reasons for assignment extension

Professor shares secrets on getting an extension (w/ template)

Hi there. I am the prolific professor with 15 years of experience teaching online and in-person. I have a graduate degree. I have a passion for education. But I’ve also worked in the professional world (outside of education) too. Thanks for visiting.

I was a professor for 15 years. And I received countless emails for extensions on assignments.

Should you ask your professor for an extension?

For example, if you took a vacation and lost track of time, don’t ask. If you decided to work extra hours and have been too busy, don’t ask. You get the point.

So, before you ask for an extension, answer these questions first.

Something that I need to mention is that sometimes things can happen that are serious enough to warrant an extension but aren’t talked about often.

What’s a good excuse to ask for an extension?

And you should follow your professor’s policies and not abuse their discretion.

Here are some situations where I would consider an extension or make-up assignment. This isn’t a complete list but a few of some of the most common situations.

Hospitalization - If you were physically hospitalized, this usually warrants an extension on an assignment. Be prepared to have some documentation. This usually includes your own hospitalization, not family members.

What’s the best way to ask a professor for an extension?

How to ask a professor for an extension through email, example of how to ask for an extension by email.

I have an email template below to help you write an excellent email to your professor asking for an extension. This can also work for makeup exams and assignments too. Just remember to be honest and alter the email to fit your personal circumstances.

Dear Professor Smith. I am in your ENGL 1301 class and I have been enjoying the recent discussion regarding proper grammar usage. I know we have an assignment due soon over this topic, and I am concerned about having the adequate time to complete this assignment. I am committed to this course, and with my current situation, I would be rushed to complete the assignment. I am worried that I wouldn’t do my best on the assignment, and would miss the opportunity to learn and apply the skills I have learned so far. I recently experienced a death in the family of my maternal grandmother. I have the obituary attached to this email to provide you with some documentation. These recent days have been filled with grief and many meetings for funeral plans. With this in mind, I am asking for an extension. I would like a few days to spend time with my family and gather myself emotionally to have the dedicated time to complete this assignment. It is important to me that I learn the material and spend quality time working on this course. Please let me know if you need anything else. I appreciate your time.

First introduce yourself. Don’t assume your professor knows who you are. Make sure they can place a face with a name. Give them some information so that they can remember who you are.

Finally, thank them for their time and understanding.

I taught college students for about 15 years. I have experience teaching online and in-person. I have a graduate degree. I have a passion for education. But I’ve also worked in the professional world (outside of education) too. And with my teaching and educational experience, I want to help students answer their most pressing questions. I want to give my wealth of knowledge to college students to help make their life easier.

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The Study Blog :

How to ask for an extension for your assignment [examples + template].

By Evans Jun 15 2021

Time management is one thing you should get better at within your academic life, particularly when it comes to assignments.   However, regardless of how much you plan your time or stay organized, things might get out of hand. Read the article below to find why and how to ask for an extension. It also provides examples of how to ask for an assignment extension for your reference.

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What is an Extension Deadline?

An extension deadline for your assignment is the additional time you should request from your supervisor or tutor to finish your task. Most projects have a specific due date, and you should complete them on time. However, there are times when you can fall behind for numerous reasons and can't stay on schedule. At this point, you should reach your instructor and request an extension.

You should request an extension immediately you realize you won't be in a position to meet your original deadline. The deadline might affect other parts of your project, like other team members' abilities to complete the work and the project's completion date. Requesting an extension can offer the supervisor more time to readjust your assignment's workflow and schedule. Some of the situations in which you might request a deadline extension include:

·          The assignment needs more research or work than expected

·          Your project's timeline did not put all factors into consideration

·          You're waiting for essential materials to complete your project

·          You had prioritized the completion of another task

·          You were unable to access the required equipment

·          You had an emergency that stopped you from finishing your assignment

How to Ask for Your Extension

To ask for your extension effectively, kindly do the following:

Determine Whether You Can Get the Extension

Whether it is possible to get an extension depends on your work's scope. While some projects have rigid schedules, it will not matter if you submit a couple of days later when it comes to other projects. Please make sure you understand the flexibility in the deadline and develop a plan for completing your work.

Ask for the Extension

Once you realize you will be behind the deadline, notify your lecturer immediately. Choose the most convenient contact method. You can call them, ask in person, or send an email. Some instructors are too busy to check their mail from time to time, making a text message or phone call a more effective method.

When contacting your instructor, show them that you care about your grades. You can start with a statement about your goal and then why you require the extension.

Determine How Long Your Extension Will Be

Your extension should give adequate time to complete your paper based on how long you have taken to work on it.

Consider your facilitator's personality when determining the duration of the extension to request. If the instructor is strict, leave it to them to decide the time to grant. If you can negotiate with them, you can ask them for a three-day extension and expect the professor to negotiate down. And if the professor is lenient, ask for a specific extension.

Provide Evidence

If you offer proof, your professor will be impressed with your preparedness and is more likely to grant you the extension. Some of the evidence lecturers accept include:

·          A doctor's letter

·          A letter from an employer

·          An email from a child's teacher

·          A receipt from your car or computer repair shop

·          Newspaper clippings

Adhere to Your New Deadline and Ensure It Does Not Happen Again

Analyze your work schedule, avoid procrastination and manage your time better in the future. If possible, scale back on some assignments.

Thank Your Tutor

Express your gratitude for the extension granted and apologize for the inconvenience caused.

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Email Template for Requesting More Time to Complete Your Assignment

Feel free to adapt or use this email template to ask for an extension for your assignment

Dear (Title of your Professor, Dr. Mr. Ms., followed by their last name), My name is (name), and I'm a student in your (name) class. I'm writing you to ask if it might be possible to be granted additional time for the (name of assignment) due on (date). Regrettably, I'm behind with this assignment because (reason). I hope to complete this assignment by (date). I look forward to hearing from you about the same. Kind regards, (Your name and student ID number)       

Here are more examples:       

Dear Dr. Andrea,

I'm writing this email to request an extension on the deadline for the web application development assignment. I'm already done with coding, but the testing and debugging are taking more time than I expected. I have also discovered some errors that I'm working on.

I should submit the assignment on June 23, but I will appreciate it if you extend the due date to June 26.

Thank you for your consideration.

Warm regards,

Dear Professor John,

My name is Jackie, and I'm in your chemistry 101 class. Due to a family emergency, I will be traveling over the weekend without the research materials for the assignment due on Wednesday. Consequently, I would like to request an extension and submit my paper on Friday. In the attachment below is a draft that shows the progress I have made so far.

Many Thanks,

Dear Dr. Peterson,

My name is Jane Stephanie, and I'm in your literature class. My assignment is due on the same day as a presentation at my workplace. Do you provide extensions? If you do, I can submit the assignment on July 20 instead of July 16. I understand that late projects receive grade penalties, which I would like to avoid.

Many thanks,

Dear Professional Kellen,

My name is Ivy Johnson, and I'm in your 11 a.m. English class. From the syllabus, I can see that I should submit my assignment on August 13. Unfortunately, I have three other tasks due on that date for other classes.

Is it possible to get a three-day extension on the deadline and submit it on August 16 instead? If you do not grant extensions, can I get the assignment topic early to work on it in advance?

Warm Regards,

What to Do If You Do Not Get an Extension

Most lecturers understand that students are human beings with jobs and lives outside of class. And many instructors will approve any extension request. However, sometimes the professor might say no. Here is what to do should it happen.

If it is a few hours or days to your deadline, ensure you understand the late penalty and determine whether it is more practical to submit your assignment late or rush to meet your deadline. Ensure you deliver pure gold and don't plagiarize your work; it could result in poor grades.

If you had planned early, you have options. You can rearrange your schedule to make time to write your paper, ask your tutor for the paper topics before, or ask for an extension in another class. Alternatively, you can hire an expert writer from our urgent writing service to complete the assignment for you.

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How to Ask for an Extension on a Paper (15 Strategies!)

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

This is how to ask for an extension on a paper from your professor:

• Ask for an extension as early as possible
• Ask in person (if you can)
• Show how you meet the extension policy
• Show that you care about your grade on your paper
• Suggest a solution to the problem
• Suggest a time frame that you can meet
• Provide evidence for your hardship
• Show what you’ve already done
• Ask during open office hours
• Make the email professional and respectful
• Ask for the extension in your second email, not your first
• Approach student support services
• Only ask for an extension once
• Consider asking for extensions on all your classes at once
• Tell the truth!

What you need to know about Asking for an Extension from a Professor

The rest of this article will show you how to follow those 15 steps in more detail!

Jump to Tip 1 to skip my introduction

Asking for an extension on a paper can be hard.

Sometimes you don’t know how to write an extension email request to your professor, or what to say to increase your chances of success.

Extended deadlines can be really useful when you want to boost your grades or are juggling study with real life. But you need to be strategic about your request.

Teachers have very different approaches to extending deadlines.

Some are very flexible, others almost impossible to budge.

Teachers get extension requests from up to 25 percent of all students in their course. That’s why they’re often so reluctant to give you an extension. Granting extensions can become a huge chore for teachers.

You need to be careful about how you ask to extend your assessment deadline. This is because asking for an extension doesn’t automatically guarantee that you will get it.

You also want to ask for the extension in a way that doesn’t lead to a penalty and decreased marks.

Many universities have policies where students are given penalties per day an assignment is submitted past its deadline. This is particularly the case in universities that give number scores out of 100 such as in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

However, even in North America, you may find that your teacher will move your markdown from a B+ to a B- because your work was late and your excuse was not good enough.

As a university teacher, I estimate that I have had well over 400 students ask for extensions over the past decade of teaching. I have also managed other university teachers and seen how they go about granting or denying extensions.

Overwhelmingly, the students who got the extensions were those who followed most of the below key steps.

Read also: The 9 Top Extension Excuses and How to Ask Them Read also: 15+ Tips on Requesting an Extension

1. Ask for an Extension Early

Asking for an extension within 3 days (72 hours) of your due date looks really bad. It signifies to your teacher that you hadn’t started early enough and are now panicking.

Teachers are very much less likely to give extensions within 3 days of the due date.

The majority of papers are due on Fridays. If your paper is due on Friday, the latest you want to ask for an extension is Tuesday.

I always recommend to my students that they complete their assignment at least 7 days (preferably 14) before the submission deadline . This is so that when things go wrong in their lives they can still submit in time.

You are probably very busy with your job and family commitments. Nonetheless, you’ll need to find time to start your work early in order to avoid asking for an extension altogether.

When you’ve graduated and you’re out in the workforce, extensions aren’t an option.

Your boss isn’t going to say the night before your big presentation to a client “Oh, you got busy this week? No problem. We’ll ask the client to come back next week.”

Your boss is more likely to show you the door.

However, there are exceptional circumstances in your life that can be used as appropriate excuses for extensions . Some of these are:

• an upcoming surgery,
• a pre-booked vacation,
• you’re a carer for your parent, child, or partner

In these circumstances, you should get in touch with your teacher early on to ask for an extension. Ask as soon as you know that submitting on time will be a problem.

If you’ve found yourself in a situation where you need to ask for an extension a day or two before the due date, you might be out of luck. However, try the tips below to make the best out of a bad situation.

2. Show the Professor your Course or University Policy

There should be an extension policy that outlines what counts for an extension and what doesn’t. If you consult that policy you will be in a much better position to apply for the extension.

I recommend bringing the policy to the professor in order that they know you’re serious about applying. However, be careful not to look like you’re insisting on the extension.

