-3686.
