Are you unable to give the best of yourself in this period? Did you suddenly get sick? Are you completely busy with other tasks? There are many valid reasons for not being able to deliver an essay by the due date. Asking your teacher for an extension can be embarrassing and scary. Here are the best tips for arousing his compassion.
Steps
Step 1. Email him is very often the best way to ask for an extension
Expressing your reasons in an email is far easier and allows you to say whatever you want without interruption. However, some professors do not like to communicate with students via e-mail, because they believe it is a way to avoid direct contact. If you don't get an answer within 24 hours (during the week) go to his office and speak to him directly. Do not call him, as he may be thinking of an emergency, but it probably is not.
Step 2. Be honest and sincere when writing the subject of your email
No doubt the professor has received many similar emails. Phrases such as "Extension of the submission of the essay" or "Request for an extension of the submission" may be fine.
Step 3. Start the email with "Dear" or "Dear", followed by the teacher's job title
By addressing him using his formal title, you show him respect.
Step 4. Start by apologizing for sending him the email
For some reason you will not be able to turn in the assignment by the due date. Take on all your responsibilities.
Step 5. Explain the situation
If all went well, you would have no problem getting your work delivered on time. If you've been through a tough day, tell him why. If in this same period you have other tests to pass or other non-postponable tasks, tell him. You can also tell him a heartbreaking story if you want - but better avoid it, because most professors are willing to accept even less tragic reasons.
Step 6. Ask for an extension
Explain unequivocally how much extra time you need. If it only takes a few hours, don't ask him for three days. Ask him for the minimum time necessary to produce a qualitatively valid work.
Step 7. Thank him for taking his time and considering your problem
Step 8. End the email with "Sincerely" and with your name
Step 9. If he says no, accept his answer
He does not have to comply with your request and if you propose it again you will seem immature, so put your heart in peace. Do the work assigned to you, turn it in and accept the grade you will receive. It was your responsibility to deliver it by the due date.
Advice
- The more you have shown yourself to be responsible in the classroom (arriving on time, staying attentive during lessons, completing the assigned tasks) the more the teacher will be willing to grant you an extension when you really need it.
- Request the extension well in advance of the delivery date - that is, as soon as the problem arises that prevents you from meeting the deadline. Do not wait until the last moment, when the professor requests the delivery of the term papers.
- If you are really sick, go to your doctor before you go to the professor. You will be able to get a sick certificate signed for you to present to your teacher.
- Discuss the matter privately, by e-mail or in person. Avoid the phone. If you are unable to obtain an extension, please keep this information confidential. This way the professor will not have to face the pressure of extending the deadline for the entire class, and will not have the unpleasant feeling that his authority is being publicly questioned.
- Even if you are not seriously ill, perhaps with the flu or pneumonia, but you are just very stressed (with problems of insomnia, loss of appetite, severe fatigue), you can still go to the doctor. Your doctor will be able to sign you a certificate justifying your non-delivery for "health reasons", as even high stress is potentially harmful to your health. In any case, a teacher is more willing to believe a medical certificate than a personal communication in which you point out that you are stressed.
- The worst thing that can happen to you is that the teacher tells you no, so asking costs nothing, especially if he can help you.
- Understand that the professor will run into problems if he gives you an extension. Allowing a pupil to postpone the delivery of a thesis can create enormous problems regarding the inequality of treatment in the classroom. If you got more time, the other students didn't have the same chance because they met the deadline. The penalties imposed for a late delivery are not to be considered a punitive act, but a question of fairness.
- Be honest. Lying is unnecessary and complicates things, plus it can have negative consequences.
- Consider proposing a new due date to the teacher by explaining that, with more time available, you could do a better job. For example, if you need to submit a research by Monday of the following week, explain that you have made an appointment with a local library clerk for advice and assistance. Since the appointment is set for Friday, you would prefer to have two more days to finish the search, so that you don't have to rush everything and therefore have plenty of time to write and review the research.
- If you ask for an extension because you are sick, only provide the professor with the information that is strictly necessary. "I have the flu" is appropriate. "My nose is running and I have phlegm" is not good.
Warnings
- Try to limit yourself to asking for one extension per semester, unless there are valid reasons. Asking for an extension is understandable, asking for three means you don't know how to manage your time responsibly.
- Your professor may grant you the extension but lower your grade. At this point you should ask yourself if it's worth it.
- If you make false statements, you may be violating your university's academic honesty policy. This means that you may be banned from attending courses or may even be kicked out of college. Be honest, there's no need to lose everything for a term paper.
- If your reason for asking for an extension is related in some way to a physical or learning disability, you may be required to submit all relevant documentation. University rules may prohibit a professor from taking your word for it, no matter how obvious your condition may seem. If you have any academically relevant disability, contact the secretariat and ask for information about the documentation to be presented. Think about it in advance, not when the problem arises, because the university administrative and bureaucratic machine takes a long time.