Instead, approach the professor with the policy and tell them that you think you might qualify for an extension under the terms of the policy. Then, ask the professor whether they would consider approving the extension under those terms.

I find it much harder to refuse an extension if the student has laid the groundwork for their extension request. It’s very hard to tell the student that you are going against university policy and denying them an extension.

Similarly, your professor may have created their own policy. Search through the course materials on your course’s website (Moodle, Canvas, or Blackboard) to see whether there is any mention of extensions.

This is easier than it sounds. Simply download the little-read key documents on the course homepage that are generally labeled:

• Course Handbook;
• Module Guide;
• Subject Overview; or
• Some combination of the above titles

Then, conduct a word search in those documents (usually Control + F or Command + F) for the word “Extension” or “Late”. That should take you to the professor’s wording for their own policy.

Similarly, to look for university policy, simply conduct a search for ‘Extension Policy’ on your university’s website.

3. Show your Professor that you care about your Grade

When you contact your teacher either face-to-face or by email, you need to let them know you’re asking for an extension on the deadline because you really care about your grade.

Your reason for an extension request can be seen in two ways:

• You want an extension because getting a top mark is your priority and you need more time for that to happen; or
• You want an extension because other things in your life were a priority instead of writing the paper

Some of the best extension requests that come into my inbox start with a statement about your goal. Students often say ‘My goal is to receive X grade in all my subjects in order to qualify for a Master’s degree, further education, or a specific internship’.

Laying out what your goal is to show that you are asking for the extension because you want to do the best you can.

A teacher is much more likely to grant an extension to a student who wants one to ensure they do well. On the flip side, they will be less likely to grant an extension if you haven’t shown an interest or commitment to the subject.

Here’s where building a relationship with your professor in advance comes in very handy. If you’ve already got a long chain of email discussions or had some quality face-to-face chats about the subject, your extension request will be looked upon more kindly.

Every extension request you send should start with a statement showing that you want the extension because you are prioritizing the subject.

You do not want to leave the impression that you want the extension because other things took precedence over your studies.

4. Suggest a Solution so you Won’t Run out of Time Again

No matter how long you ask for, you need to use the extension request to show your good side: that you’re a fixer, not a complainer.

A great way to do this is to explain how you are going to fix the issue so it won’t happen again . If you’ve asked for an extension because you have run out of time you could:

• Explain that you have now freed up time every Monday afternoon to go to the library to study;
• Let your teacher know you’ve booked in for some study skills sessions at the library to learn to manage your time better; or
• Explain that you have talked to your boss about ensuring your shifts don’t clash with university activities anymore

5. Suggest a Time Frame for your Extended Deadline

Be proactive about what you want to happen if your deadline is extended. To do this, it’s best to let your teacher know how long you think you need.

Professors are often very busy people. They manage large groups of students, colleagues, and clients. They’re often off campus for multiple days working in the field.

Because they are so busy, they will likely approve the solution that your present to them. It makes the issue quick and easy for them and gets it off their plate.

Suggesting a solution and timeframe also shows that you have thought about what to do.

In this instance, the extension request can be seen in these two ways. You have come to the teacher and either said:

• “Here’s my problem – can you find a solution for me?”; or
• “Here’s my problem – I have identified a solution. Do you approve of my solution?”

Teachers are impressed when students have taken matters into their own hands. We want students to show that they are proactive problem solvers.

I recommend asking for an extension of between 2 and 7 days:

• 2 Days: Your 2-day extension request is an opportunity to say “I’ve done most of it well in advance, but after doing some more thinking and reading I think I need to make some edits. Can you give me 2 quick days to make those changes so I can submit by a best possible piece of work?”
• 7 Days: Your 7-day extension request is for bigger issues. This request is basically confessing that you haven’t really done much planning. For a 7-Day request, highlight that the problem or issue that you’re facing (Sickness? Family emergency?) might drag on into next week, so 7 days is a reasonable timeframe.

6. Provide Evidence for your Extension Request Immediately

Evidence is usually your golden ticket for an extension. The minute a doctor’s certificate is thrust under my nose I sign on the dotted line: Extension Granted.

While a doctor’s certificate is the ideal form of evidence, not all situations call for it. Here are some forms of evidence I’ve accepted in the past:

• An email from a child’s teacher. If your child has been home sick for the week, ask your teacher to drop your professor an email as evidence that the child has been off sick.
• A letter from your boss. If your boss has asked you to come in to do some extra shifts, ask your boss to return the favor and write a quick hand-written letter noting that they’ve needed to call on you.
• A receipt from a computer or car repair shop. Computer issues are one of the most common extension requests. If you don’t provide a receipt from the repairman or a photo of the issue, your teacher might scoff. The same goes for car issues. If the issue is with a car, be prepared for your teacher to respond: “Ever heard of a bus?”
• Newspaper clippings. This one’s surprisingly common. If you were in a car accident, the victim of a crime, or you had a death in the family, these things are often reported in the local newspaper. Take out the newspaper report or death notice from the ‘Births, Deaths and Marriages’ page and give it to your teacher.

No matter what the evidence is, it goes a long way.

If you provide evidence in your first email or conversation with your teacher, they’ll be impressed by your preparedness and are more likely sign off the extension on the spot. If you don’t, be prepared to be told to go away and come back with some evidence of hardship.

7. Show what You’ve Already Done on your Paper to Increase your Chances of Getting an Extension

This strategy works as a treat.

Come to your teacher saying “I’ve made an effort – look!”

Like the above points, this one shows that you’ve put some thought into the extension request.

You aren’t coming to them expecting a hand-out. Instead, you’re coming to the teacher with something to offer.

Showing that you’ve made a substantial start shows the teacher that you didn’t just forget about the assignment. It also shows that you haven’t totally prioritized everything else in your life. You’ve put thought into it, at least!

You can attach your draft in your request email or bring it in person. While you’re at it, highlight one point where you’ve been struggling.

When showing a draft, it’s a good idea to say “One of the reasons I’m not finished is I hit writer’s block at X point. It’s taken me weeks and I just haven’t been able to figure it out!”

In other words, your draft says to your teacher: “I’ve been thinking about this a lot! I want to do well, and this class matters to me.”

8. Ask for an Extension in Person if you Can

Asking for your extension in person can be one saving grace late in the game. If you’re within that 72 hours before the submission zone, asking in person might be your one chance to save the day.

When you ask in person, it makes it look like you’ve thought things through.

You’re saying: this request isn’t just an email slapped together at 11 pm the night the paper is due. I’ve been thinking it over for a day or two, and thought “hey, I really need to talk to someone about this.”

Here’s the other key benefit of asking in person: It humanizes you .

It is so much easier to say ‘No’ to an email than a person standing in front of you, cap in hand.

Don’t forget to bring a few things with you when you ask in person:

• An extension request form . If your university has an official request form, print it out and bring it with you. Ensure that it’s completely filled in, and all it requires is the teacher’s signature. As I said earlier in this post, teachers are busy. If you present an easy solution, chances are they’ll take it.
• Evidence or a draft . As I noted above, evidence of hardship is the golden ticket. Bring it with you to the face-to-face meeting. Similarly, waving a draft under your teacher’s nose shows them that you’ve gotten out of the starting blocks – you’re just not quite ready to submit

9. Ask for the Extension During Open Office Hours

The trick for this one is to bring a list of questions with you.

Come to open office hours with a list of 7 – 10 questions about the assessment.

Most of these questions should be to ask for clarity or advice on how to write the piece.

For example, you can ask the professor which scholarly sources they recommend, whether your thesis statement is okay, and whether the key points you’ll talk about will win you marks.

The question “Can I have an extension on this paper?” should be the last question you ask.

Asking for the extension last makes it look like you’ve not just come to open office hours for this one reason. It also shows you genuinely care and are engaged in the coursework.

If you’ve already developed a relationship with the professor and have attended open office hours previously, this trick will work even better!

10. Ensure any Extension Email request is Professional and Respectful

I know that many of my readers are online or distance learners.

For you, an email is an obvious and only way to ask for an extension.

For those students who can’t ask in person, remember that your email request must be professional and respectful in order to maximize your chances of having the extension granted.

This is so important, yet so often overlooked.

Students these days! They send emails like they’re text messages.

The way your email is crafted either shows you care, or that you’re a spoiled brat.

Seriously – you should hear the things teachers say about students in the faculty lounge.

Don’t give them an excuse to tell all their other colleagues that you’re a brat.

Here are some essential points for any email asking for an extension:

• Formal Greeting. Start it with a formal greeting, a comma, and then start a new line. Remember this is formal: you’d be shocked how many times students get my name wrong and don’t use capital letters for names. It looks terrible .
• Statement of Goals. Ensure you remember to state what your goal is, and how long you would like the extension for, provide evidence and let them know how far through you currently are (Steps 2 to 5 above)
• Formal Farewell. End it with a formal salutation – ‘Regards,’ ‘Yours truly,’ and ‘Sincerely,’ all work well
• Your Details. After the formal salutation, provide your full name and the class you’re in. Your teacher has many classes and teaches many courses. Ensure they know immediately which class you’re in. One year I had seven Katies and they all left out their surnames when emailing me. I was consistently confused.

These seem like self-evident points, but it’s ridiculous how many students fail to send respectful, formal emails.

11. Ask for an Extension in your Second Email, Not your First

If you send an initial email asking questions about the assignment content, your teacher will be more likely to give you an extension.

For example, often a student will email me 10 days before the paper is due asking for tips and advice. I’ll bank in my head “Hey, this student really wants to do well.”

Then when it comes time for you to email your professor to ask for an extension, the professor already knows you’re a good, engaged student.

The professor should be reminded that you’ve been working really hard on this piece, which will play into their decision-making when they decide whether or not to give you an extension.

One way to remind your teacher of how you’ve been working hard is to send your extension request email as a ‘reply’ to your previous email discussion. In this way, your teacher will be able to see all previous correspondence and see how hard you’ve been working.

12. Approach Student Support Services

For all universities I’ve worked at I’ve gotten emails from student support services insisting I give a student an extension.

Often, a disability support officer or a student counselor even has authority over the course teacher to grant extensions.

Therefore, if you feel you have cause to go to student services for counseling support or support for a disability, that’s a great avenue.

There are a few important things to keep in mind, though:

• You will need to do this well in advance. A booking with a counselor may take a week to organize. Then, the counselor may need to conduct a needs assessment, which will take even more time.
• Just booking the appointment may be enough. If your counselor needs to conduct further assessments or refuses to advocate for an extension for you, that’s okay. Contact your professor to ask for an extension of the deadline for the paper and state that you’ve been to see a counselor. This will make it look like you’ve been really proactive about the situation.
• You may not get the support you wanted. A counselor or student support staff member may deny a request. So, make sure you have good grounds to seek support before taking this route.
• Consider applying for an Extended Deadline as a Group

This happens often. A full class of students approaches the teacher and announces that there has been a glut of assignment deadlines all clustered together into one week.

Very, very often, teachers will negotiate with one another to ensure the deadlines do not clash.

Therefore, it might be a good idea to seek a representative to ask the teacher for an extension. A great time to do this is when the whole course cohort is together in a lecture or seminar . The teacher may ask for a show of hands to see that there’s strength in numbers.

Alternatively, the strength in-numbers strategy could be done by email. Email both professors whose deadlines clash and ask them whether they can discuss together the possibility of moving the deadlines.

Once again the earlier in the semester you do this strategy the better.

13. Ensure you only Ask for an Extension Once

One extended deadline for a paper is surely enough. If you ask for another extended deadline on your second paper, you’ll start getting a bad reputation. Then, rejections for extensions will get more and more common.

