good reason for assignment extension

31 Best Assignment Extension Excuses

Students need extensions on their assignments all the time. There are good excuses for an extension … and there are not so good excuses. I’m a professor, and I’ve heard them all. So has your professor. Here are the best ones I’ve heard.

The Best Assignment Extension Excuses

Introduction.

>>>BONUS: GET YOUR FREE ASSIGNMENT EXTENSION REQUEST LETTER TEMPLATE

For the rest of this article, I’m going to explain exactly how to ask your professor for an extension – with a focus on just 9 extension excuses.

Some of these are good excuses for turning in a paper late. Others are ones you’ll want to avoid.

Read on to learn which ones to avoid and which to use!

Professors like myself get a lot of extension requests, so knowing how to ask in a way that will get your teacher to grant the extension is very important.

>>>Related Article: 15+ Tips on Requesting an Extension

1. Your Team Members screwed you Over in a Group Assessment

>>> Related Post: 17+ Alternatives when College Isn’t for You

This extension excuse gets a lot of sympathies.

A little secret: teachers hate group work assignments , too. We usually set them because we have to embed it into a degree as an ‘employability skill’.

So, when you come to your teacher 3 days before submission and say “Teacher, one of my teammates didn’t pull through!”, your teacher will roll their eyes, but totally understand.

What you need to make this excuse work is a paper trail showing evidence that you pulled your weight. Evidence can be:

Email and Facebook chains of conversations;
Meeting minutes;
Completed drafts of sections that you were assigned

If you can show that you’ve put in the effort and genuinely tried to be a good team member, chances are your teacher will want to help you out.

Just beware: you still might lose points for teamwork. It’s an unfortunate reality that sometimes our team members bring our work down and we can’t do anything about it.

But, if you can show you’re a good student and have worked in good faith, this one might just help you pull through and win you that precious extra few days to work on your piece.

2. You’ve had Writer’s Block

>>> Related Post: How to Write an Essay at the Last Minute

This extension excuse gets points for honesty. If you come to your teacher and say “Look, I’ve read all of the readings, but the creativity just hasn’t come” then your teacher might just give you a little extra time.

This reason for asking for an extension on a paper will probably be respected more than most.

Teachers hate when a student comes to them with an obvious lie like:

Your dog ate your homework,
Your grandma died (again), or
your boss is a jerk

These are time-tested lies that we get all the time . It’s rarer for a student to step up and confess: “Look, it’s just a really tough assessment.”

For this excuse to work, it’s best to provide evidence of three things:

You’ve tried really hard;
You’ve sought help;
You’ve come up with a solution so it won’t happen again.

First, show you actually have put hours into the assessment.

Bring to your teacher (either in person or via email) evidence that you’ve read through a lot of readings on the topic.

Bring to the printed readings with highlighting and notes in the margins.

Talk to them about how you thought you might be able to use the information in these pieces for your work.

Second, show that you’ve sought help.

This excuse works best if you’ve primed the teacher already with a few emails spaced out over the previous few weeks asking questions about whether you’re on the right track.

If you’ve already managed to email the teacher a few times about the assignment, send your extension request as your final reply to that email chain of discussion.

Another way of showing that you’ve sought help is showing that you’ve accessed help from the library or another member of the university staff.

Explain to your teacher that you attended a library workshop , talked to your academic advisor, or had ongoing conversations with a Teacher’s Assistant about the assessment.

Third, show how you’ve developed skills to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

Explain to your teacher that you’ve thought up some study solutions that you’ll put in place during the week or so in which the extension would take place.

For example, you could note how some study skills you’ve thought might help you out of this situation might be:

You’ve found a spot in the library to dig in and do the work;
You’ve freed up some time in your calendar over the next 7 days;
You’ve found a study tip that you want to put in place

Make sure you not only tell, but show your teacher you’ve tried hard, you’ve sought help, and you’ve identified solutions. If you do this, you’re more likely to have your extension request granted.

3. Work called you in for Extra Shifts

>>>Related Post: Professor Reveals 21+ Excuses for Skipping Class

Here’s another reason to ask your professor for an extension on a paper that gets a lot of sympathies.

We teachers have been there. Poor, living off microwaved noodle. In fact, many of us are still there with you.

When explaining that work has called you in for extra shifts, make sure your teacher knows you needed that money. You don’t need to cry poor or ask for a sympathy card. But let them know:

My boss asked me to take on extra shifts; and
I pay my own way through life, so the extra money meant a lot to me.

This extension excuse strategy works best when you give advance notice. Let your teacher know as soon as you pick up those extra shifts. Send them an email making them feel like they were a part of the discussion ( Click here to download all my Assignment Extension Request Letter Templates ).

You can say:

Hi [Teacher] ,

My boss has just gotten in touch asking me to cover some extra shifts at work for the rest of this week. I’m pretty short on money at this point of the semester with a few bills coming through, so I’d love to be able to take them.

Obviously this gets in the way of the time I’ve set aside this week for completing the upcoming assignment.

I’m wondering, would you please consider giving me an extra three days to submit my assessment so that I can pick up these shifts? It’d mean a lot to me.

Thank you for considering this request.

Sincerely, [Your name] [Your class]

4. You’re taking a pre-planned Vacation

>>> Related Post: How to Study a Boring Subject

This reason for asking for an extension on a paper needs to be flagged very early on.

I’ve granted extensions for this extension excuse, but usually only when students let me know in the first week or two of the semester.

The trick here is to show:

That the vacation was booked well in advance and was not intended to interfere with the course;
That you really want to complete the course this semester in order to meet a personal goal.

Your personal goal might be to have graduated by a certain date, before your child starts (or finishes) school, or in order to qualify for an internship in a Master’s program that has an application deadline of a specific date.

If you show you’re ambitious and taking your studies seriously, this excuse will go down well.

Teachers don’t always grant this one, so be prepared to be told that your extension is not granted. Your teacher might insist that you submit it before you head off on your vacation, or simply deny the extension.

Something else you need to take into account is that you’re admitting you might miss some classes as well.

It might be worthwhile pointing out that your intention is to complete the weekly readings or tasks in advance of heading off on vacation.

One time when I don’t grant extensions for pre-planned vacations is when the vacation clashes with group work assessments. Your chances are higher if your vacation isn’t putting anyone else out.

Good luck with this one!

5. Computer Issues

This extension excuse gets eye rolls.

Blaming technology issues is a cliché excuse that teachers tend not to take too seriously.

It’s used too often and we expect that more often than not it’s a lie rather than a genuine problem.

If you want to get sympathy for this excuse, provide evidence. Here are some valuable forms of evidence, in order from best to worst:

A receipt or quote from a computer repairman that contains the current date;
Evidence you’ve been to see the university’s IT department to see if your data can be recovered;
A photograph of the broken computer equipment.

Your teacher may even expect you to provide a backup of earlier drafts. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of saving your assignments onto a personal internet cloud like Google OneDrive. Personally, I email drafts to myself to ensure I have regularly saved versions.

You should also expect that your teacher will inform you that the university computers are there, available for you to use.

It’s a good idea to get ahead of this response by letting your teacher know you’ve set aside some time to use the university computers to get back on track.

6. You’re a Carer

>>>Related Post: How to Impress your Professor

Something that has blown me away as a university teacher is just how many students care for their chronically sick or disabled parents, partners or children.

Carers are, frankly, inspiring people, and you’ll get sympathy from your teacher.

I’d recommend letting your teacher know in advance about your situation.

The best way to do this is to ask your student advisor or the course leader to give your teacher a heads-up on this one. Most universities these days assign student advisors to each student for support on issues like this.

Most universities also have a course leader who takes care of a specific degree program or major. If you know who this is, get in touch with them asap and let them know your situation.

Ask them to let your teachers know that you’re a carer which may mean you need special consideration.

Contact the teacher personally towards the start of the semester. Talk to them in person after the first class, or if you’re a distance learner, send them an email early on.

These early emails help to prime your teacher for when you ask for an extension.

If you haven’t informed the teacher of the situation, I’d recommend talking to them in person as soon as possible, telling them what your situation is, and asking for some additional time on your assessment.

