Maybe you just broke up with your partner, have become ill, or are completely swamped with other homework.There are many reasons you won't have your paper in on time.It can seem intimidating to ask for an extension, but most professors are willing to hear you out.Asking quickly and politely will get your professor's attention.
Step 1: Make sure to double-check your course's policies.
You should read over the class syllabus before asking your professor.Sometimes professors will say if they automatically grant extensions, are willing to consider them in certain circumstances, or have a no-extension policy.Knowing what your professor is willing to do will help you say your request correctly.
Step 2: If you say you are sick, show proof.
It's reasonable to ask for an extension for a serious illness like the flu.Most professors won't want to hear about your illness if you go into great detail about it.Some professors will ask for a doctor's note or other evidence.It should be simple.Professor Thompson, I came down with a bad flu over the weekend and need more time to work on my paper.I would like to have an extension.I can show you the documentation from the University Health Services.
Step 3: You should be honest about personal emergencies.
If there is a death or grave illness in the family, it's a good reason to ask for a paper extension.It is possible for professors to grant extensions in genuine cases of personal emergencies.I'm sorry to say that my aunt died last night, Professor Thompson.I will be with my family at the funeral.I was going to complete my paper for your class tomorrow, but could I ask for a two-day extension?If you are unable to back up your story, don't go this route, as a professor may or may not ask for some kind of documentation.
Step 4: Let your professor know if you have a lot of work to do.
Professors know that you may be taking several classes at the same time, and have other things going on in your life as well.You need an extension if you are overwhelmed.It is worth asking if this is the case.Write a good paper if you need this kind of extension.I have three exams taking place on the day of the paper, so I am requesting an extension.I want to do well on this paper and give it the attention it deserves, and another day or two would really help.
Step 5: Take the strength in numbers route.
A group of students could collectively ask a professor for an extension if they all have an exam or other commitment that is taking away from the time they need to spend on a paper.Asking a professor for an extension can be more convincing than asking on your own.Professor Thompson, 7 of us in your class are also taking CHEM 220, and we have an exam on the same day the paper is due.We could have enough time to write strong papers if we had a one-day extension.
Step 6: It should be simple.
Don't wear your professor down with endless explanations, whatever your reason for asking for an extensionAsk why you need an extension, and thank your professor for considering it.Accept responsibility and ask for an extension if you need one because you caused yourself to get behind.The honesty is appreciated by most professors.
Step 7: As soon as possible, ask.
If you ask before the paper is due, professors will grant an extension.If you think you might need one, ask as soon as possible.An unexpected emergency such as a family death or being rushed to the hospital is the exception to this.
Step 8: You can approach your professor.
You can show your professor that you need an extension by talking one-on-one with them.If you think you need an extension, visit the professor during office hours or ask to speak to them after class.
Step 9: Email your professor to inquire about an extension.
You may not be able to approach your professor in person if you are sick, away or on the weekend.If that happens, you should write an email to ask for more time to write the paper.Your professor may teach more than one class.You should write your class and time in the subject.Show your professor what you've completed so far, if you have already done some of the work.You're not just blowing it off if you show them that you've made an effort to get the assignment done.
Step 10: How long will the extension last?
An extension will give you a reasonable amount of time to complete the paper, based on how long you have been working on it and how much has been finished.When asking for an extension, think about your professor's personality.It is up to your professor to decide how long of an extension to grant you.You might have to take what you can get.If you think you can get the paper done within a certain time, ask for a specific extension.Aim high if your professor is like that.Ask for a four-day extension if you think you can get the paper done in two days.