I’m not only talking about one extension per course here. I’m talking about one extension period .

Keep in mind that teachers love to gossip. If you’ve asked for an extension, you can put good money on word getting around the faculty lounge that you’ve done so.

In fact, often we’ll email each other right away to discuss and coordinate responses to extension requests.

To avoid a bad name, only ask for extensions rarely – preferably only once in your degree.

If you’ve got a good track record of submitting on time, this will be a tick in your corner when you ask for an extension.

Feel free to remind your teacher that this is your first-ever extension request. But don’t lie – they’ll check with your other teachers.

14. Ask for a Blanket Extension for all your Courses at Once

If you really need more than one extension due to a big life challenge, I’d recommend copying all of your teachers into one email letting them all know that you’d like one blanket extension for all coming deadlines.

One great tip for this blanket request strategy is to search for the academic who is in charge of your major or overall course and get them to coordinate the blanket extension for you.

To find out who is in charge of your overall major, check the College’s webpage that discusses your major and look for the name of the key faculty contact on that page.

15. Tell the Truth about why you want an Extension

Above I mentioned that teachers talk.

Boy, do teachers talk. They gossip in the faculty lounge, they send emails to one another about students and they’re notoriously condescending.

Any extension excuse you share with the teacher, your other teachers will know about it.

Sometimes this works in your favor – a teacher will already have heard you’re having a rough time and treat you with a little more care.

But, sometimes it doesn’t work in your favor at all. Especially when you lie.

Have I told you the story of the girl who had 3 grandmothers die in 2 years? That was a head-scratcher. Yep. It happened – and yep, the faculty was well aware that she was a chronic liar.

She never got an extension request granted again. So don’t lie – It’ll come back to bite you.

Your story needs to be consistent. Teachers talk to one another and they love to gossip about students. If your story to one teacher conflicts with the story to another, word will get around.

Okay, so you’ve got your 15 tips on how to ask a professor for an extension on a paper. Now it’s time to check out our 9 common extension excuses post to make sure your extension excuse won’t fall flat. There are tons of tips and strategies packed into that post that’ll help you with your request!

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 15 Green Flags in a Relationship
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 15 Signs you're Burnt Out, Not Lazy
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 15 Toxic Things Parents Say to their Children

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How to Ask a Professor for an Extension + Example Emails

May 10, 2023

So, you want to learn how to ask a professor for an extension, but you’re afraid of sounding like a slacker, or of getting on your professor’s bad side. Luckily, we have some dos and don’ts that should cover your questions. The first one is simple: please do not, under any circumstances, use the example below as a template.

This Is Not How to Ask for an Extension on an Assignment

Dear Professor S.,

I’m so so sorry but I won’t be able to turn in the final assignment on time. There’s an issue going on in my dorm room and it’s really, truly and utterly gross (I won’t go into the details). I’ll make sure to get the assignment to you soon. Please know that I’m really bummed to be doing this, because your course really was my favorite course this semester.

While Charles wrote his email in earnest, he made multiple gaffes that only added more awkwardness to an already confusing request. (In fact, Charles forgot to phrase his request as a question!) Yet asking for extra time should not become an additional crisis on top of other stress. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to ask for an extension on an assignment.

What’s Your Excuse?

Turning in an assignment late can cause anxiety for students. Many fear getting points docked or a lower final grade. Some view it as doing something “wrong” and end up feeling preemptively guilty or undeserving of the extra time. These anxious feelings can manifest in the request itself. (Just look at Charles’s overly effusive apology.) However, a lot of valid reasons for an extension exist. The first successful step in how to ask a professor for an extension requires clarifying your situation.

Let’s say you have a funeral to attend, you fall sick, or, as was Charles’s case, you discover a bedbug infestation. All of these reasons qualify as unexpected crises you couldn’t plan for. In urgent circumstances like these, professors tend to take an accommodating stance for last-minute requests. They have lives outside of academics too, and know how the real world can intervene.

Less urgent circumstances that require you to know how to ask for an extension might involve a conflict of deadlines in different classes, or a wedding to attend. To increase your chances, make your request as far ahead as possible, as soon as you learn of the conflict.

Professors may not accommodate every request, especially if the student simply procrastinated. But whatever your circumstances, do give your professor the real reason. Honesty always comes across as most genuine and requires fewer justifications. Plus, treating the situation in a mature manner will result in the professor responding in kind, and taking your request more seriously.

How to Ask for an Extension on an Assignment to Improve Your Work

A less typical, last-minute, yet non-urgent request can arise when students find they don’t understand how to accomplish the assignment. Similarly, they may find they aren’t satisfied with the quality or direction of their work. Asking for more time to improve your work can sound reasonable to a professor. The trick here involves specifying exactly why you need more time and what you wish to improve. Consider asking for suggestions as well before going forward. Most professors prefer grading a student’s best effort rather than a sloppy, punctual paper, and will be willing to help those who show enthusiasm for their subject.

Act Accordingly

With the various types of impediments and conflicts identified, let’s consider the best approaches for how to ask for an extension. If in doubt, and especially in an emergency, send an email. When emailing, include these three vital pieces of information:

1) Explain the situation you’re facing.

2) Suggest a specific alternative deadline. This date should be reasonable, both in terms of reorganizing your own schedule, and with respect to the teacher’s semester. Avoid an overly-optimistic deadline; you won’t impress your teacher if you’re forced to ask for an extended extension.

3) Ask about the teacher’s late policy, if you don’t know it already. If this information is included in the course syllabus, acknowledge the late policy in writing. Perhaps your teacher docks points regardless, in which case, you’ll want to know how many for each day the assignment is late. You may need to weigh your priorities, and decide which to sacrifice, promptness or quality.

How to Ask a Professor for an Extension During Office Hours

If you’re trying to juggle multiple courses’ assignments, or want an extension with more guidance, send a preliminary email asking to meet with your professor. Do email first, because waylaying your professor after class can stress everyone out. Once a meeting is scheduled, the face-to-face chat may prove more successful, simply because it’s harder to say no in person. This meeting also gives your professor a chance to put a face to a name, and will give you a chance to say something about what you’re working on. Extra guidance like new leads and library references may also speed up your progress.

Putting the How in How to Ask a Professor for an Extension

Let’s return to Charles’ email, and imagine how his professor might react. Reading about a “really, truly and utterly gross,” mystery situation doesn’t give the professor any idea of the student’s trouble, nor of how severe it is, or how long it will last. The professor has no incentive to act leniently, and no opportunity to sympathize. If anything, the vague description evokes confusion, pity, and doubt.

Imagine instead that Charles wrote, “I just discovered a bedbug infestation in my dorm room. According to pest control, I’ll need to spend the weekend bagging up my possessions before an exterminator arrives. Then I’ll have to find a different place to sleep and study for the coming week.” Here Charles goes into enough detail to delineate the situation. It becomes clear that a bedbug infestation is time consuming, as well as psychologically and physically taxing. Though unusual, Charles’ reason for wanting an extension now sounds perfectly legitimate.

You can avoid Charles’s main mistake by articulating your situation clearly and concisely. With a big emphasis on concisely. If you’re going to a funeral, you don’t need to convince your teacher that you loved your grandmother. If you’re sick, you don’t need to list your symptoms. A brief email saves your harried professor some time, and gives students practice in establishing their own personal boundaries. Overall, a brief email will sound professional and sincere.

Another must when learning how to ask a professor for an extension involves tone. The right register will come across as respectful and somewhat formal. Change phrases like “I’m really bummed” to “I regret.” Apologize, but don’t overdo it. One apology appropriately recognizes the inconvenience the professor may experience.

How to Ask a Professor for an Extension, Example 1

Now let’s take a look at Charles’ improved urgent request.

Dear Professor Sassin,

I’m Charles Yu, from your Modern Architecture seminar. I’m writing to let you know about a situation that’s come up. I just discovered a bedbug infestation in my dorm room. According to pest control, I’ll need to spend the weekend bagging up my possessions before an exterminator arrives. Then I’ll have to find a different place to sleep and study for the coming week.

Because of this, I’m afraid I won’t have time to work on the final assignment until next week. Would you consider a one-week extension, with a new deadline on May 25? If so, please let me know how this extension might affect my grade.

I apologize in advance for the inconvenience, and am open to other suggestions you may have.

Best regards,  

In his amended version, Charles makes it clear why his particular situation requires more time. He asks for (rather than dictates) an extension, and shows that he’s both concerned about his grade and happy to consider an alternative plan. The writing sounds polite, clear, and formal—a complete reversal from the previous chaotic and informal tone. Charles’s chances look good.

How to Ask a Professor for an Extension, Example 2

In the following example represents a less typical situation. Time is of the essence, but the situation itself cannot be called urgent.

Dear Professor Napier,

I’ve been hard at work on my research essay for your class, the English Romantic Novel. Initially, my plan involved comparing early Gothic novels, analyzing recurring motifs, and rooting them in British culture of the time. However, the more I’ve read, the more I’ve realized that my interest lies in the parodies of Gothic novels, particularly in the works of Wilde and Austen, and in the significance we might pull from the distortions they make.

I believe I could write a more compelling paper on this subject, but the deadline is fast approaching. I won’t have enough time to refocus the research and finish writing by Friday. Would you mind if I turned the paper in next Tuesday, October 3, instead? I understand that your late policy is strict. However, I think this new theme may inform my senior thesis, so I wonder if an exception can be made.

I’m happy to meet and discuss during your office hours tomorrow. Please let me know at your earliest convenience.

Tatiana Gorns

Here, Tatiana takes a risk. She knows her situation won’t seem urgent, but she appeals to her professor’s academic side. To do so, Tatiana must expand. The email is not concise, nor is it fluffy. Her investment in the assignment appears genuine. Furthermore, she explains the stakes, that this extension could positively affect her future course of study. This appeal will be hard for most professors to turn down.

How to ask for an extension – Additional Resources

If you’re looking for more advice on how to navigate the college work-life balance, how to better communicate, and other college know-how, you may find the following links to be of interest:

• Communicating with Professors: Ten Practical Suggestions
• What Does it Mean to Audit a Class in College?
• Best Gap Year Programs – 2023
• The College Transitions Dataverse
• College Success

Kaylen Baker

With a BA in Literary Studies from Middlebury College, an MFA in Fiction from Columbia University, and a Master’s in Translation from Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis, Kaylen has been working with students on their writing for over five years. Previously, Kaylen taught a fiction course for high school students as part of Columbia Artists/Teachers, and served as an English Language Assistant for the French National Department of Education. Kaylen is an experienced writer/translator whose work has been featured in Los Angeles Review, Hybrid, San Francisco Bay Guardian, France Today, and Honolulu Weekly, among others.

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The Best Way To Ask For An Extension On An Assignment

Sometimes, life gets pretty stressful with assignments on top of other priorities, especially with the current state of world affairs. It’s easy to bog yourself down with responsibilities, which can affect your mental health and leave you with a looming deadline and last-minute panic over failing a paper because you turned it in late. Instead of trying to get things done all at once, maybe it’s best to ask for an extension on one of your due dates.

Extensions can only be beneficial to your workload and mental health and are, at times, necessary for students to perform their absolute best . If you’re feeling overwhelmed by just about everything going on right now, whether due to illness or general college stress , it might be time to bite the bullet and ask. You might be asking yourself how to send that dreaded email to your professor, or what counts as a good excuse in the first place. We’ve got you covered — here’s how to ask for an extension on an assignment, according to college professors, and an example email template if you need a bit more help with wording your request.