As always, some form of evidence of your situation is really helpful. Doctors, social workers, or other support networks should be able to write a letter for you that you can pass on to your teacher.

There are two illnesses that I hear about the most. It’s either your child who’s been sick or you who’s been sick. Let’s take them in order:

1. Your Child’s Sick.

The ‘My Child’s been Sick’ excuse is one that I get a lot, but also one that I usually find believable.

One reason it’s so believable is that often five or six of my students who are parents will come to me explaining that an illness is going around the school.

It’s also an excuse that is easy to sympathize with. Children take up a lot of time, and with many of my students being single parents, I understand that children come first.

This is one that crops up late, but as usual, try to ask for an extension at least 72 hours (3 days) prior to the submission deadline.

A letter from a doctor goes a long way here but is not always necessary. If you can’t get a letter from a doctor, copy in some evidence that your child has taken the last few days off school. Attach a copy of your sick note to the school when you email your university professor .

2. You’re Sick.

If it’s you who has been sick, a note from a doctor is usually expected. It also requires some advance warning. If you got sick 6 days before the due date, why did you only email your teacher on the day it was due?

If you didn’t give advance warning, it looks pretty bad.

Similarly, if you got sick 3 days before the due date, what have you already done? Shouldn’t you just have finishing touches to do with 3 days to go?

Therefore, when you contact the teacher, you should also attach your most recent draft. You need to say:

This is what I’ve done;
This is what I had planned to do in the next 7, 6, 5, 4, or 3 days before submission;
This is why I’m so sick that I can’t do it.

So remember, if you’ve been sick, the two key things to include are:

A doctor’s note to prove it’s true;
Your latest draft to show you’ve not left it to the last minute.
A List of Late Homework Excuses
27 Pros and Cons of Homework

8. There was a Death in the Family

This is the most common reason for extension requests. Let me be clear: every teacher is bamboozled that there seems to be a spike in the deaths of grandmas whenever assessments are due.

We’re skeptical about this one, to say the least.

If you’re going to use this extension excuse, evidence is a must. Teachers understand that this is a sensitive topic. I’ve accepted a range of evidence for this one, though. This includes:

Notice of death in the local newspaper;
A scan of the booklet of funeral proceedings;
A letter or receipt from a funeral home;
A copy of the flight to or from the funeral location.

This is obviously a very sensitive issue, and it’s pretty sad that people abuse this reason. Teachers don’t want to offend you: but they also need to know you’re not pulling the wool over their eyes.

Another worrisome point for this excuse is that often the death occurred a month or more before the assessment is due.

Be prepared for your teacher to say: okay, there was a death a month ago. What have you done in the month since the funeral on your work?

If you’re going to use this reason, explain how it’s caused hardship (failure to focus, busy making funeral arrangements, travel to funerals, etc.). You also must think about how you can provide clear evidence that this death did, in fact, happen.

Related: How to Ask a Professor for a Letter of Recommendation

9. You have a Learning Disability

If you have a learning disability, you need to tell your university in advance. There’s really no other way around this one.

Nearly every university these days has support plans for students with learning disabilities .

The most common one is dyslexia . This is the condition in which students struggle with accurate and speedy reading and spelling. It can make university really tough, but universities try to be accommodating for students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia.

Other common personal issues that can qualify for extensions include common migraines and issues with concentration.

Talk to a student advisor at the university about how to get a diagnosis if you think you’ve got a learning disability. Once you’ve received the diagnosis you’ll be able to get a support plan set up.

Support plans are usually sent straight to your teachers at the start of the semester. However, you should also make yourself known to your teacher at the start of the semester. There are additional benefits to this, including that your teacher will be careful not to ask you to read content out loud in class.

If you haven’t told your teacher already that you have a learning disability, but you still want an extension, you’ll need to get in touch as soon as possible.

Highlight how:

You have made every effort to ensure you got your work done on time;
Something has happened (did your migraines flare up recently?) that has prevented you from completing on time.

When you ask for the extension, include the support plan, diagnosis, or doctor’s note to increase your chances of receiving the extension that you requested.

Extensions are commonplace, but you need to state your case. We have provided an outline of exactly how to ask for the extension that you might want to consult if you think you qualify for an extension. This outline explains that you need to take some key steps, including the steps in the infographic below (plus some more!):

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.

Are tight deadlines, clashing assignments, and unclear tasks giving you sleepless nights?

Do not panic, hire a professional essay writer today.

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.

Get Rid of Plagiarism with the Help of Expert Writers

Looking for a plagiarism removal service? Hire a professional writer to remove plagiarism without affecting your writing style or meaning conveyed.

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.

Earn Good Grades Without Breaking a Sweat

✔ We've helped over 1000 students earn better grades since 2017. ✔ 98% of our customers are happy with our service

Get Urgent Assignment Help today

As a student, you have events, experiences, and activities that occupy your life. It can sometimes become challenging when you need things done simultaneously, which could have detrimental consequences on your health. If you're stuck on your assignment, you have come to the right place. Paperperhour offers customized homework help and essay writing services. Our goal is to create high-quality papers at cost-effective rates and within reasonable timelines. When you hire our writers , it means you could meet all requirements without worrying about errors that could compromise your assignment's quality. Contact us now and enjoy working with experts that understand your needs.

Popular services

The little secret why your friends are earning better grades.

Hire an Expert from our write my essay service and start earning good grades.

Can Someone Write My Paper for Me Online? Yes, We Can!

Research topics

Essay Topics

RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU ARE TIRED OF WRITING COLLEGE PAPERS!

Hire a professional academic writer today.

Each paper you order from us is of IMPECCABLE QUALITY and PLAGIARISM FREE

Use code PPH10 to get 10% discount. Terms and condition apply.

Ready to hire a professional essay writer?

Each paper you receive from us is plagiarism-free and will fetch you a good grade. We are proud to have helped 10,000+ students achieve their academic dreams. Enjoy our services by placing your order today.

Write my paper

Do my assignment

Essay writing help

Research paper help

College homework help

Essay writing guide

College admission essay

Writing a research paper

Paper format for writing

Terms & conditions

Cookie Policy

Money-Back Guarantee

Our services

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

Before you start writing the email, there are a few important steps you should take:

Review the assignment guidelines thoroughly to understand the requirements and deadline.
Evaluate your current progress on the assignment and determine if an extension is truly necessary.
Check if your professor or instructor has specific guidelines or procedures for requesting extensions.
Gather any supporting documentation or evidence that may strengthen your case for an extension (e.g., medical certificates, unexpected personal circumstances).

What to Include In the Email

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

Subject Line: Clearly state your request for an extension in a concise and professional manner.
Greeting: Address the recipient respectfully, using proper salutations such as “Dear Professor [Last Name].”
Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and provide context for your email. Explain the assignment you’re seeking an extension for, including the due date.
Reason for Extension: Clearly and honestly explain why you need an extension. Be specific about the circumstances and provide supporting evidence if available.
New Deadline: Propose a realistic new deadline by which you can complete the assignment. Ensure it allows sufficient time for quality work.
Appreciation: Express your gratitude for considering your request and acknowledge the understanding and flexibility of the recipient.
Closing: Use a polite closing statement such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name and contact information.

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.

Good luck with your assignment, and don’t forget to plan your time wisely to avoid such situations in the future!

PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
Browse Articles
Learn Something New
Quizzes Hot
This Or That Game
Train Your Brain
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Education and Communications
Letter Writing
Request Letters

How to Write a Letter Asking for an Extension

Last Updated: May 10, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed. . Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 3,080,980 times.

Tips for Writing an Extension Letter

Write the date, your address, and the recipient's address in the upper right corner. State what your letter is about (like "I'm writing you concerning the essay due for class next week") and give a few details to explain why you're requesting the extension (like a "family emergency").

Sample Letters

Sample Emails

Following Formal Letter Writing Conventions

If you are sending your request via email, you can omit the date and address portions and start with your salutation. However, make sure to use an effective and clear subject line. For example, if you are emailing a professor, your subject line might read, "Mike Smith HIST 359 Paper Extension Request."

