Buzz
Perhaps you've recently ended a relationship, fallen unexpectedly ill, or are buried under a mountain of homework. There are numerous valid reasons why you might miss a deadline. You might feel anxious about asking for an extension. Here’s the best way to gain your professor's understanding.
Steps
Sending an email is often the best way to request an extension. You can easily explain your situation in an email and say everything you need without being interrupted. However, some professors dislike emails and see them as a way to avoid face-to-face communication. If you don’t receive a response within 24 hours (on weekdays), speak directly to your professor in their office. Avoid calling unless you believe the professor would consider it an emergency, which is unlikely in most cases.
The subject line should clearly reflect the email's content. Your professor likely receives many similar emails. Subject lines like 'Extension Request' or 'Request for Assignment Extension' are usually the most effective.
Begin the email with 'Dear' followed by the professor's title. Use their full title to show respect.
Start by apologizing for sending the email. Explain the reason why you cannot submit the assignment on time. Take responsibility for the situation.
Describe your circumstances. If life were perfect, you would have submitted the assignment on time. If you had a particularly tough day, explain why. If you had an important exam on the same day, mention it. The passing of a loved one is also an acceptable reason, if true. Otherwise, avoid fabricating such stories, as most professors will understand circumstances that are less extreme.
Request an extension. Specify the exact amount of time you need. If you only need a few hours, don’t ask for two days. Request the minimum time required to produce quality work.
Thank the professor for taking the time to read your email and for their consideration.
End the email with 'Sincerely' followed by your name.
If the professor declines, you must accept their decision. They are not obligated to grant your request. Pleading further may make you appear immature, so it’s best to avoid it. Complete the assignment, accept any penalties, and adhere to the final deadline.
Tips
- The more responsible you are in class (attending on time, staying focused, completing assignments), the more likely your professor will grant an extension if you genuinely need it.
- Request an extension well before the deadline—as soon as you realize there’s an issue. Don’t wait until the last minute to bring it up.
- If you’re genuinely ill, visit a doctor before approaching your professor. A medical note can support your extension request.
- Discuss the matter privately, whether via email or in person. Avoid phone calls. If successful, keep the information confidential to prevent pressure on the professor to extend deadlines for others.
- Even if your stress isn’t due to illnesses like the flu or pneumonia, but rather extreme anxiety (e.g., insomnia, stress-induced crying, loss of appetite), consult a doctor. They may provide a note for 'health reasons' to mitigate stress-related harm.
- The worst-case scenario is a 'no' from the professor. However, asking doesn’t hurt, especially if it could help you.
- Understand the challenges the professor faces in granting extensions. Extensions can raise fairness concerns, as other students adhered to the original deadline.
- Be honest. Lying is unnecessary, complicates matters, and can lead to serious consequences.
- Consider proposing a specific deadline and explaining the benefits of the extra time. For example, if your research paper is due Monday, you might say, 'I have ADHD and need library assistance. I’ve scheduled a session for Friday and hope to submit by Wednesday to allow time for revisions.'
- If requesting an extension due to illness, provide only necessary details. 'I have a fever' is appropriate; 'I’ve been vomiting and have diarrhea!' is not.
Warnings
- Try to request an extension for only one assignment per semester, unless facing genuine difficulties. A single extension request may be understandable, but asking for three suggests a lack of time management.
- Your professor might grant an extension but deduct points for late submission. Consider whether the extension is worth the penalty.
- If you lie, you could face consequences under academic integrity policies. This might result in failing the course or even expulsion from the university. Be honest—don’t risk everything for one assignment.
- If your extension request relates to a physical or learning disability, you may need to document it formally. School policies or federal laws might prevent professors from accepting your situation based solely on your word, no matter how evident it seems. If you have a learning disability, contact the disability services office at the start of the semester. The approval process can take time, so don’t wait until issues arise.