When You Should Ask For An Extension

The idea of being unable to submit every one of your assignments on time may be nerve-racking, but sometimes it’s not a bad thing to ask for an extension. Maybe you’ve realized you have an essay due in every class on the same day. Maybe you’re just trying to spice up your final report so it’s the best it can be! Shawn Kildea, an assistant professor of communication at Rider University , says that students can ask for an extension if they want to add a few elements to their project to improve it as a whole.

“If a student is working on a project and makes it clear that by having more time they can dramatically improve the piece by adding an element they can’t capture in the deadline time frame, I’ll usually offer an extension,” he says.

It’s also worth asking for an extension on an assignment if you are struggling with unclear directions, or if you don’t have the sufficient resources to complete the assignment. This could be affecting the entire class, so expressing your concerns to your professor may be the best way to go. “I will extend a deadline if I believe that my directions were unclear or if the deadline proves too unrealistic, or if a majority of the class appears to be struggling,” says Jason Method, a journalism instructor at Rider University.

RELATED: HERE’S HOW TO CRAFT THE PERFECT COLLEGE SCHEDULE THIS SEMESTER

It may prove to be an advantage if you are studious and hardworking when it comes to a deadline extension. “If a student has been doing their homework and doing well on tests or quizzes, then if they ask for an extension and offer a decent reason, I’m inclined to listen,” Method says.

One of the biggest things to keep in mind when you’re planning on asking for an extension is that you shouldn’t wait until the very last minute to do so! It will look as if you’ve procrastinated, which won’t leave a good impression on your professors (or one day, on your employers).

“I always tell my students that I almost never grant a last-minute extension request,” says Barry Janes, a communications professor at Rider University. “If they ask earlier, it shows that the assignment is on their minds, and whatever concerns or problems they are having seem more legitimate.”

If you establish early on that more time for your assignment is going to be necessary, ask as soon as possible. Then, explain to your professor what that additional time will help you to accomplish. It may feel like you’re failing in your responsibilities by needing to ask for more time, but if you approach it in a mature way, professors are going to be inclined to listen. 

How To Ask For An Extension

Even if you’re ready to request an extension, you may still be at a loss as to what to say. An email to your professor is probably your best bet. Be polite, explain that you’re requesting an extension, give your reason why, and offer your proposed new deadline. Short and sweet is perfect; no need to try to embellish! 

Still not sure what to say? Give this a try:

Dear Professor ________,

I’ve been having a hard time linking up with my final source for my term paper, and in order for it to be the best it can be, I could really use a little extra time to have the chance to speak with her and incorporate her quotes. Would it be possible to have an extension through the weekend, and turn it in on Monday instead of Friday?

Please let me know if you would like me to meet with you during your office hours to discuss this further.

[Your name] 

It’s no fun to burn out and exhaust yourself mentally as you try to get all of your work done. Asking for an extension may seem scary, but it’s a whole lot better than failing the assignment — or the class altogether ! And hey, the worst that your professor can say is no. Either way, it’s worth a try!

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How to Ask for Extension on Assignment: A Step-by-Step Guide

Facing the ticking clock with a mountain of work still ahead can feel like being trapped between a rock and a hard place. Yet, there’s a lifeline often overlooked: asking for an extension on your assignment. It might seem daunting, but mastering this request can turn panic into relief. This guide will walk you through the steps, from timing your ask to crafting your message, ensuring you approach this delicate task with confidence and tact in May, asking for something.

Key Takeaways

• Recognize the importance of understanding the policies and norms around extensions in your academic environment to ensure you’re making informed requests.
• Before reaching out, prepare your request by gathering all necessary information and clearly understanding your own reasons and needs for an extension.
• Crafting your message with honesty, specificity, and professionalism can significantly increase your chances of receiving a favorable response.
• Utilize example templates as a starting point, but always personalize your message to reflect your situation and relationship with the instructor.
• Employ effective communication strategies, such as being concise, respectful, and timely in your request, to demonstrate your commitment and responsibility.
• Avoid common pitfalls like waiting until the last minute to ask for an extension or making vague or entitled requests, as these can negatively impact the outcome.
• Implement best practices for success by understanding insights from professors on what makes an extension request more likely to be granted.

Understanding Extensions

Extension basics.

Before asking for an extension on an assignment, it’s crucial to grasp the basics. First, familiarize yourself with your school’s policy regarding extensions. Policies vary widely, and knowing them can save you from unnecessary trouble.

Extensions may typically range from a few days to a week. However, this depends on your instructor or institution’s guidelines.

Valid reasons for requesting an extension may include illness, family emergencies, or unexpected personal issues. It’s important to be honest about your situation.

Requesting an extension can significantly impact your academic performance in several ways:

• Prevents grade penalties: Turning in late work often leads to deductions. An approved extension keeps your grades intact.
• Allows more time for quality work: With extra time, you can improve the quality of your assignment.
• Reduces stress and anxiety: Knowing you have additional time can ease the pressure and help you focus better on completing the task at hand.

Understanding these benefits highlights why properly asking for an extension is vital.

The timing of your request is as critical as the request itself:

• Always ask early. Last-minute requests may not be entertained due to tight grading schedules.
• Consider your professor’s schedule when requesting an extension. They are more likely to accommodate if given reasonable notice.
• Avoid peak times like finals week when professors are busiest with grading and preparations.

Preparing Your Request

Self-assessment.

Before asking for an extension, take a moment to evaluate your need honestly. Ask yourself why you need more time. Is it due to unforeseen circumstances, or did procrastination play a part?

Next, assess how much of the assignment you’ve completed. This will help you determine how much extra time is truly necessary. It’s vital to be realistic here; asking for too much time might seem unreasonable.

Lastly, decide on the amount of additional time needed based on your current progress and remaining workload.

Documentation

If your request involves unavoidable circumstances like health issues or family emergencies, gathering relevant documentation is crucial. This could include medical notes or emails explaining your situation.

Prepare any correspondence related to your extension request in advance. This means drafting emails or letters that clearly explain your situation.

Keeping records of academic performance can also support your request by showing consistent effort in other areas.

Drafting Request

Start with a formal greeting when drafting your request. Addressing the recipient respectfully sets a positive tone for the conversation.

Clearly state that you are requesting an extension and mention which assignment it concerns along with its original due date. Being specific helps avoid confusion and shows that you’re organized despite needing more time.

Understanding extensions from previous sections lays groundwork for making informed requests. Remember: honesty, clarity, and respect are key when communicating about extensions.

Crafting Your Message

Clear communication.

Start by being straightforward with your request. Don’t beat around the bush. Tell your instructor clearly that you’re asking for an extension on your assignment. Use language that’s easy to understand, avoiding any academic or technical jargon that might confuse the message.

Specify a new deadline when you ask for more time. It shows you’ve thought about how much extra time you need and are committed to completing the task within this new timeframe.

Remember to express thanks right from the start. A simple “Thank you for considering my request” goes a long way in setting a positive tone. Always use polite words and phrases throughout your message.

Acknowledge that it’s ultimately up to your instructor to decide. This shows respect for their authority and decision-making process. It can make them more inclined to view your request favorably.

Conciseness

Keep your message focused only on what’s necessary. Mention why you need the extension but stick to facts without diving into too much backstory or making excuses.

Aim for brevity, ideally keeping your entire request under 200 words if possible. This makes it easier for your instructor to read through quickly and understand exactly what you’re asking for without getting lost in details.

Example Templates

Email template.

Crafting a request for an assignment extension starts with a clear subject line . This should plainly state your need, like “Request for Assignment Extension”. Your email must have three parts: an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Begin by politely introducing yourself and stating the course details. Mention why you’re writing. In the body, explain your situation briefly but clearly. Why do you need more time? Be honest but concise.

End your email on a respectful note. Ask for their understanding and propose how you plan to meet the new deadline if granted. Sign off with phrases like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.

Follow-Up Note

After sending your request, it’s important to respond regardless of the outcome.

If they grant an extension, send a thank-you note immediately. Confirm any new deadlines in this message. Express gratitude again for their flexibility and understanding.

Even if they deny your request, still thank them for considering it. Acknowledge their decision respectfully and assure them of your commitment to meet the original deadline.

Remember to keep all communication polite and professional.

Effective Communication Strategies

Direct approach.

Be upfront when asking for an extension on an assignment. State your reason early in the conversation or email. This makes it easier for your instructor to understand and respond. Avoid indirect hints or beating around the bush.

For example, start with “I’m reaching out to discuss a possible extension…” rather than leading with unrelated details. This directness shows you respect their time.

Always provide a truthful reason for needing more time. Don’t make up or exaggerate circumstances. It’s better to be honest, even if it means admitting poor planning on your part.

Remember, instructors appreciate sincerity. For instance, saying “I underestimated the time required…” is more respectable than offering excuses that don’t hold up.

Professionalism

Maintain professionalism throughout your communication, regardless of the response you receive.

• Address the instructor formally unless they’ve indicated otherwise.
• Proofread your messages to avoid errors which can detract from your request’s seriousness.

Even if denied, thank them for considering your request and maintain a respectful tone. This approach not only reflects well on you but also keeps open lines of communication for future interactions.

Following these strategies enhances the chances of receiving a positive response to requests like those outlined after our Example Templates section earlier. Remembering these key points ensures that both parties feel respected throughout the process:

• Be direct and concise.
• Stay honest about circumstances.
• Uphold professionalism at all times.

What to Avoid

We all face unexpected challenges, but not every setback is a valid reason for an extension. It’s crucial to differentiate between genuine obstacles and mere excuses. Saying “I forgot” or “I didn’t know it was due” won’t cut it. These are common and unconvincing. Instead of pointing fingers at others or external factors, take responsibility for your situation.

Accepting accountability shows maturity. If circumstances beyond your control affected your ability to complete the assignment on time, explain them clearly and concisely. Remember, honesty is always the best policy.

Procrastination

Let’s be real; sometimes we drag our feet. If procrastination put you in a tight spot, own up to it. However, don’t let that be the crux of your request for more time.

Outline what steps you’re taking to improve your time management skills moving forward. This might include using a planner or setting aside specific hours for study each day. But remember, admitting to procrastination should not be the main argument for why you need an extension.

When asking for extra time, clarity is key.

• Specify how many additional days or weeks you need.
• Explain how this extra time will enable you to complete the assignment effectively.

Avoid vague requests like “I just need more time.” Instead, provide a clear plan outlining what will be accomplished with the additional days given. This approach demonstrates foresight and responsibility—qualities that instructors value highly.

Best Practices for Success

Early request.

Asking for an extension well before the assignment’s due date is crucial. It shows your instructor you’re proactive, not just trying to delay work. This foresight can make a significant difference in how your request is received.

By reaching out early, you demonstrate responsibility and planning. Instructors appreciate students who communicate openly about their challenges ahead of time. This approach greatly increases your chances of getting a yes.

Justifiable Reasons

It’s important to have a solid reason for requesting an extension. Valid reasons include personal emergencies or serious health issues that prevent you from working on the assignment.

Sometimes, an unexpected academic workload might justify an extension too. But this should be truly overwhelming and unforeseeable situations only. If technology fails you at the last minute, be ready to show proof like error messages or system outage notifications.

Flexibility

Showing flexibility can also help secure that needed extension. Indicate that you’re open to partial extensions or alternative solutions your instructor might suggest.

Be willing to compromise on new deadlines or requirements they offer. Remember, some requests might be non-negotiable due to policy or fairness concerns among all students.