Step 2 Employ a formal and full salutation.

Even if you know them informally, this is an official request so keep the tone and content formal. Do not write “Hi, Jim,” for example.
Try to find some specific person that you can address your letter to. Otherwise, it can appear like a form letter. For example, “Dear Senator Smith,” is preferable to, “To Whom It May Concern.” [2] X Research source

To open your letter you might state, “I am John Smith a student in your HIST 456 MWF morning class.” This will jog your professor’s memory and save them time looking you up.

Step 4 Pay attention to your concluding remarks.

It is best to close with an official “sign off” before your name. Some of the better options are: “Sincerely” “Best” “All the Best” “Best Regards.” [3] X Research source
If you need a reply by a certain time, you should include that information at this point as well. You can always pair it with your thanks. For example, “Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you next week.” Just be careful not to appear overly pushy. [4] X Research source

Step 5 Include your full name and signature.

Crafting the Content of the Letter

Step 1 Write the letter as soon as you can.

Depending on the situation, you might need to consider your letter as part of an ongoing negotiation. In that sense, it is better to ask for a longer amount of time so that you can compromise and meet in the middle. [7] X Research source
Gauge your pace based upon your current progress and what parts of the project have yet to be completed. For example, if you have worked on a consulting project for three months you should have a pretty good sense of how much is left to do.
Be aware of the time constraints facing the recipient as well. They may be under their own deadlines that will now need to be pushed back. For example, college professors are often required to submit midterm grades and schedule their paper deadlines accordingly.

A good reason might be the desire to be thorough or cautious in your work. For instance, if you are completing a project that could potentially impact the safety of others, pointing this fact out when asking for extra time could work in your favor.
If you have multiple reasons for your request, choose the best one and focus on it. For example, if you are delaying a job offer you might want to tell them that you would like to conduct additional research into the transfer costs (if this is indeed true) instead of letting them know that you are also waiting on another offer. [9] X Research source

Step 5 Provide a few carefully chosen details as part of your request.

For example, if your grandfather dies two days before your college essay is due, it is best to describe the incident as a “family emergency” as opposed to a general “emergency.” You may also want to mention his passing and some information about your travel arrangements. [11] X Research source
Have your paperwork in order before submitting any request. You may need to lay out a timeline of prior actions and applications, especially if dealing with the government or another official entity. Showing that you have followed all steps of the process up until this point can only work in your favor. [12] X Research source

Step 6 Stay positive in tone and content.

Sending the Letter to the Recipient

Step 1 Make or save a copy of your letter.

If you are going to mail off a hard copy of your letter, make sure to print it out using a high quality printer with a good ink cartridge. A handwritten extension request is generally not acceptable. [14] X Research source

Your recipient may be able to see the exact time that you sent the email. Be aware of this if you like to send off emails very late at night.
Keep your email formal and that includes the address that you use as well. Send this email from a professional-sounding account. For example, sending a work email from “[email protected]” is appropriate.
If you send your letter via fax, make sure to hold on to the confirmation page showing that your transmission was successfully sent and received.

Step 4 Make a phone call instead of writing.

Expert Q&A

Try to keep your letter at one page of length or less. This makes it appear complete, yet easy to skim through. [15] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Be aware if your recipient will send you something in return, such as a confirmation letter. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Be realistic in the promises that you make. You do not want to get an extension only to spend the extra time completing additional work. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Make this one-time extension request count. You do not want to try for another one. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Check to make sure that you’ve included all necessary forms with your request. And, some groups will require that you use their form letter as a template. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
↑ http://www.uwgb.edu/UWGBCMS/media/career-services/files/pdf/Professional-Letters-Guide.pdf
↑ https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/writing-help/how-to-write-a-business-letter
↑ https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-ask-for-a-deadline-extension-without-losing-your-street-cred
↑ http://www.monster.ca/career-advice/article/delaying-a-job-offer-ca
↑ http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/09/how-to-get-an-extenstion-on-a-paper/be-specific
↑ http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/recourse-recours/extensionoftime-prorogationdedelai-eng.html

About This Article

To write a letter asking for an extension, start with a formal salutation, like "Dear Professor Montgomery." Then, in the body of your letter, state that you'd like an extension and explain why you need one. You should also include a new, realistic deadline that you think you can meet. Remember to keep the tone of your letter positive so it doesn't seem like you're whining or complaining. Also, try to limit your letter to 1-3 paragraphs so that it's short and straightforward. To learn how to end your letter, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Peter Simon

Nov 29, 2016

Did this article help you?

Cristopher Macabinta

Mar 16, 2023

Apr 11, 2016

Jan 29, 2018

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Connection denied by Geolocation Setting.

Reason: Blocked country: Russia

The connection was denied because this country is blocked in the Geolocation settings.

Please contact your administrator for assistance.

Campus Life

Need extra time to finish a term paper or a group project? Learning to ask for a deadline extension in college can be a lifesaver. 💯

It’s a given that students constantly drown in schoolwork. Luckily, professors are willing to cut you some slack and grant an extra hour (or day ) to finish up.

But how do you ask for a deadline extension in a polite, professional, and purposeful way ? 🤔

1. Double Check Your Professor’s Extension Policy (If They Have One) 📄

2. reach out to your professor as early as possible 🗓️, 3. craft a polite and professional email 📧 , 4. spill the beans — why do you need more time 🗣️, 5. back your story up with proof (if you have any) 📋, 6. ask for a new deadline that makes sense 💡, 7. update your professor with your progress 📈, 8. honor the new deadline ✅, 9. express gratitude when it’s done 🙏, how to ask for a deadline extension in college: frequently asked questions .

two female college students and their college professor reading the policy for deadline extension

Before requesting an extension, double-check your professor’s syllabus or any guidelines about submissions. 🔍

Some have clear rules outlining how deadline extensions in college can be granted. Strict conditions, such as quick-to-expire grace periods or hefty grade deductions, can be expected. But there are teachers who close any chances of negotiations right out the gate. ⛔️

Demonstrate that you respect your professor’s rules and that you’re willing to follow the proper channels. From here, you’ll be able to craft a more targeted and effective extension request.

For example, if the policy mentions providing valid reasons for extensions, you can make sure to include compelling reasons in your request . ✍️

a female college student and her female college professor discussing the terms for her deadline extension

Be proactive and don’t wait until the last minute to ask for a deadline extension in college — reach out to your professor early on . ⏰

Seeking more flexible deadline extensions in college? Explain your situation directly . If a short-term issue prevents you from completing your work, let your professor know that the situation is temporary. If it’s something long-term, speak with your professor in person to discuss your options .

Develop a timeline with your professor if they agree to meet with you. This shows that you’re responsible and that you take your work seriously. But if your request is denied, at least you’ll have time to find other solutions . ⏲️

Your email to your professor should be clear, concise, and respectful . Begin with a friendly greeting and address them by their title. 🫡

Provide your name, course number, assignment name, and the reason for your request , as well as other necessary details.

For instance, if you’re facing a technical issue, you could say: “I’m experiencing technical difficulties related to accessing the necessary software for the assignment. Despite multiple attempts, I’m unable to launch the application due to software malfunction.”

Tailor your explanation to be specific and relevant. Don’t forget to suggest a new deadline and always show appreciation for their help. 📅

TIP: End your email with a warm sign-off to convey sincerity and appreciation. Consider friendly options such as “Best regards,” “Thank you for your understanding,” or “Appreciate your support.

When laying out the reasons for your extension request, specificity is your best friend. ✨

For a family emergency, you might mention, “I’m currently dealing with a critical family matter, where my immediate presence and support are indispensable due to a close relative’s unexpected hospitalization.”

Or if it’s a health issue, say: “I’ve caught a severe flu unexpectedly, which has rendered me bedridden and unable to work efficiently. The doctor has advised a few days of complete rest.”

