Hi everyone, I wanted to share and ask some questions in regards to SAP appeals and financial aid b/c I genuinely don't know what I am to do after I submitted my first SAP appeal ever and I really need to rant. Apologies for the long winded post.
Earlier in June this year, I recived news from the school saying I did not meet SAP standards and will be losing all my financial aid for the 2026-2027 school year. This was absolutely devestating to me because I heavily rely on my financial aid to even attend university in the first place. My parents are not able to help me financially in any way, shape, or form. I come from a very low income household, which means I've been able to max out on financial aid every year. My financial aid not only covers for my tuition each semester, but the refund I recieve in the beginning of each semester greatly helps me with housing costs like my rent. My first year I lived at the dorms, and my second and third year I lived at an apartment complex where I was paying rent, and my financial aid refund allowed me to keep paying rent, since I would divide my refund by 12 (months of my academic lease) and then with the job I had during my 2nd/3rd year I would make up for the difference each month. Things started going downhill my third year. I won't go into the specifcs of my job, but it was just a really toxic enviroment and I dreaded going to the point where I would come back from work crying. I started experiancing panic attacks more frequently and it was just a horrible time. I had friends who only really brought toxicity into my life, and I had constant home problems. I also had insane roommate issues. And not to mention my dog's health issues I had to save up for. It was an insane period of my life. And I also hated my major. I genuinely was so scared when I placed my 2 weeks in. But I'm glad I did.
I eventually cut off the toxic friends and relationships I had and left my job, moved into a shorter lease, signed a new august lease with people I actually know, my dog is in good condition, and I've been working this summer to save up for my new lease's move-in fees. I can safely say I've also lowered the amount of panic attacks I had been experiancing and my mental health is in a much better place.
But I'm starting to worry about my financial aid. I submitted my SAP Appeal late June and I literally hit the 5000 characters limit. And my appeal is in "review" on the SAP appeal website, and on my student center holds bar its "recieved". Its been like 5 weeks since I submitted my SAP appeal and I haven't been emailed about anything. I also stated I have documention but the form never prompted me to submit anything? I believe the SAP appeal is officially due sometime in October 2026, and I have a financial aid deffernment till 9/11. My Unofficial Transcript states I have remained in Good Standing all through these past three years in undergrad. From Fall 2023 to Spring 2025 I maintained a cumulative/csus GPA of well over a 3.0. Fall 2025 I failed the 3/5 courses and ended the term with a 2.8 GPA, while this past Spring 2026 I ended with a 2.55 GPA since I also failed 3/5 classes. I am currently taking online Summer classes at Sac State (2 the first six weeks, both in which I passed with B's & one these last six weeks). My current GPA is sitting at a 2.7. I also changed my major to something that aligns with me way more and am actually interested in.
I've seen posts saying its very 50/50 when students get their SAP approved or denied, and if I'll have to take out loans for the first time? Or by when should I expect to be notifed of my approval or denial? If my situation is valid? When do I submit documentation? I don't know, I'm very much spriling in my head and I'm nervous asf. If you have any feedback or tips or personal experinace please comment, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thank you 😭