Understanding these limits and showing readiness to adapt demonstrates maturity and respect for the course rules and fairness towards other students.

Insights from Professors

Perspective.

Professors juggle many tasks. They teach, grade, and handle administrative duties. Remember this when asking for an extension on an assignment. Your request is one of many they’ll consider.

Viewing the situation from their perspective helps. It shows empathy and understanding. Recognize that any flexibility on deadlines is a courtesy, not a right. Appreciate their willingness to accommodate you.

Recommendations

If your reasons for needing more time are complex, suggest meeting with your professor. A face-to-face discussion can clarify issues better than email can.

Keep in touch about your progress after getting an extension. This demonstrates responsibility and respect for their decision to grant you extra time.

Building rapport with instructors early on makes these conversations easier when they’re needed most.

You’ve got the tools, templates, and tactics at your fingertips now. Asking for an extension on an assignment doesn’t have to be a nail-biting ordeal. Remember, it’s all about how you approach the situation—be honest, clear, and respectful. Professors are humans too; they get it. Life throws curveballs. By following the advice laid out in this post, you’re not just shooting a shot in the dark; you’re making a well-informed request that’s hard to turn down.

So, take a deep breath and craft that message. Whether it’s due to unforeseen circumstances or a miscalculation of your workload, you now know how to navigate this sticky situation with grace. And hey, if you found this guide helpful, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a friend or two who might be sweating over the same issue. Let’s spread the knowledge and make those extension requests less daunting for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i know if it’s okay to ask for an extension on my assignment.

You can typically gauge this by reviewing your syllabus and understanding the instructor’s policy on extensions. If still unclear, it doesn’t hurt to ask respectfully; most professors appreciate proactive communication.

What should I include in my request for an extension?

Be concise yet thorough. Mention the assignment, why you’re asking for more time, and propose a new deadline. Keep it professional and to the point.

Can you give me an example of how to craft a message asking for an extension?

Sure! Start with a polite greeting, briefly explain your situation without oversharing details, suggest a new submission date, and thank them for considering your request. It’s like asking a friend for a favor but with more formal language.

What are some effective communication strategies when requesting an assignment extension?

Be honest and respectful in your approach. Use clear language and avoid making excuses. It’s like negotiating; present your case well while being open to compromise.

What should I absolutely avoid when asking for an extension?

Don’t wait until the last minute or come up with elaborate excuses. Professors have heard it all! Think of it as avoiding crying wolf; save requests for when you genuinely need them.

Are there any best practices I should follow to increase my chances of getting an extension?

Yes! Contacting early, providing valid reasons (backed with documentation if needed), suggesting a new deadline yourself, and showing evidence of progress can significantly help your case—think of it as showing good faith effort.

Do professors generally understand when students ask for extensions?

Absolutely! Many professors are willing to accommodate reasonable requests as they understand life happens. They were students once too—imagine them nodding empathetically at genuine asks.

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How To Write an Email For Extension Of Assignment

Navigating the delicate task of requesting an extension for your assignment doesn’t have to be daunting. With this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each critical step you need to undertake before crafting your email, what essential details to include within it, and offer you customizable email templates to streamline your correspondence.

Table of Contents

What To Do Before Writing the Email

What to include in the email.

When composing the email, make sure to include the following elements:

Email Template

Subject: Request for Extension of Assignment – [Course Code/Name] Dear Professor [Last Name], I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name] and I am currently enrolled in your [Course Code/Name]. I am writing to kindly request an extension for the upcoming assignment due on [Due Date]. Due to [explain your circumstances clearly and concisely], I am facing challenges in completing the assignment on time. Therefore, I would greatly appreciate it if you could grant me an extension of [number of days/weeks]. This additional time would allow me to fully address all requirements and submit a high-quality assignment. I have attached [any supporting documents or evidence if applicable] to provide further context and support my request. Please let me know if this extension is feasible, and if so, the new deadline that you deem appropriate. I understand that you may have other commitments and constraints, so I am willing to be flexible. Thank you for considering my request and for your understanding. I value your guidance and feedback, and I am committed to delivering excellent work. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Email Address] [Phone Number]

Alternative Email Template

Subject: Extension Request – [Course Code/Name] Dear Professor [Last Name], I trust this email finds you in good health. I am writing to discuss the possibility of an extension for the upcoming assignment in your [Course Code/Name]. With utmost regret, unforeseen circumstances have hindered my ability to complete the assignment within the given timeframe. These challenges include [explain your circumstances briefly]. Considering the importance of comprehensive research and original analysis required for this assignment, I kindly request an extension of [number of days/weeks]. This extension will allow me to meet the assignment’s standards and contribute to the learning objectives of the course. Your understanding and flexibility in accommodating this request would be immensely appreciated. If you require any additional information or documentation, please do not hesitate to let me know. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your favorable response. Best regards, [Your Name] [Email Address] [Phone Number]

Requesting an extension for your assignment can be a nerve-wracking task, but by following these guidelines and utilizing one of the provided email templates, you can confidently communicate your need for more time in a professional and respectful manner.

Remember, it is crucial to outline your reasons clearly, propose a realistic new deadline, and express your gratitude for the recipient’s understanding. Communicating effectively will increase your chances of receiving a positive response.

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Ask a Professor: How to Ask for an Extension on an assignment

Assessing the Situation

Understand Your Professor's Policies

How to write a polite and professional email: After that, you'll understand How to Ask for an Extension on an assignment

Follow-Up and Be Prepared

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Effective communication with professors is a crucial skill that can greatly impact your academic journey, especially when it comes to requesting an extension on an assignment. Knowing how to ask for an extension in a clear and respectful manner is essential. In this article, we will explore the significance of effective communication when asking for an extension and discuss common reasons that may necessitate one. By approaching extension requests professionally and respectfully, you can increase the likelihood of receiving a positive response from your professor and maintain a healthy student-professor relationship.

As students, we may encounter various situations when we really need assignment help . That's when knowing how to ask for an extension becomes important. Unexpected personal emergencies, health issues, overlapping deadlines, or an increased workload can all be valid reasons. However, it is crucial to approach the request in a professional and respectful manner. By doing so, you demonstrate your commitment to your education and show respect for your professor's time and expectations.

It is important to understand that professors are not obligated to grant extension requests. They have their own regulations and considerations to keep in mind. Therefore, to improve your chances of receiving a favorable response, it is crucial to effectively articulate your request. Acknowledge the significance of the assignment, express understanding of the potential impact on your grades, and suggest a fair deadline for completion.

By mastering the art of effective communication and knowing how to ask for an extension professionally, you can navigate the process with confidence. Remember to be respectful, provide valid reasons, and propose realistic solutions. Through open and respectful communication, you can foster understanding and cooperation with your professors, ensuring a smoother academic experience.

Assessing the Situation:

When you are faced with the problem "How to Ask for an Extension on an Assignment" it is important to assess the situation carefully before contacting your professor. Here are some key steps to consider:

• Evaluate the validity of your reasons for requesting an extension: Take an honest look at the reasons behind your request. Are they legitimate and reasonable? Ensure that you have valid grounds for needing additional time to complete the assignment.
• Consider the assignment's requirements: Review the assignment guidelines and instructions carefully. Understand the scope, complexity, and time required to fulfill the task. Assess whether your initial estimation of the workload was accurate and if it aligns with the given timeframe.
• Evaluate your workload: Reflect on your overall workload, including other assignments, exams, and commitments. Determine whether the combination of tasks makes it genuinely challenging to complete the assignment on time. Be mindful of the workload distribution and prioritize accordingly.
• Take personal circumstances into account: Sometimes unforeseen personal circumstances can arise, such as illness, family emergencies, or unexpected events. Consider whether these circumstances significantly affect your ability to complete the assignment within the given timeframe. Ensure that your request is reasonable and supported by genuine circumstances.
• Determine a realistic and justified timeline extension: Based on your evaluation of the above factors, determine a timeline extension that is realistic and justifiable. Consider the additional time required to produce quality work without compromising other academic responsibilities.

Remember that ask for an extension on an assignment should be a balanced decision made in case of real need and with proper justification. A careful assessment of the situation will allow you to address the professor with a well-founded and reasoned request, which will increase the likelihood of a positive response.

Plan Ahead:

Planning ahead is crucial to avoid the need for extensions and ensure a smooth completion of assignments. Here are some important steps to follow:

• Be aware of assignment deadlines and schedule your work accordingly: Familiarize yourself with the deadlines for all your assignments. Create a calendar or use a planner to keep track of important dates. Break down the assignment into smaller tasks and allocate specific time slots for each task. By staying organized and proactive, you can effectively manage your time and reduce the chances of needing an extension.
• Anticipate potential challenges and allocate extra time: Recognize that challenges may arise during the assignment process. It could be difficulties understanding the material, technical issues, or unexpected circumstances. Make room in your agenda for some extra time to take into consideration these possible obstacles. By doing this, you build a buffer that enables you to deal with unexpected events without requesting an extension.
• Avoid leaving assignments until the last minute: Procrastination can lead to unnecessary stress and increase the likelihood of needing an extension. Start working on assignments as soon as they are assigned. Break them down into manageable chunks and work on them consistently over time. By avoiding last-minute rushes, you give yourself ample time to complete the assignment to the best of your ability.

By planning ahead, you take control of your assignments and reduce the need for extensions. Being aware of deadlines, anticipating challenges, and avoiding procrastination enable you to manage your workload effectively. Remember, effective time management is a valuable skill that not only helps you meet deadlines but also allows for a more balanced and less stressful academic experience.

Understand Your Professor's Policies:

Understanding your professor's policies regarding extensions is crucial when requesting additional time for an assignment. Here are some steps to help you navigate their policies effectively:

• Check your instructor's syllabus or course policy for an understanding of how to ask for an extension on an assignment: Review the syllabus or any documents describing course policies provided by your instructor. Pay particular attention to any specific information regarding assignment due dates and extension requests. Understand your instructor's guidelines and expectations for extensions.
• Take note of any specific instructions or guidelines provided: Your professor may have outlined specific procedures or requirements for requesting an extension.Any instructions given, such as whether you need to submit a formal request, the request's format, or any other supporting paperwork that may be needed, should be noted down. Respecting your professor's policies and committing to following the established procedures are demonstrated by following these directions.
• Respect the professor's discretion in granting extensions: It's important to remember that the decision to grant an extension ultimately lies with your professor. Respect their authority and judgment when considering your request. Keep in mind that they may have multiple students requesting extensions and various factors to consider. Approach the request with professionalism and an understanding that the professor's decision is final.

By familiarizing yourself with your professor's policies and guidelines, you demonstrate your commitment to following their expectations. Respecting their discretion in granting extensions shows your understanding of the academic process and your willingness to comply with their decisions. Understanding the policies helps you navigate the extension request process smoothly and increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.

How to write a polite and professional email: After that, you'll understand How to Ask for an Extension on an assignment.