Honesty is crucial, so it’s important to avoid overly emotional language . Instead of saying, “I’m completely devastated by this situation,” it is more effective to convey the facts with a neutral tone. A factual approach communicates your situation clearly without resorting to dramatics, which can make you sound insincere. ⚠️

Being open about your challenges can go a long way in building a rapport and increasing the likelihood of them granting those much-needed deadline extensions in college. 🤗

TIP: There’s no need to divulge all the nitty gritty details when you state your reason. But your email should still describe the nature of your excuse, how it keeps you from following the original deadline, and the request for an extension.

To ensure that your request for an extension is considered favorably, include any supporting documentation, such as a doctor’s note, death certificate, or letter from your employer . ✍️

Providing proof of your situation and challenges can help your professor make informed decisions about why your extension request is essential. Not only does it demonstrate your commitment to transparency and honesty, but it also conveys that you take your responsibilities seriously .

Remember, providing documentation allows your professor to have the necessary information to make an informed decision about the importance of your extension request. 💡

Note: If you don’t have any proof, you can still ask for an extension by explaining your situation honestly and respectfully.

When you get your professor to agree on an extension, the next challenge is haggling a reasonable new deadline. Think about the amount of time you need to complete your work to the best of your ability.

Take into account any current challenges on your plate that can determine how long you can finish the task , such as other important deadlines or health issues🤹

When proposing a new deadline, assess your overall workload and consider the role of this assignment in the context of other academic obligations — this will ensure that you can still produce quality work.

Avoid requesting excessively long deadline extensions in college, and refrain from expecting significant adjustments to your professor’s schedule .

female college student updating her college professor about the progress she made on an assignment

You’ve scored that much-needed extension in college. Now what? Don’t get too comfy. Keeping your professor in the loop about your progress is key.

Share updates on how the work is coming along . Let your professors know about any challenges you’ve encountered and the steps you’re taking to overcome them. 👌

This proactive approach demonstrates your commitment to the assignment and allows your professor to provide guidance or support if necessary. It’s important to convey that you’re resolved to finish the task without needing another adjustment.

male college student reading books and completing an assignment

Nothing’s worse than failing to submit even after you’ve been given extended deadline extensions in college. This can hurt your credibility among faculty and make it even tougher to get extensions in the future. 🚩

So, plan your time well, stay organized, and turn in your work on time . This not only shows respect for your professor’s help but also proves that you take your studies seriously.

Keeping your promises and meeting the new deadline is a key part of maintaining a good relationship with your professors . 🤞

female college student writing a thank you note for her professor

After you’ve met the new deadline, it’s a good idea to say thank you . Just a simple “thanks” can show your appreciation to your professors for giving you more time.

However, offering physical gifts may not align with the rules of the institution . Check the school’s guidelines to avoid unintended complications. Nonetheless, a heartfelt thank-you is always a safe and appreciated way to convey your appreciation. 🥰

College is full of hits and misses. As much as you want to ace everything , it’s simply not possible to be perfect. But your professors are a source of support; all you need to do is ask. 💪

The next time you’re stuck with a fast-approaching deadline, communicate with your professor with respect, honesty, and a clear plan and ask for a deadline extension in college. ✊

How do you politely ask for a deadline extension in college?

To ask for a college deadline extension politely, plan ahead, provide a valid reason, and craft a respectful email . Explain your situation, propose a reasonable new deadline, express gratitude, and be prepared for different outcomes.

How do you remind a professor about a deadline extension?

Write a polite and timely email to your professor , with a clear subject line that mentions your extension request. Thank them for their understanding, briefly explain why you need the extension again, and mention the requested new deadline.

If possible, provide a progress update and ask them to confirm that they have received your email. Keep your tone respectful and professional throughout , as professors are usually very busy.

How to write an email asking for a deadline extension to a professor?

Start with a polite greeting, introduce yourself with your name and course details, and directly state your request for the extension .

Propose a reasonable new deadline that aligns with your circumstances , and provide a concise but specific explanation for needing the extension, along with any supporting documentation if applicable.

What are the reasons for deadline extension in college?

College students can ask for more time on assignments for reasons like being sick, dealing with family emergencies, facing personal challenges, computer problems, having a disability, unexpected events, having too much work at once, or if there was confusion about the assignment.

Latest Posts

10 green living tips for college students, 6 top tips to clean your dorm room , a student’s guide to the best college food, most popular, 31 states with free community college to save you money, 73 top side hustles for college students to make fast cash in 2024, these are the cheapest colleges in the us, fast access, want to stay up to date.

Get the latest news about higher education in the US straight to your inbox.

how to ask for an extension

Communicating with your professor when you need more time.

Maybe you started out the semester with the best of intentions, planning to stay on top of all of your work. But here you are, a month in, and you've got a week full of projects due and no time to spare. You're worried that you won't be able to finish one of your assignments on time, and the thought crosses your mind to ask your professor for a deadline extension. But is there any chance they'll actually approve your request?

The good news is that many teachers are willing to do so—if you go about asking for one in the right way. Let's take a look at how to do so.

What Is an Extension?

So what exactly is an extension? In a basic sense, it means asking for more time to complete an assignment, beyond its original due date. An extension requires graciousness from your professor—who will be making an exception to their policies for your sake. It also implies a commitment from you: a promise that you'll use the extra days wisely to deliver a finished, quality assignment by the (new) submission deadline.

That said, it's important that such a request be reasonable: You need a good reason for asking for one, and the amount of extra time you need shouldn't be excessive.

Why Should You Ask for an Extension?

When you have an assignment due and you are short on time, whether because you're overloaded, something's happened in your personal life, or just poor planning (hey, it happens!), what are your options? You could turn in a late submission and lose points, if it's even accepted. You can turn in unacceptable work and get a grade you aren't happy with. You could try to get everything done with no sleep and turn in sub-quality work (and possibly collapse from exhaustion).

Because those options aren't great, you usually don't have anything to lose by asking for an extension, as long as your instructor has not explicitly stated that they never permit them. Whatever the valid reason for your request, oftentimes asking for an extension is a reasonable solution to a problem of time.

How to Ask for an Extension: Step by Step

Step 1: act now.

If you are thinking about asking for additional time, the sooner you do it, the better. Asking for one at the last minute doesn’t speak well to your ability to manage your schedule and might irritate your teacher.

Step 2: Check Your Course Policies

But first, you should check the course's syllabus or website to see if your professor has any stated policies about extensions. Do they outright say that they never give them? Do they only give them in certain circumstances, like illness or a death in the family? Do they only consider extending deadlines if given a certain notice, like at least 48 hours before the due date?

If your instructor has policies like this, pay attention to them. If they explicitly state they do not give extensions, then it's probably only worth asking for one in the case of an extreme, unplanned emergency.

Step 3: Write an Email to Your Professor

While it's often preferable to ask for an extension in person, like visiting your professor during their office hours, this isn't always possible. The next best thing is to write a brief email to your instructor as soon as possible. Here are a few things to consider:

Explain why you need the extension.

Is it for a personal reason? For instance, are you behind schedule because of an illness, a personal crisis (like a family issue), or your job's schedule?
Is it for an academic reason? For example, do you have multiple major assignments from your classes due on the same day or in the same week?
Is it because you procrastinated? If that's the case, then it's better to be truthful and just say so. Don't be tempted to lie to your teacher and make up an excuse.

Keep it professional.

There's no need to go overboard with personal details. Your professor doesn't need to know your exact temperature or how many boxes of Kleenex you've gone through if you're sick, they just need to know you're behind because of an illness.

Provide a plan and new deadline.

Will you be able to finish the assignment in one extra day, for instance, or do you need more time?

It's better to be realistic about your time and not overpromise. If there's no chance you'll be able to finish an assignment in 24 hours, don't promise that.

Accept responsibility when appropriate.

You can't help it if you are sick or if there has been an unavoidable personal crisis. But if you're asking for an extension because you managed your time badly or because of something else that was in your control, acknowledge that fact.

If this applies to you, let your instructor know that you'll take steps to avoid the problem in the future. For instance, you might say that you're going to start visiting your school's writing lab once a week to stay accountable and finish assignments by their deadline.

Thank your professor.

