How and When to Ask Your Professor for an Extension

Everyone needs an extension now and then.  Life happens and things fall to the wayside.  The key to getting an extension is knowing when and how to ask for one.

When you should ask for an extension

Professors typically grant extensions for larger assignments that have been derailed because of unforeseen events.

Unforeseen events include, but are not limited to:

• A death in the family 
• Suddenly needing to get a job
• Caring for a very sick family member
• Personal illness
• Sudden news that requires you to make major life changes (pregnancy, moves, etc.)
• An unforeseen change in your living situation
• You made an honest mistake (I misread the syllabus and accidentally did next week’s homework…)
• The professor has a “hardcopy only” policy, you suddenly can’t make class, but can scan and email the assignment in the request for more time

Notice that all of these situations are sudden, beyond your control, and more or less time-consuming.

Take the assignment into account as well.  Professors are more likely to grant extensions to larger projects than current homework assignments.  Consider asking for an extension if the assignment is worth a lot or is very involved.

You should also make sure you haven’t mismanaged your time in some way.  A professor is less likely to grant an extension for a circumstance that happens two days before a semester-long project is due.  Make sure you request your extension as soon as you know the unforeseen event will cause you a delay on your assignment.

When you shouldn’t ask for an extension

The number one rule of asking for an extension comes down to the answer of this question: 

If you get the extension will you do better on the assignment?  If the answer is no, don’t waste anyone’s time.  

Beyond that, you shouldn’t ask for an extension if:

• Your professor has a drop one policy and this is the one
• You only need one day, and the penalty for a late assignment is small
• The assignment isn’t worth enough to change your grade in any direction
• You won’t have time, or don’t intend, to fix the problems even if you get the extension
• You need the extension because of your lack of planning
• You really need an incomplete in the class, not an extension
• It is becoming a pattern
• You are asking the day it is due and have yet to do any work on the assignment

Professors are people too.  They are generally understanding, but if you keep asking for extensions or you are clearly at fault and made bad choices to be in the position you are in, their sympathy will generally dry up.

If you need an extension for every assignment or if your world has catastrophically turned upside down, consider asking for an incomplete or dropping the class. 

How to ask for an extension

When you are sure you should ask for an extension, send the professor an email.  

Your email should include:

• A respectful salutation including the professor’s title and name
• The request for the extension with a firm date for you to turn in the assignment
• An explanation of the extenuating circumstances
• A concrete plan so this doesn’t happen again
• The attached assignment (incomplete or complete), where applicable
• A line thanking them for their help and understanding
• A sign-off

Example 1- Caring for a sick relative

Good Morning Dr. Green,

Can I please turn in the essay due Thursday on Saturday?

My mother had to have a cyst removed and has been in the hospital.  She will be released on Thursday, and I have to be home to take care of my younger siblings until then.  I should be back on campus by Saturday.

I have attached my first draft below, and could potentially have it edited by Friday if you are willing to accept a digital copy.

Thank you for your help and understanding.

Sincerely,

John

Example 2- Sudden unforeseen circumstances

Good Afternoon Dr. S,

I do not think I will make it to the exam today and was wondering if there was any way I could take it tomorrow.

I was commuting to campus to take the test and someone decided to jump in front of my train (link to the story on CNN).  It is an absolute mess and they have closed the line for the next hour at least.  I don’t have any other means of transportation and don’t know how I would make it to the exam during class time.

I will do everything I can to make it to class.  

Thank you for understanding.

Sincerely,

Jane

Example 3- Personal illness

Good Morning Dr. Fowler,

I woke up this morning with a fever of 101.3 and have spent most of my time in the bathroom.  I don’t think I can make it to class today.

Please accept the attached digital copy of my homework in lieu of the hardcopy your syllabus expects me to turn in.  If that is unacceptable, please allow me to turn in the assignment next class when I will (hopefully) not be sick.

Thank you for understanding.  

Sincerely,

Tony

<attached homework>

Example 4- Honest Mistake

Hello Dr. Rouss,

I was packing up my bag and checking to make sure I finished all the problems for the homework due tomorrow when I realized I misread the syllabus and did next week’s homework instead.

Is there any way I can turn in next week’s homework this week and turn in this week’s homework next week? 

I’m sorry for the inconvenience.  I’ll pay more attention in the future.

Sincerely,

Amanda

Everyone needs the occasional extension

We are all human.  We all make mistakes and have to deal with being thrown curveballs.  If you use extensions sparingly and have a good reason for the request, you will find they are usually granted.