When requesting an extension from your professor, it is important to communicate your request in a polite and professional manner. Here are the key elements to include in your email:

• Begin by extending a cordial and respectful greeting to the lecturer as appropriate: Use a formal salutation at the beginning of your email, like "Dear Professor [Last Name]" or "Hello Professor [Last Name]." A professional tone is established in your email by addressing them respectfully and using the correct title.
• Clearly state the purpose of your email, mentioning the specific assignment and deadline: In the opening paragraph, clearly state the purpose of your email. Mention the specific assignment that you are requesting an extension for and include the original deadline.
• Explain the reason for your extension request concisely, while being honest and transparent: In the following paragraph, concisely explain the reason behind your extension request. Be honest and transparent about your circumstances, whether they are personal, academic, or related to unforeseen events. Keep your explanation clear and to the point.
• Express your understanding of the potential impact on your grades and the importance of the assignment: Acknowledge the potential impact that the extension may have on your grades. Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of the assignment and its role in your overall academic progress. This shows that you take your responsibilities seriously.
• Propose a new deadline and provide a plausible explanation for the requested extension: Suggest a new deadline for the assignment that allows you sufficient time to complete it effectively. Provide a plausible explanation for why you need the extension, making sure it aligns with the reasons you mentioned earlier. Justify the new deadline based on the circumstances you are facing.
• Provide a strategy describing how you'll finish the work in the extra time: Confide in your professor that you have a strategy in place to finish the work in the extra time. Describe the precise actions you'll take to assure both the quality of your work and a timely submission. This demonstrates your dedication and foresight.
• Express gratitude for the professor's consideration and sign off respectfully: In the closing paragraph, express your gratitude for the professor's time and consideration of your request. Thank them for their understanding and mention how their support will assist you in meeting the assignment requirements. Sign off your email respectfully, using phrases such as "Thank you for your consideration" or "Best regards."

By crafting a polite and professional email, you demonstrate your respect for your professor and increase the chances of receiving a positive response. Remember to maintain a courteous tone throughout the email and ensure that your request is supported by valid reasons and a well-thought-out plan.

Follow-Up and Be Prepared:

After sending your extension request email to your professor, it's important to follow up and be prepared for the response. Here are some steps to take:

• Be patient and allow time for the professor to respond to your email: Professors have busy schedules, so it's essential to be patient and give them time to review your request. Avoid sending multiple follow-up emails too soon. Respect their workload and wait for a reasonable amount of time before expecting a response.
• You should be ready for both a favorable and unfavorable response: Even though you may be hoping for a favorable reaction, it's crucial to be ready in case it's not. You should mentally prepare yourself to accept your professor's decision politely since they might not always offer extensions. You will be better able to navigate potential solutions if you are psychologically prepared.
• If you are granted an extension, make sure that you meet the new deadline and do your work at a high level, because you will not have another attempt "how to ask a professor for an extension": If your professor has granted your request for an extension, respect his or her decision by meeting the new deadline. Use the extra time wisely to complete the assignment to the best of your ability. Maintain the same level of dedication and perform to a high standard that reflects your commitment and appreciation for the extension.
• If denied, accept the decision gracefully and consider alternative solutions: If your request for an extension is denied, accept the decision respectfully. Understand that professors may have various reasons for their decision, such as maintaining fairness or adhering to course policies. Instead of dwelling on the denial, focus on alternative solutions. Seek help from a tutor, utilize academic resources, or consider rearranging your priorities to ensure timely completion of the assignment.

Remember that the response to your extension request is ultimately up to your professor. By being patient, prepared for different outcomes, and flexible in finding alternatives, you display maturity and professionalism. Regardless of the response, maintain a positive attitude, and continue to work diligently on your academic responsibilities.

Conclusion:

Finally, effective communication and professional behavior are of paramount importance when wondering how to ask for an extension on an assignment. By planning ahead, understanding your instructor's policy, and approaching your request with respect, you increase your chances of receiving a positive response. However, it is important to remember that students should be responsible for their work and that extensions should only be used as a last resort.

Planning ahead and managing your time effectively can minimize the need for extensions. By familiarizing yourself with assignment deadlines, anticipating challenges, and avoiding procrastination, you can stay on track and complete your work within the given timeframe.

Understanding your professor's policies regarding extensions is crucial. By adhering to their guidelines and respecting their discretion, you demonstrate your commitment to the academic process and foster a positive student-professor relationship.

While extensions may be necessary under certain circumstances, it is important to approach them as a last resort. Taking responsibility for your assignments, seeking help when needed, and prioritizing your workload can help prevent the need for extensions.

Remember, effective communication, planning, and responsibility are key to navigating the process of requesting an extension. By demonstrating professionalism and respect, you not only increase the chances of a favorable response but also develop valuable skills that will serve you well throughout your academic and professional journey.

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How to Ask Your Professor for an Extension on Assignment

Table of contents

• 1 Reasons to Ask for an Extension on an Assignment
• 2 How To Ask For An Extension Properly?
• 3 How Not To Ask For An Extension?
• 4 Examples of Request For An Extension
• 5 Feeling Stressed After Being Denied An Extension
• 6 Conclusion

Homework — this word raises so many emotions in students — we feel the thrill of not meeting a deadline, we remember the voice of our professor, and we anticipate how boring it will be to spend a day off doing a task. Yet, homework is an integral part of school and college life, and we inevitably have to cope with it. Generally, it would be perfect if we could finish all our matters on time and turn to our academic work before it’s too late. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and sometimes we need to explore different approaches with our professors and request them to prolong the due time. But when and how to ask for an extension on an assignment? Let’s get a closer look at PapersOwl’s advice.

Reasons to Ask for an Extension on an Assignment

The reasons for deadline prolongation vary greatly. Personal reasons include illness, mental health issues, tragic events, happy family events, maternity, or academic difficulty. The further substantial reasons comprise financial issues, miscommunication, travel, moving house, unavailable resources, schedule clash, or force majeure. These are the excuses that are popular and generally accepted by teachers.

How To Ask For An Extension Properly?

Always remember you should have a good reason behind it if you want to ask your professor for an extension. If you are persuasive, your professor will eagerly renew your due date and give you a chance to submit your paper later. Unfortunately, not everyone can be persuasive enough. Also, not everyone has a connection with the professor. But there’s always a solution — you can ask for professional help with assignment writing and get your work done in due time. This is especially helpful as your essay, research, or whatever you need will be written by professional writers and guaranteed within the timing budget. Though, you may wish to accept the challenge of asking for an extension. Don’t act blindly. First, learn professional advice on finishing homework faster before getting to the task. This will be your lifesaver, especially when the professor agrees to a shorter term than you asked. Assure your professor that you’d do your best to finish on time and with excellency. Even if you’re not confident of that, this is the right approach. Ask for the shortest possible shift and justify your need for a longer term. Analyze the assignment writing guide before you actually start. Understanding the algorithm will definitely award you with confidence. Asking for an extension of the deadline in person will most likely have greater success. Professors tend to empathize with you more in this case. And don’t forget to show your commitment to your studies. The other way, which may be more comfortable for many, is emailing. Find out how to write a valid and appropriate email about a late assignment and follow the guidelines from the experts. Explore the most effective patterns used in this delicate matter, and be sure you’ll keep the student—instructor balance.

How Not To Ask For An Extension?

What should you avoid in case you need to request a delay? First, timing. Don’t wait until the last minute. Try to warn your professor you won’t be able to complete the task on time as soon as you realize it. Asking about an essential prolongation is also a bad idea. Also, mind your attitude, both via email and in person. Don’t act rude, demanding, or impatient, as this can spoil your relations with the professor. Don’t offer excuses; suggest a solution instead — this will demonstrate to your instructor you are interested in the class.

Examples of Request For An Extension

If you are wondering how to ask for an extension on an assignment, be upfront but not pushy in your appeal. The following phrases are helpful here:

• “I would like to ask if it might be possible to delay my deadline on the task until …”
• “Unfortunately, I am behind with the completion of this task because …”
• “I would really appreciate an extension, as …”
• “I would need some more time to devote towards my homework because …”
• “Since … cannot be rescheduled or deferred, I’m requesting that you extend my execution period till …”

Well, sometimes you may find you need even more effort and date range than you asked for. Good that top assignment writing service is your friend in need in such desperate situations. Making an order here guarantees that a task is performed in compliance with all necessary requirements and quality standards in a timely manner.

Feeling Stressed After Being Denied An Extension

Teachers may deny delaying your task completion period for a number of reasons. Though you are rarely the cause for denial, you may feel embarrassed or guilty. Not the best emotions, we must admit, especially if you have to focus on the task. Try methods to relieve your anxiety if you feel you cannot handle your academic load because of stress. They are called to make you calm and, therefore, more concentrated. But what if you see you won’t cope anyway? There are situations when you clearly realize you need external assistance before you collapse. You should definitely get help with writing assignment and save your nerves. After contacting our professional service, you will have the task completed within the given framework. Our experts write not only excellent papers complying with all quality standards, but they also do it fully confidential and plagiarism free!

When you think about how to ask for an extension on an assignment, try to determine the primary cause for the postponement request. It shall be convincing: explain why you can’t do your work on time and ask to shift the deadline. In general, follow the simple steps:

• Ask for submission as early as possible.
• Determine the method for requesting a postponement.
• If you’re emailing, make sure the letter reaches the addressee.
• Specify a credible reason.
• Offer the shortest feasible due term.
• Provide affirmations and warranties.
• Be polite and diplomatic with the professor, not demanding.
• Show your appreciation for satisfying your requests.
• Meet the deadline.
• Don’t make asking for extensions a rule.

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Reasons and evidence for requesting a coursework extension or IMC

A guide to help you understand what would normally be considered acceptable reasons and evidence for an imc or coursework extension.

Further information on IMCs can be found on the following pages:

• IMCs overview page - a guide to IMC procedures including help to understand if this is the correct route for you and how a claim may affect your academic outcome
• Submitting an Individual Mitigating Circumstances (IMC) claim - a guide on how to complete and submit your IMC claim
• Reasons normally accepted

Whatever your mitigating circumstances are for submitting a coursework extension request or submitting an IMC claim, your reason should fall into at least one of these categories:

• something unexpected and significant has happened or is happening to you
• something unexpected and significant has happened or is happening to someone else in your life which is impacting on you
• a significant event outside of your control
• Reasons not normally accepted

Coursework extensions and IMC claims will not normally be considered valid if the request relates to the following circumstances:

“Normal life" events

These are circumstances you could be reasonably expected to manage alongside your assessment, perhaps with routine support. Examples include minor illness or normal levels of anxiety about assessment, sometimes known as “exam stress”.

Circumstances which are foreseeable and/or preventable

For example, booking a holiday, or not taking steps to ensure your location has a reliable internet connection with which to write and submit your assessment.

Having a busy assessment schedule, not taking steps to manage your time or prioritise your workload

For example, not being aware of your submission dates, having assessments close together or submitting the wrong documentation.

• Examples of reasons

Please use this list to consider what reason you will give to explain your circumstances when making your request for a coursework extension or an IMC claim.

If your circumstances aren’t listed, you can use ‘Other Valid Reason’ (please see below for examples, which includes the impact of war). You can also contact your Director of Studies , Student Experience Officer (School of Management) or Personal Tutor for advice.

Something happening to you

Examples of ‘physical ill health’ as a reason.

• Significant physical accident, injury or illness
• Unexpected worsening of a physical long-term health condition/disability
• Unexpected or unforeseen events that were not accommodated by an existing DAP ( Disability Access Plan ) for a physical health condition or disability

Examples of ‘Mental health’ as a reason

• Significant mental injury or illness
• Unexpected worsening of a long-term mental health condition/disability
• Unexpected or unforeseen events that were not accommodated by an existing Disability Access Plan (DAP) for a mental health condition or disability

Examples of ‘Disruption in personal life’ as a reason

• Unexpected personal accommodation crisis
• Unexpected personal financial crisis
• Major, and unexpected crisis related to an immigration issue, such as an unexpected outcome to a visa or asylum application with urgent implications
• Major unplanned changes in work commitments

Examples of ‘Technical issues’ as a reason

For online exams an IMC claim would normally be accepted for technical problems that:

• significantly reduce the time available to you to complete the assessment
• significantly impact your performance
• prevent submission by the end of late exam submission time (if a remote exam)

Examples may include an unforeseen and prolonged absence of a stable internet connection or issues with software.