Make sure to close your email by thanking them for considering your request, and let them know you understand if it is not possible. They will appreciate your humility and recognition that the decision is up to them.

If your request is approved, make sure to thank your professor right away.

How to Increase the Chances of Approval

Ask as far ahead of the original deadline as possible.
Give a specific reason for your request, but don't go crazy with details.
Admit it if you need the extension because you planned poorly.
Provide new due date.
Offer a plan for how you will finish your work.
Thank your professor for considering your request.

Sample Emails

Scenario 1 (an overloaded week).

I've been working on my draft for the English 102 essay, but this week has been really difficult for me. In addition to the essay due Thursday, I have a sociology exam on Monday, and my chemistry professor just bumped our midterm from next Tuesday to this Thursday. I'd planned to finish my essay on Tuesday and Wednesday and study for my exam over the weekend, but now I also need to study for my chemistry midterm earlier in the week. Would it be possible to have an extension for my essay to Friday at midnight?

I could really use the extra days to make the essay the best it can be while also balancing studying for my exams. Please let me know if you would like to meet during your office hours to discuss this further. I appreciate your consideration of my request.

[Your name]

Scenario 2 (Illness)

Dear X,

My name is [insert your name], and I am a student in your 1 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday Chemistry 110 class. I know that our next exam is this Thursday, and I've been studying regularly, including visiting the Science Learning Center on Mondays and Wednesdays for extra practice. However, I've been sick with the flu since Saturday and have fallen behind. Would it be possible to schedule a make-up exam for next Monday or Tuesday? I should be better by then and will use the extra days to be as prepared as I can be. I understand if this is just not possible, but I appreciate your consideration of my request.

[Insert your name]

Scenario 3 (A Death in the Family)

I am sorry to say that last night my Aunt Exene passed away suddenly. I am now traveling home to be with my family. I know that my Marketing 202 presentation is scheduled for Friday, but I will not be able to return to campus until Sunday, after the funeral. Is it possible to have an extension to early next week for my presentation? I will be able to give the presentation next Monday or Wednesday. I understand if this is just not possible, but I appreciate your consideration of my request.

Sincerely,

Scenario 4 (Procrastination)

My name is [Insert your name], and I am a student in your Sociology 201 breakout session. I know that our take-home exam is due in two days, but I am wondering if I can have a short extension for the exam. I will be honest and say that I have simply procrastinated and fallen behind in preparing for the exam. However, this class is important to me, as a prospective sociology major, and I want the exam to reflect my best effort.

Would it be possible for me to have an extra day for the exam? I have just signed up for the optional study group sessions and will be attending those moving forward so that I stay accountable and do not fall behind in the future. I understand if it is not possible, but I truly appreciate your consideration of my request.

What to Do if Your Request Is Denied

In the best case scenario, your request will be approved right away, you'll thank your professor, you'll get the work done by the new deadline, and all will be right with the world. But there's always a chance that your instructor will deny your request.

If that happens, the best thing to do is to accept it and respect their decision. Complaining will not help the situation and will probably irritate your teacher. If your request is denied, thank your professor again for considering. Do the best you can with the assignment and focus on the future. It's only one assignment, after all, and life will go on.

The exception is if you are asking for an extension for a very serious extenuating circumstance, such as a death in your immediate family or a severe injury or illness. These kinds of situations are often handled differently. If you truly need more leeway for a very serious reason and your instructor will not compromise, consider talking to an academic support office.

Depending on your school, this might be a Dean of Students office, your academic advisor, a counseling center, or a similar office. If you are going through a serious personal situation, it's a good idea to be in touch with this office anyway so they can provide support.

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

This was my first time ordering work online and let me just say, I am pleasantly surprised. Ms. Glen did a fantastic job on my essay and after a few little tweaks here and there I was able to submit it early and get an A.

Finance was never my thing so I figured I would ease my life and hire a professional. The expert completed the assessment 5 hours before the deadline and it was done according to the professor's requirements. Thanks, Mr. Hunther, you were a pleasure to work with.

I keep suggesting Monica to all my friends who are struggling with math. Not only does she provide full answers, but she does a great job at explaining the reasoning behind them.

I am beyond satisfied with how our cooperation with Mr.Gross turned out. My whole class including my prof was fascinated by my marketing project! Thanks for the great work Richard, I'll be back!

I was so stressed about the upcoming biology assessment but Dr.Singh calmed me down and gave me the answers I needed to ace the task in such a short timeframe. I can definitely recommend her for biology help.

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.

What is random assignment in psychology?

Take a deep dive into the essence of random assignment in psychology. Learn how it levels the playing field for effective and reliable research.

Reflective Essay Examples: A Comprehensive Guide to Writing With Examples and Tips

Examining examples of reflective essays can provide valuable guidance on completing a reflective essay writing task. Take a look at various samples of reflective essays to enhance your understanding.

Essay On Bullying

Essays About Bullying can be easy with our detailed guide. Learn all about essays on bullying

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

About the author

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.

You are going to want to read this.

I have some secrets to tell you.

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

I have heard every excuse, some real and some completely made-up. And I had to turn lots of students away.

You are going to get the low down on the key to getting an extension. It may not work for everyone because let’s face it, not everyone deserves an extension.

But with these tips and my email template asking your professor for an extension, you’ll be better prepared.

Should you ask your professor for an extension?

It may be appropriate to ask your professor for an extension when you have a valid reason like a hospitalization, severe illness, death of an immediate family member, or something similar. Otherwise your professor is unlikely to give you an extension unless you have some additional documentation to support your need for an extension.

I would not ask for an extension if you could have avoided this dilemma to begin with.

If you could have completed the assignment with adequate planning, don’t 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.

If you are asking for an extension at the last minute, you should really have a very good excuse and necessary documentation to support it.

Remember, your professor likely has hundreds of students. And may get dozens of requests for an extension. They can’t give them to everyone that asks so it needs to be something really serious.

But if something serious has happened, that was completely out of your control, it could be helpful to ask for an extension.

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

Could I have taken the necessary steps to complete this ahead of time but planned poorly?

Can I still complete the assignment with some expedience?

Am I missing the proper documentation to support my excuse?

If you answered yes to all these questions, you probably shouldn’t ask for an extension.

But you know your professor best, and perhaps they are lenient and will oblige.

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.

If you have a mental illness and have had some recent issues related to your health, you might talk to your professor.

You probably have a lot of questions about this, and I have a complete article dedicated to talking to your professor about your mental health.

An outgoing email message symbol with the words extension please written below

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

I need to tell you something important. When you need an extension, it should be for a REAL reason. You don’t want to make-up lies to get an extension.

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

Read their syllabus and see what their policies are. Maybe they already have a policy that answers your questions. I would abide by their policies, especially if they have a zero-tolerance policy.

So, I would never advise that you make-up an excuse to get an extension or exaggerate your circumstances.

Now, you might be wondering when professors are more likely to give an extension on an assignment.

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.

Funeral - If you had a death and a funeral in your immediate family, this would be an acceptable excuse. But if you had a funeral for a third cousin, I am not certain every professor would give you an extension.

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.

Severe illness - We aren’t talking about a little cough and a few sniffles, but a serious illness. And usually something that can be verified with a doctor’s note. If you can’t personally make it to the doctor, see if you can do a virtual visit instead.

Student-related activity - If you are traveling for a sport, student organization, professional conference, etc, usually you’ll get a pass.

Military related duties - In some instances, you might be given orders to travel for the military. I can’t find a time when you wouldn’t immediately get an extension granted.

Natural disaster - Sometimes mother nature can be cruel. I have seen students’ homes be devastated by hurricanes and tornadoes. And they couldn’t travel to the campus, or they didn’t have access to their internet.

Disability - If you have a documented disability, you might be able to get an extension. It is even better if you have accommodations through your college.

Most other situations can be predicted, and you can work on the assignment early.

As you can see, most of these situations aren’t easily predicted and don’t come with advanced warning.

If you could have adequately planned to work ahead, and complete it before the deadline, you probably won’t get an extension.

a college student holding their phone with little fake email messages floating around it

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

The best way to ask your professor for an extension is in person because this is more personable and I think your professor will have a harder time saying no when they see you face-to-face.