Incident of bullying, harassment, assault or crime

Being the person harmed in an incident of bullying, harassment, assault or crime.

‘Placement-related’

Placement-related employment events that cannot be rescheduled, e.g. an assessment day for a potential placement employer. This relates only to placements forming part of a University course of study.

Examples of ‘Other valid reason’

• The impact of a natural disaster: severe weather that prevents submission, civil disruption or major hazard (including a major breakdown in the transport system).
• The impact of war: any consequences of an ongoing conflict (such as the war in Ukraine) that have a significant impact on your ability to undertake assessments and do not fall under one of the other general categories.
• For an IMC claim applying to a remote online exam, impact from the exam being scheduled outside of reasonable study hours because you unavoidably need to access it remotely from a country with a significant time difference with the UK (only applicable for fixed-start exams).

Something happening to someone else in your life but impacting on you

A bereavement.

The recent death of someone important to you (family or friend).

• Serious accident, injury or illness (physical or mental) involving family or friends
• Disruption in your personal life caused by something happening to a friend/family member(s), for example a home environment that suddenly became disruptive at the time of your remote exam(s)

Examples of ‘Caring responsibilities’ as a reason

• Unplanned or unexpected circumstances during pregnancy (self or partner) e.g. premature birth, or for a parent with a baby
• Unexpected (additional or new) caring responsibilities caused by something happening to a friend/family member(s), for example supporting a parent through serious illness
• What you can submit as evidence

IMC claims require evidence . Evidence provides confirmation of what happened, when. It also helps to provide clarity about your circumstances and how they affected your assessment performance.

Requests for a coursework extension will normally require evidence to support it. Please confirm with the relevant department if this is the case for your specific request.

The exact nature of what your evidence will be depends on your circumstances. These are some examples of what is normally acceptable.

Correspondence or documents from University support services or staff

You may have already told a member of University staff about your circumstances, and so you can provide evidence of that engagement as evidence of the circumstances you are reporting.

Examples of such evidence would include appointment confirmations, email exchanges (including summary e-mails of advice provided by counselling or wellbeing services) and other types of correspondence from any of the following; a Personal Tutor, a Student Experience Officer, or a Director of Studies, Disability Services, Student Support (which includes counselling and wellbeing teams), the Students’ Union, Security, IT Help Desk, the Library, or the Student Immigration Services. This also includes anything you submit to the Report & Support Tool .

You should not need to ask for a specific statement as evidence. Services and staff may not be able to respond in time for your submission if you do make this kind of request, so you should use evidence you already have.

Disability Access Plans (DAPs)

If you have a Disability Access Plan , it may include guidance that coursework extensions are a reasonable adjustment for you should you request them. If extensions are included in your DAP you can simply reference your DAP (or upload a copy) or as evidence where it is required.

For IMC claims, if you experience unexpected or unforeseen events that are not already accommodated in your DAP, please explain how these have impacted your assessment performance.

Statement, correspondence, or documents from external, third party professionals or support services

Examples include a letter, email or statement from services such as the Police, Victim Support, Social Services, NHS services, charity support agencies, external counselling or mental health advice services, etc.

Copies of official documentation

Examples include a death certificate, medical certificate, screenshot of relevant NHS notifications.

Copies of correspondence with/from family/friends at the time the circumstances occurred

Examples include screenshots of text messages or a conversation via a messaging app (with dates). However, a post-event statement from a family member or friend will not normally be acceptable on its own.

Where possible you should seek permission from anyone else involved in your correspondence before sharing it, especially if the conversation is personal in nature.

• Submitting your evidence

We recognise that some evidence can be difficult to obtain. Therefore:

• Your evidence does not have to be an official document or certificate, especially if the circumstances are health related and you do not need to provide multiple pieces of evidence if they all confirm the same thing
• Your evidence may come later than your submission of an IMC claim form. If you need longer to provide evidence, you should explain this on on your claim form. Your claim form must be submitted by the deadline .
• You do not need to provide original copies of your evidence. With electronic evidence you can provide a screenshot if you need to. With physical documents you can submit a scanned copy or a digital photograph of the original. If you are not comfortable with electronic submission of your evidence, you should speak with your Director of Studies or Student Experience Officer (School of Management) for advice.
• If you are concerned about providing evidence or about disclosing a sensitive, personal situation you may wish to speak confidentially with SU Advice & Support or Student Support .
• If your evidence was not originally produced in English, then an official translation must be provided.
• How to apply for a coursework extension

Our general guidance on coursework extensions includes information on how to apply.

• How to submit an IMC claim

Please read our overview of IMCs and follow the guidance to submitting an Individual Mitigating Circumstances (IMC) claim .

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How To Ask For An Extension On An Assignment

By Laura Brown on 13th August 2022

At least once in college life, every student has to suffer from late submission for the assignment. In such circumstances, students are unaware of how to ask for an extension on an assignment, and they end up deducting their marks. At that particular instant, you look for a cheap assignment and sometimes get it done successfully but fail to do so very often.

For this reason, Crowd Writer UK has come up with a complete guide that will help you while asking your tutor to extend your assignment deadline.

1. Ask As Early As Possible

When you have an assignment due, you know already if you can submit it on time or not. You are well aware of your upcoming schedule until or unless you encounter an emergency situation. So, if you know, you will not be able to make it to the deadline, go to your supervisor, tell them the situation, and ask for an extension as early as you can.

2. Meet The Tutor In-Person (If Possible)

While answering the question of how to ask for extension on assignment, experts often recommend meeting the tutor in person. However, we can understand that sometimes, it is not possible for students to approach the tutor. You can then email your tutor as a second option.

3. Go In The Office Hours

The main reason that you are unable to meet the tutor is looking for them other than the office hours. If you can have the schedule of the specific tutor from the management or online portal, then you can easily calculate some time when you can meet the tutor.

4. Show Your Care For The Grade

For instance, if you are doing an abstract, then you will definitely want to know how long should an abstract be . Similarly, asking for an extension requires that you should reflect intensive care towards your grades. Although your tutor knows it, still tell them how it could affect your grades if your tutor does not extend the submission.

5. Explain The Solution

At Crowd Writer, we value our employees’ problems. Similarly, if you are able to elaborate on your situation to the tutor, then there is a good chance that they will provide you with what you want.

6. Suggest A Timeframe

In order to follow complete steps on how to ask for an extension on an assignment, the next point should be to suggest the next deadline yourself. However, make sure that it should be a practical deadline. Do not ask for an extension for more than 2 to 3 days.

7. Come Up With Some Evidence

It is very necessary that your excuse of being late in submission or for an extension should be backed by some strong evidence. You should have a proper reason for the extension. Just because you were busy, your tutor would not accept your offer. Tell them where you were stuck and provide some evidence for it.

8. Update Your Progress

The most important thing about how to ask for an extension on an assignment is to tell your tutor, how much assignment you have done already or if you have conducted the research, tell them about it.

9. Send A Well Crafted Professional Email

If you are unable to meet your tutor in persona, you should send them the email immediately. Do not waste a lot of time looking for your tutor on campus. Send them a well-crafted email that looks professional and carries all the essential information as discussed above.

10. Concern With Student Council

So you are up to the question, of how to ask for extension on an assignment, then you should take help from your seniors or student council. If they have good terms with the tutor, then it would be really easy for you to get the extension.

11. Do Not Ask Again & Again

Well, if your tutor has not responded to your email or declined your offer, you should not bother them by asking again and again for the tutor. It can make your situation even worse.

12. Be Honest With Your Context

Honesty is really the best policy. Your tutor knows you very well. Be honest with your tutor. Somehow, if you are late due to your own mistake, tell to your tutor, have an apology. If you are suffering from student mental health issues, tell them exactly what you are going through.

Summarizing On How To Ask For An Extension On An Assignment

Asking your tutor for an extension on any particular assignment is not that easy. You may face several challenges while looking for an extension. You might not be able to meet your tutor or contact them. The best solution is to email them and tell them about the situation. Well, if you can follow the above-mentioned steps, getting an extension will be really a smooth process for you.

Laura Brown, a senior content writer who writes actionable blogs at Crowd Writer.

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How to ask for an extension

Open University students usually have lives with many responsibilities, and we recognise that in creating a more flexible assessment system. Our assignments are graduated rather than coming in one lump at the end of a term/year. You can also usually negotiate an extension on assignment deadlines if you experience difficulties which impact on your studies. 

NB - there is NOT usually any extension offered on the final piece of work on a module, often called the End of Module Assessment . Plan your studies to make sure you can work on this in a timely fashion. If you are experiencing difficulties as you come to the end of a module, make sure that you contact your Student Support Team for advice, and put in a claim for Mitigating Circumstances. 

Your tutor will be able to talk to you about extensions on your Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs). We are of course keen to make sure you don't fall behind in your studies, so you should not assume you can just have one for the asking. 

You can contact your tutor via a link on StudentHome, or just drop them an email. Explain why you want the extension and how long you think you may need. Be realistic and reasonable about this. A day or two is very acceptable, a week is fine. If you are going to need more than a week, you will need to have a serious and good reason. (Anxiety about deadlines is a serious and good reason, however you should also make sure you have got good support so this doesn't become an ongoing problem if you suffer anxiety - your Student Support Team can help with this.) 

You won't need supporting documentation for an extension on a TMA, but you will if you apply for Mitigating Circumstances for an EMA. 

Try to let us tutors know in good time. You can ask for an extension just in case, you don't have to use it. 

These are the suggested reasons given when we enter your extension in the system. 

DISABILITY - your additional learning need means that you require a little longer to prepare your assignment (anxiety would fit here). 

FAMILY RELATED - your children had chicken pox, there was a major family event which disrupted your studies, the family guinea pig had to be rushed to the vet and nursed through the night. 

MEDICAL - you had chicken pox, or flu. 

TRAVEL RELATED - your family holiday coincided with the TMA submission date. (And you are going to have to shop, pack and make your partner sort out their passport so you can't plan to do the TMA early.) 

VARIOUS - your favourite aunt had to go into hospital, the children all had chicken pox, you had a job interview, your laptop died on you and it is coming up to Christmas, you have to do the shopping - all at once. And the family guinea pig needs to be taken to the vet. 

New comment

What a reassuring message.

Returning to study as an adult can be quite scary, we know - we do our best to support you to achieve at the OU. 

Penalty for extension?

Joe - call Student Support

Joe I'm so sorry to hear about your difficulties. We know our students have a lot of responsibilities in your lives. Student Support are there to advise you on how you can navigate your studies while juggling all of these. At the OU we have what we call the 'revolving door', where you may end up deferring but you can always come back to us. We have to manage this carefully to make sure you don't end up incurring costs because of the rules for the funding bodies, however we will do what we can to get you through. 

I do hope things settle down for you. Call Student Support as soon as you are able, they will be able to advise and support you. 

This is Not True!

I have autism and my grandma died which meant my entire family needed to go to Germany for a week to attend a funeral. My instructor Dr. Stobbart, refused to give an extension stating that if he did this for me then he would have to do this for everyone and it would be 'chaos'. He then said 2 other students had losses that month. In other words they were getting on okay so I should to. 

This isn't right.  

extension needed (but OU closed for hols)

I needed to extend an extension by another week. I had illness, then a home move (and all that entails) in the lead up to Christmas. I sent my tutor an email for an extension, without realising the OU would actually be shut!  So my tutor didn't see the email, and still hasn't. I did submit the assignment, but for all the effort made, it was incomplete! What might happen next? Might the tutor still say I could send another copy and it would be accepted? 

Thanks in advance,

Deferrals or extensions to ema

No extension for ema.

Hullo Leighton

I am sorry but there is no way to get an extension for an EMA. In very difficult circumstances, you can get what's called a Discretionary Postponement. You will need to talk to Student Support Team about this - as it will only be allowed in very exceptional circumstances. Their number is available on your StudentHome page. 

You can also put in a Special Circumstances form up to 4 days after submitting the EMA. 

You can put in something for the EMA, and a Special Circs form, and that way you may get to pass the module at least. On many modules, if you have put something in, you will be allowed to rewrite and resubmit it (with a tutor's help), if it doesn't pass. 

Good luck - and remember, Student Support Team have all these answers, they are there at the end of a phone.  

Contact tutor form not working

The contact form for my tutor is not currently working to request an extension.

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Profs, what are your reasons for denying a student an assignment extension?

I feel miserable after being just denied an extension, I was not looking for long, I have a mental health condition but to hell with telling them that. I'm not going to get on my knees and pour out my personal life. I accept that my excuse was probably not a valid one compared to the reasons of some students asking for an assignment, yet I still feel so stupid and am cringing at being such an idiot for even thinking they might consider. I told the truth for why I felt like I needed it, I'm exhausted and stressed and the workload for the semester is massive and also the dates are in a tight time frame, which makes it hard to commit to one and the other. The valid reasons for getting an extension have to be illness or bereavement, something like that, but with a doctor's note, none of which I had, which they said would give me an unfair advantage over other students. I was close to bursting into tears when I saw the email, my head is fried and I'm a fucking idiot for even considering asking them when I had no valid reason in the first place. Also because they probably think I was bullshitting when I said that I have the majority of the work done, and that this was not an excuse for leaving it to the last minute. I'm afraid to show my face again now to the professor.

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FALL COURSE REGISTRATION  is open through August 29. Explore courses today.

Setting Yourself Up for Success at Harvard Extension School

Alumni, faculty, & staff share their advice for a strong start on your education journey.

Lian Parsons

Deciding to continue your education is a big decision.

Our student support teams frequently talk to prospective students who — despite diverse backgrounds and experiences — have similar questions as they consider their next steps: Will I be able to pursue my studies while managing my career and life commitments? How can I connect with peers and faculty while studying online? What resources are available to me?

In this post, we share tips and advice from alumni, staff, and faculty on how to overcome obstacles and set yourself up for success. Topics include:

• Deciding on a manageable course load
• Scheduling time for coursework
• Communicating with your support network
• Connecting with faculty
• Getting to know your peers
• Dedicating a space
• Forming a positive mindset
• Leveraging resources

Our Panel of Expert Advisors

Read on to get our expert tips, or watch the full webinar below.

Be Mindful of the Time Commitment 

Most of our courses are held online during a 15-week fall or spring semester. We offer synchronous and asynchronous course formats , as well as a selection of on-campus courses, including active learning weekend courses.

The different course participation options are designed for flexibility. Which works best for you will depend on your schedule, goals, and — if you’re pursuing a degree or certificate — your program of choice. The course curriculum and formats vary by program, so make sure to review the requirements carefully.

Decide on a Manageable Course Load 

Because many of our students are pursuing their education alongside full-time work and other obligations , says academic advisor Sarah Anne Stinnett, most take only one or two classes each semester. “How many courses you take ultimately depends on what your life looks like for the next seven weeks to four months,” she says. “It also depends on where you are in your academic journey.”

Sarah Anne’s Tip

“If you are taking a class for the first time, I highly recommend you start with one and see how it goes. If you’re well into a degree program and you’re working with an academic advisor on a degree completion plan, increasing that load might be the right fit for you.”

As you consider your options, here are a few questions you can ask yourself: 

• If the class is synchronous, how much time is dedicated to being in class?
• If the class is asynchronous, can you accommodate your classwork based on your schedule outside school?
• What kind of experience would you like to have?

“The fewer classes I take, the more deeply I’m able to engage with them,” says Sarah Anne. “So reducing your course load might offer you the chance to show up to additional office hours, meet with your faculty, and show up to study hours with classmates.” 

If you’re still unsure, consider whether the courses you’re interested in are “stretch” or “comfort” classes. 

Stretch Class

• A course that satisfies a degree requirement, will be particularly challenging, or qualifies you for other academic opportunities.
• Take one stretch class at a time.

Comfort Class 

• A course that you are especially excited about, is personally enriching, and is easy to dedicate time toward.
• Two comfort classes may be manageable.

Schedule Time for Your Coursework 

Instructor Zachary Nowak advises that for every hour of class, you will likely have three to four hours of coursework (so six to eight hours a week). Some weeks will be heavier than others. So make sure to review the syllabus ahead of time, prepare in advance, and ask your instructor for clarification along the way. 

Advising Tip

Expect to spend 6 to 8 hours a week on coursework, including readings, assignments, and studying. Plan ahead by:

• Reviewing your syllabus.
• Mapping out important dates like assignment deadlines and exams.
• Blocking out time in your calendar leading up to key dates.

Despite the need to prioritize school, Sarah Anne says, “It’s important to remember that when we think about managing time, we’re not just reducing as much life as possible to hit the books all the time. It’s a balance; make sure to schedule yourself time away from the books.”

Spend time with friends and family, catch up on other work, and make time for yourself. This separation helps to prevent burnout and maintain your momentum.

Zachary, who also teaches Harvard College undergraduates, says your life experience gives you an advantage.

“You’re an adult already balancing work and your family life. You’re ready to do a Harvard Extension class, too, because you know how to balance stuff in your life. Zachary Nowak

For more insights, check out 5 Truths About Time Management and How to Set Goals and Achieve Balance — in and Outside the Classroom .

Communicate with Your Support Network

Keep your friends and family up-to-date on your schedule, set aside time to spend with your loved ones, and don’t force yourself to “do it all.” Seek out people or community members in your life who can take on additional responsibilities and be your support system during busy semesters. 

“Maybe that’s asking your partner if they can cook the Thursday night dinner,” Sarah Anne says. “Maybe that’s letting your kids know that you’re gonna be a little bit busier on Sunday because you’ve got two hours of study time. Be proactive and communicate not only your plans but your needs to your support team.” 

Amanda’s Tip

“Prepare your family and friends for the time that it’s going to take you to complete these classes. Having a support system is so important as a student. Make sure you have that built in. And then and over time, you’ll get to know your fellow students, and you can make them part of your support system as well.”

You should also inform your employer that you’re pursuing your education, says alum and student accounts manager Wendy Abramo-Merrill. Tuition assistance may be available. And if not, there may be other opportunities.

“Talk to your employer and see if there are options available to you like more flexible hours or additional remote work privileges to really help you fit all your coursework into your schedule,” she says.

Connect with Faculty and Teaching Staff

Alumnus Ariel Gamiño says teaching staff can be a great resource. “Reach out to the instructors and the TAs that you have in your class for support,” he says. “You have an amazing community of people that are rooting for you as you go through this process of learning, especially if you’ve just come back [to school] and you haven’t done it in a while.”

Zach’s Tip

Instructors value one-on-one connection. Visit with them during their office hours. 

Uncertain about an assignment? Ask for a template or examples of papers and other assignments to ensure you’re on the right track.

Review grading rubrics and create a requirements checklist before turning in your work.

Get to Know Your Peers

Ariel encourages making connections with fellow students. “One of the gifts that you’ll get out of this experience is the people you meet along the way,” he says. “You get to make amazing friends, amazing connections.”

Many student communities develop organically. Classmates often create networking groups on social media platforms or meet up in the online Gather Study Lounge specific to their class. They get involved in clubs.

Ariel’s Tip

Get involved in student clubs. Ariel met students from Harvard Business School through a University-wide student organization and eventually partnered with them to launch a start-up.

Instructors may also introduce opportunities for you to get to know your classmates. Zachary, for example, has his students meet three times during the semester in small groups to socialize so they can build rapport.

“I know I’m not alone in being an instructor who makes an effort to connect students and have them talk to each other,” he says. “It’s a really important part of this experience.”

Amanda suggests taking advantage of the Office of Student Affairs resources. The OSA hosts events and offers holistic support to students, including networking opportunities. 

“If you join a class, keep an eye out for those emails from OSA about upcoming networking events. Join some of their events and get to know people outside of class,” Amanda says. “There’s a wide variety of ways to get connected.”

Dedicate a Space for Learning

Set up a space in your home or office that serves as your personal classroom and ensure that you are meeting your learning needs. 

Additional tips for staying focused in class:

• Have a water bottle nearby to stay hydrated during class
• Use supplies that you enjoy using, such as a new notebook and pens
• Consider how to support your learning style, such as purchasing an audiobook version of the required reading

“Make sure you have your place to study, your place to dedicate to that creates a routine and a habit,” Ariel says. “[Education] is a time commitment, you have to put a lot into it. The great thing about it is you do get as much as you put in, so the more you put in, the more you get.”

Browse our certificate and degree programs

Form a Positive Mindset

“By joining a class at the Extension School or joining a degree, you’re joining a community that lives, breathes, and is committed to your learning success,” Sarah Anne says. “You might be nervous, but your instructor, your classmates, your instructional staff, your advisor, the enrollment services team — everyone believes in your ability to do the Harvard work. Right off the bat, you’re joining a place that believes in you.”

Sarah Anne also recommends reaching out to your instructors and classmates ahead of time and introducing yourself. Leaning into that unique class community can help boost your confidence and kickstart developing new connections. 

Lastly, know that you’re not alone! It’s likely that your fellow classmates — and instructors — experience nerves, too. 

“Every single class I’ve ever taught, I’m really nervous for the first day , like to the point of almost being nauseous,” Zachary says. “My mother was an elementary school teacher for decades. And I told her about it one time. She said, ‘The time when you’re going to teach a class and you’re not nervous before the first couple of meetings, you’re ready to retire.’”

Harvard Extension School Resources

As a Harvard Extension School student, you will have access to a wide range of resources , from academic support to career opportunities.

* Only available to degree candidates or HES alumni

• Writing Center
• All Harvard Libraries
• Harvard Extension Ready
• Enrollment Services (Read more about connecting with an enrollment coach)
• Registrar, Academic Services
• Office of Predegree Advising and Admissions
• Certificates Office Hours
• Faculty Aide Program*
• Academic Resource Center*

Professional

• Career and Academic Resource Center
• Mignone Center for Career Success
• Innovation Lab*
• Culture Lab*
• Public Service Fellowships*
• Internships*

Additional resources

• Financial services
• Accessibility Office
• Office of Student Affairs
• Harvard Museums
• University-wide student groups
• International Student Office
• Harvard Extension Student Association*
• Harvard Alumni Association*

Get Started Today!

“When I was thinking about going back to school, I overthought everything. But if I had better understood at the start how many resources were available to succeed, I would have committed a lot sooner,” Wendy says. “So just start.”

Harvard Extension School enrollment for Fall 2024 is open until Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Browse the course catalog and join the HES community today!

Course catalog Fall 2024

Enroll today!

About the Author

Lian Parsons is a Boston-based writer and journalist. She is currently a digital content producer at Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education. Her bylines can be found at the Harvard Gazette, Boston Art Review, Radcliffe Magazine, Experience Magazine, and iPondr.

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