How to ask a professor for an extension through email

Ask as early as possible

Be detailed

Send documentation

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.

I know your email is going to vary based on your circumstances, so I have general information for you below to use as an outline for your email to your professor asking for an extension.

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.

Then give a polite comment about the course regarding your dedication to the class. Make sure they know that the course material is of the upmost importance to you.

You should make note that you aren’t merely worried about your grade, but want to really understand the material and take the proper time to complete the assignment to submit your best work.

Then explain what happened in your personal life that warrants an extension. And then provide them with as much documentation, or at least offer it.

Finally, thank them for their time and understanding.

Before you send this email, I want you to understand that your professor cannot grant every student who asks an extension.

If they say no, and they are following their course policies, thank them for their time and move on.

Be as polite as possible because your professor has a job to do too.

This website contains affiliate links and we may earn a commission on any purchases you make from clicking on our links.

(Grading mistakes) Don't let your professors ruin your G.P.A.

Hate your college roommate (tips on how to deal).

pop Culture
Facebook Navigation Icon
Twitter Navigation Icon
WhatsApp icon
Instagram Navigation Icon
Youtube Navigation Icon
Snapchat Navigation Icon
TikTok Navigation Icon
pigeons & planes
newsletters
Youtube logo nav bar 0 youtube
Instagram Navigation Icon instagram
Twitter Navigation Icon x
Facebook logo facebook
TikTok Navigation Icon tiktok
Snapchat Navigation Icon snapchat
Apple logo apple news
Flipboard logo nav bar 1 flipboard
Instagram Navigation Icon google news
WhatsApp icon whatsapp
RSS feed icon rss feed

Complex Global

united states
united kingdom
netherlands
philippines
complex chinese

Work with us

cookie settings

california privacy

public notice

accessibility statement

COMPLEX participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means COMPLEX gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. Our editorial content is not influenced by any commissions we receive.

Complex.com is a part of

13 No-Fail Ways to Get an Extension on a Paper

Procrastinators, rejoice.

Image via Complex Original

There are a myriad of reasons why you may not be finish your paper on time: sickness, family emergency, a broken heart, a sudden car wreck. While your professor may not find it as a legitimate excuse, there are some possible ways to steer your professor's decision in your favor, giving you some extra time to nail that mid-term paper.

It can be a scary and intimidating to ask for an extension on your paper. From finding plausible excuses to being the teacher's pet, here are 13 no-fail ways to get an extension on a paper.

13. Be upfront about it.

This is the only option when you really can't offer a valid excuse. In some instances it may be better to be upfront about your mistake and take responsibility. If so, try and finish your essay, and turn it in the day after the paper was due. When you turn it in, make sure you take responsibility for your actions and apologize for the inconvenience. If your professor hasn't graded the essays yet, your professor may be willing to let this one slide. But, if your teacher doesn't give you credit, it's important to ask for feedback on the essay anyway.

12. Be emotional about it.

This one is likely a hit or miss, but in some cases, it does work. Seeing a student cry is uncomfortable for any teacher, which is why we all have a friend that can attest to the effectiveness of this technique. So, if you come in teary-eyed and make up some sob story as to how your mid-term essay completely went off your radar during the last few weeks, your professor may give you a chance. Let him/her know that making up this grade is of the upmost importance to you. You may want to offer a solution of starting off with a B rather than an A. It's not perfect, but it's better than failing.

11. Don't ask for a long extension.

This should be common sense. If you're asking for an extension, don't ask for anything longer than three days. If you do, you're professor will likely think that you procrastinated the whole semester. To prove that you haven't, it may be to your advantage to send in a rough draft to prove that you have at least been working on it.

10. Be specific in your reasoning.

When informing your professor of a situation, it's very important to be specific. If your reasons are "stress" or "an emergency," chances are your professor won't give you the extension. Asking for an extension is already an inconvenience, and if you're not specific you will likely not get a response, just a failing grade. However, if you fully explain the situation and its specifics, you will increase your chances on that extension. The truth will set you free from that looming deadline.

9. Reach to your professor's heart.

If you want to incite your teacher's sympathy and your excuse is less-than tear-inducing, it might be appropriate to tell a creative rendition of the truth. Been spending way too much time on Facebook? Let's say you have had technical problems and your WiFi gave out. Did you just break up with your significant other and haven't had the time to write anything? Let's say it was a family emergency. It may not work, but your chances often depend on how well you can explain the situation.

8. Ask in person whenever possible.

Going to your professor in person is the most professional way to ask for a paper extension. It may actually be to your advantage if you come off with the perfect combination of placating and modesty if you approach your professor in person. However, if you're lying about the situation, it's probably best if you send an email, lest she see right through your B.S.

7. Offer a solution, not an excuse.

The only time to offer a solution is when you know you screwed up, but still don't necessarily feel like it's your fault. For example, someone stole your USB that had your paper, or your computer crashed and your paper was erased. These situations suck, but if you take responsibility and offer a solution rather than excuse, chances are your professor will work with you. For example, if someone stole your USB and you only have the rough draft, aplogize for the inconvenience and that you will submit an earlier draft of the paper. I did this once, and my professor gave me an extra six hours to formulate the final draft to the best of my ability.

6. Something unexpected happened.

There are just some situations that are out of your control: a funeral, car wreck, or jury duty, for example. These are the sorts of events that come up unexpectedly that would make it excruciatingly difficult to turn in a paper right before it's due. It's absolutely important that you inform your professor as soon as you can. However, your professor will likely ask for proof, so don't attempt to use these situations as a last minute excuse.

5. Make a good impression.

The actual first step to getting an extension on your paper starts on the first day of class. It's important that you show your professor that you're a good student who's attentive and involved. Participate in discussions and go to office hours. Bottom line: professors are always more inclined to give extensions to students they like.

4. Plan ahead.

Planning ahead is probably the most important thing to remember in asking for a paper extension. In most pressing situations, like in the case of having a full-time job or game days (football players would know this), that professors will grant you a paper extension if you ask ahead. If you ask for a paper extension 12 hours before it's due, chances are your professor will think you just procrastinated and came up with an illegitimate excuse. Don't be that person.

3. You are preparing for a standardized test.

This is applicable for nearly every junior or senior in college. If you have post-college plans including law school or medical school that means you have to take some form of standardized test. Any test like the LSAT, MCAT, or GRE requires a lot of preparation. If you know that your taking any standardized test around a paper due date, politely explain the situation to your professor. In situations like these, they often understand that standardized tests require a lot of mental and physical preparation. However, since standardized test dates are often posted nearly a whole three months before, notify your professor as soon as possible.

2. You have other papers due at the same time.

Every college student knows that papers are the worst to write: they're time consuming, and they're all due at around the same time. It's very common to have close to four papers all due within a two-day time span. If you have any other commitments (like sports or a job) and other papers due on the same date, that is the perfect reason to ask for a paper extension. Inform your professor of your prior engagements—preferably with proof—and do this as soon as you can. Since most professors give a syllabus early in the semester, if you have two projects due on the same day for different classes, ask if you could possibly turn it in a day or a couple of hours later.

1. You have a full-time job.

A full-time job is a big commitment. Not only that, but your big mid-term papers are usually due at a time when your job may need you to work a couple more hours. If you realize you're going to have to clock in from nine to five the whole weekend a paper is due, politely ask your professor for an extension. Say something along the lines that your full-time work schedule won't permit you the time to work on a paper that showcases the best of your ability. Professors understand that some students are working their way through college, and will likely offer you a solution.

SHARE THIS STORY

Complex Newsletter

Your leading source for what’s now and what’s next in Music, Style, Sports, and Pop Culture.

By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our

Latest in Pop Culture

The Oscar-winner's legal battle over Château Miraval continues.

| BY BRAD CALLAS

Brad Pitt Hit With Countersuit in Winery Battle for Allegedly Misappropriating Funds

The NFL legend claimed the roast made him be a better parent.

| BY MARK ELIBERT

Tom Brady Says His Kids Were Impacted by Netflix Roast

Denberg claimed to 'Business Insider' that she was a teenager when the alleged encounters with Schneider occured.

| BY JAELANI TURNER-WILLIAMS

'All That' Star Lori Beth Denberg Alleges Dan Schneider Sexually Assaulted Her, Showed her Porn, and Initiated Phone Sex

Powell previously claimed to have been impregnated by Offset when he was still with Cardi B.

| BY TARA MAHADEVAN

'Love Is Blind' Star Clay Gravesande and Celina Powell Spark Dating Rumors After Posting Intimate Video on Instagram

On 'Entertainment Tonight,' the R&B musician shared how his wife of ten years sustained a recent neck injury.

John Legend Says Chrissy Teigen Ended Up in a Neck Brace After Attempting 'Acrobat' Stunt Like Daughter Luna

The former couple filed for divorce in 2023 after thirteen years of marriage.

Isla Fisher Thankful for ‘Kindness and Support’ From Fans in Wake of Divorce From Sasha Baron Cohen

According to TMZ, the pair's daughter, True wanted to see her dad play basketball.

Khloé Kardashian's Kids See Tristan Thompson Play for the First Time

Last year, the Oscar-winning actor teased that he was aiming to explore the TV medium after a decades-long career full of acclaimed films.

| BY TRACE WILLIAM COWEN

Nicolas Cage to Star in Live-Action 'Spider-Man Noir' Series After Voicing 1930s Character in 'Into the Spider-Verse'

The rapper, actor and entrepreneur was injured in an accident earlier this year.

Romeo Miller Details Intensive ‘Healing Process’ After Suffering Spinal and Neck Injuries From Car Accident

According to writer and director Francis Ford Coppola, the long-in-the-works film is the "best work" of his career.

Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, and Shia LaBeouf Fight for the Future in Francis Ford Coppola’s 'Megalopolis' Teaser

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 .

School of Social and Political Science

Reasons for requesting an extension, suitable reasons for requesting extensions.

Good reasons for coursework extensions are unexpected short-term circumstances which are exceptional for the individual student, beyond that student’s control, and which could reasonably be expected to have had an adverse impact on the student’s ability to complete the assessment on time.

These may include:

Recent short-term physical illness or injury;
Recent short-term mental ill-health;
A long-term or chronic physical health condition, which has recently worsened temporarily or permanently;
A long-term or chronic mental health condition, which has recently worsened temporarily or permanently;
The recent bereavement or serious illness of a person with whom the student has a close relationship;
The recent breakdown in a long-term relationship, such as a marriage;
Emergencies involving dependents;
Job or internship interview at short notice that requires significant time, e.g. due to travel;
Victim of a crime which is likely to have significant emotional impact;
Military conflict, natural disaster, or extreme weather conditions.

In addition to these unexpected circumstances, Schools will also consider requests for coursework extensions in relation to:

A student’s disability where the student’s Learning Profile includes relevant provisions (please note aLearning Profile will be treated sympathetically as part of the case for an extension. A Learning Profile itself does not guarantee an extension.
Representation in performance sport at an international or national championship level, in line with the University’s Performance Sport Policy.

Unsuitable reasons

The following are examples of circumstances which would not be considered good reasons for coursework extensions:

A long-term or chronic health condition (including mental ill-health or similar ill-health) which has not worsened recently or for which the University has already made a reasonable adjustment;
A minor short-term illness or injury (e.g. a common cold), which would not reasonably have had a significant adverse impact on the student’s ability to complete the assessment on time;
Occasional low mood, stress or anxiety;
Circumstances which were foreseeable or preventable;
Pressure of academic work (unless this contributes to ill-health);
Poor time-management;
Proximity to other assessments;
Lack of awareness of dates or times of assessment submission;
Failure, loss or theft of data, a computer or other equipment;
Commitments to paid or voluntary employment.

Where a student has good reason for requiring a coursework extension of more than seven calendar days , the student should submit the coursework when able to do so and apply via the Special Circumstances process for the Board of Examiners.

How To Ask For An Extension On An Assignment – Calltutors

Do you want to know how to ask for an extension on an assignment? if yes, then don’t worry! In this blog, I have provided some samples and tips to ask for an extension on an assignment.

An extension on an assignment could be essential for a variety of reasons. To finish a paper or project, a student must request additional time. A polite way to seek an extension is via a formal email written with sincerity and tact. It should take into account the recipient’s conditions for granting the extension, as well as any institution-specific extension regulations.

If you’re having trouble following instructions or don’t have enough time to finish a task, it’s also worth asking for an extension. And this would have an impact on the whole class, talking to your professor about your issues could be the best course of action.

And if you are prepared to ask for a renewal, you can always lose your opinion.

Your safest choice is to send an email to your professor.

Explain why you’re seeking an extension and suggest a new deadline in a respectful manner.

In this post, you’ll learn how to request an extension and why you should do so. And also if you need assignment help online from experts, then you can contact our experts to get top-notch assignment service within the given deadline.

For your convenience, we’ve included a sample letter requesting an extension of an assignment.

Are you ever stumped for words? Check it out.

Wherever possible, meet with your mentor in person
Avoid asking questions at the last minute
Inform them that you have other papers due at the same time
Only a brief extension is requested
Exhibit feelings
Describe how the circumstances have changed

Creating Your Justification

Review the policies of your course
If you claim to be ill, provide evidence
If you have a personal emergency, be forthright about it
If you are overburdened with jobs, notify your professor
Take the “numbers” approach
Maintain a straightforward approach

Politely inquiring

As soon as possible, inquire
Make an in-person approach to your professor
Send an email to your instructor to inquire about an extension
Determine the length of the extension

Why Do Students Ask For An Extension On An Assignment?

Table of Contents

There are a lot of reasons why students ask for an extension on an assignment some of which are below:

Personal illness or emergency

The first reason is personal illness or emergency. Many students have been ill or have had a personal emergency that has impacted completing the assignment on time. That’s why they ask for an extension.

Technical Difficulties With Equipment Or Internet Access

Many students can’t complete their assignments on time because they have been experiencing technical difficulties such as a broken computer or poor internet connection. So, that’s why this can impact completing an assignment on time. If you are one of them, and you provide documents of proof of these issues can help you to support your request for an extension.

Lack Of Understanding Or Difficulty With The Material

Many students are struggling with their assignments because of a lack of knowledge or difficulty with the material. This can be reasonable to ask for an extension to get more time to study or seek additional help from assignment help tutors .

Work Or Other Time-Consuming Activities

Many students can’t complete their assignments on time because they have work or other activities that are taking a lot of their time.

Unexpected Events

Many students get unexpected events because of that they can’t complete their assignments on time. So, they can ask for an extension on an assignment.

Sample Of Writing Email For An Extension On Assignment

Since emails for extensions request a favor, several people are humiliated, and it’s hard to articulate oneself..

For people in challenging or unforeseen situations however, extension e-mails are common.

And, if the emails are written in the right format and respectful and straightforward, There’s nothing inconvenient to experience.

Sample 1: How To Ask For An Extension On An Assignment

Sample 2: how to ask for an extension on an assignment, sample 3: how to ask for an extension on an assignment, how to ask for extra time on an assignment with justifications / excuses.

I have a holiday scheduled that I can’t alter.
I’m having a panic attack/depression episode. I’ve scheduled an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible.
I’m planning a wedding that will take a lot of time.
I’ve caught a cold and am confined to my bunk.
I was called in for long shifts at work, and I desperately need the money.
I’m having problems with my device. This is a screenshot of the issue.
I was under the impression that the assignment was due the following week. It wasn’t until this morning that I realised!

Tips To Ask For An Extension On An Assignment

Give a clear reason – When asking for an extension, it’s important to give a clear reason for why you need an extension for an assignment. Because it can help the professor understand your situation and make a decision.
Use A Polite And Professional Tone – You should use a polite and professional tone when you ask for an extension because it can help your professor feel comfortable and more likely to grant your request.
Explain The Situation – Clearly explain the reason why you need an extension for an assignment. And also you should tell your professor the truth don’t say lie to his/her.
Provide a plan and new deadline – provide a plan for completing the assignment, including a new deadline and any steps you will take to ensure that you meet the new deadline.
Show appreciation: you should express appreciation for the professor’s understanding and help in granting the extension.

Since emails for extensions request a favor, several people are humiliated, And it’s hard to articulate oneself. For people in challenging or unforeseen situationes however, extension e-mails are common.

Likewise, if you want to apply an impressive assignment that needs more investigation,

A formal letter can then be sent. This gives you more time to improve and to make your job even more attractive.

Even if you think that there are not enough resources to complete the project, Via an application, you can share your concerns.

Here it is necessary to question and explain the delay early. Make an effort to prepare accordingly with the deadlines.

to stay away from those situations If you’re very short on time, though,Our team of writers, all of whom have at least 7 years of academic writing experience, will guide you through the process. Calltutors will help you with last-minute assignment help .

What is a good reason for an assignment extension?

A good reason for an assignment extension would be an unforeseen and unavoidable circumstance that prevents the student from completing the assignment on time, such as a serious illness or family emergency.

What is the best way to get an extension?

The best way to request an extension is to reach out to the instructor or professor in a timely manner, prior to the original due date. The student should provide a clear and specific explanation of the reason for the extension request and provide any relevant documentation to support the request. It is also important to be respectful and professional in the request and to be willing to discuss any potential alternatives or accommodations that may be available.

How To Do Homework Fast – 11 Tips To Do Homework Fast

Homework is one of the most important parts that have to be done by students. It has been around for…

How to Write an Assignment Introduction – 6 Best Tips

In essence, the writing tasks in academic tenure students are an integral part of any curriculum. Whether in high school,…

Personal Blogs

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.

Screenshot of list of reasons for extension on automated 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.

Should you give job applicants an assignment during the interview process? Be thoughtful about the ask

Employers have to ask themselves whether they are willing to turn off a strong candidate by asking them to do additional work.

Hiring is a time-consuming and expensive endeavor. Companies need candidates who offer the right skills and experience for a given role, and who align with their organization’s vision and mission.

To find the best fit, many companies still lean on a strategy that continues to generate debate : the assignment. Some candidates believe their experience and interviews should give prospective employers enough information to determine whether they will fit the role. Employers have to ask themselves whether they are willing to turn off a strong candidate by asking them to do additional work.

Is the assignment valuable enough to the evaluation process that they cannot move someone forward without it? Sometimes it is—sometimes they help an employer decide between two strong candidates. And if they are necessary, how can employers make assignments fair and equitable for the candidate or candidates?

When done right, assignments help assess practical skills and problem-solving abilities, giving a clearer picture of a candidate beyond what their resume or interview reveals. But employers should be thoughtful about the ask. While it may make sense for roles that require specific technical expertise or creative thinking, it isn’t appropriate for all roles—so assignments should always be given with a clear reason for why they are needed.

Plus, they don’t just benefit the employer. For job seekers, an assignment during the interview process might also help them stand out from the competition. It can also offer a window into what their day-to-day in the new role might entail. Remember that the candidate should be interviewing the company, too. Having a test run of the work they’d be asked to do is a great way to see whether they believe the role is a fit.

However, there is a rift in how people perceive the assignment as part of the interview process. Workers today span many generations, each with unique values and expectations. Whereas older workers often prioritize stability and loyalty, younger millennials and Gen Zers are more focused on flexibility and work well-being, Indeed data shows .

This mindset impacts the amount of time and energy a candidate is willing to devote to each application. After multiple rounds of interviews and prep, taking on an in-depth assignment may feel like a bridge too far—especially if the expectations for the assignment are not clearly communicated ahead of time.

Some candidates are wary of providing free labor to a company that may use their work and not hire them. Hiring managers should be clear about how the work will be used. They may also consider offering compensation if the assignment requires more than a couple hours of someone’s time, or if they plan to use the work without hiring the candidate.

The key for early career candidates in particular is to ensure their time and efforts are respected. This is a win-win for employers: By providing clarity and transparency, they not only elicit the additional information they want from candidates, but they demonstrate that the organization is transparent and fair.

Equity is also imperative: Which candidates are being asked to complete assignments? Is the hiring team consistent in giving out assignments across ages, experience levels, and roles? There should always be a process and clear evaluation criteria in place to ensure fairness.

As we adapt to the rapidly evolving world of work, we must continue to think critically about each step in the hiring process. Candidate assignments can be a valuable tool, but only with appropriate respect for job seekers’ time and contributions.

With the right strategy, we can bridge the gap between generations in the workplace and build a hiring culture that values efficiency, talent, and integrity.

Eoin Driver is the global vice president of talent at Indeed.

More must-read commentary:

Fannie Mae CEO: Beyoncé is right. Climate change has already hit the housing market—and homeowners aren’t prepared
Congress could soon spell the end of employment arbitration—but it’s not all good news for American workers
Outdated laws prevent gig economy workers from getting benefits. This pilot program shows the path forward
No, combustion engines won’t be supplanted by electric vehicles—and they’re critical for sustainable transport

The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune .

Latest in Commentary

Daniel Lubetzky is the founder of KIND Snacks and Builders, a global platform equipping people with the skills, tools, and network to overcome extremist thinking and toxic polarization.

Daniel Lubetzky: Here’s the real reason moderates are losing ground

Stocks continue to trade around the world outside of U.S. market hours.

24/7 trading is already in full swing. Now Wall Street is considering ditching the opening and closing bells altogether

Apple CEO Tim Cook has positioned the company as a champion for privacy.

Apple says privacy is a ‘core value.’ Tim Cook shouldn’t compromise it to bridge the gap on AI

As salary growth stalls, employees expect to be paid in the intangible currencies of flexibility, belonging, and fulfillment.

Employees have a once-in-a-generation chance to reimagine work—and they’re using it to demand an ‘emotional salary’

For each death, there are 100 women who come close to dying, which is terrifying and unacceptable in the 21st century.

Birthing mothers’ near-death experience rates are 100 times higher than maternal mortality—and we don’t even know exactly why

Most Popular

The collapsed Baltimore bridge will be demolished soon, and the crew of the ship that’s trapped underneath will be onboard when the explosives go off

The housing crisis in the U.S. is flipped upside down in Japan, where each home that’s occupied could be next to an empty one by 2033

TV chef Gordon Ramsay spends an extra $7.6 million on staff as U.K. restaurant empire losses triple

After selling his startup for a life-changing $3.7 billion, Jyoti Bansal launched a VC firm and two high-value startups. Why?

Consumers were deprived of rare bourbons, including Pappy Van Winkle’s 23-year-old whiskey, by alcohol overseers

Ex-Peloton director says disclosing pregnancy killed job prospects: ‘100% of the companies I told went from scheduling interviews to declining to bring me in for a final round’

IMAGES

How To Ask For Assignment Extension With Request Letter Sample?
How To Ask For Assignment Extension With Request Letter Sample?
5 Steps To Draft An Effective Assignment Deadline Extension Request
5 Steps To Draft An Effective Assignment Deadline Extension Request
Formal Extension Letter
How to Write a Letter Asking for an Extension (with Sample Letters)

VIDEO

That’s a good reason! #truthordrink
Submit Your University Assignments The Easy Way With Google Classroom!
The fourth question of the last assignment: The reason to choose budget allocation
Ignou Assignment Submit Last Date Extended || For Dec 2023 Term end Exam || Big Update
Real Number
ASSIGNMENT WORK? SUBMISSION DATE II WHY IS IMPORTANT FOR US? IGNOU BREAKING

COMMENTS

31 Best Assignment Extension Excuses (2024)
2. You've had Writer's Block. >>> Related Post: How to Write an Essay at the Last Minute. This extension excuse gets points for honesty. If you come to your teacher and say "Look, I've read all of the readings, but the creativity just hasn't come" then your teacher might just give you a little extra time.
How to Ask for an Extension for your Assignment [Examples + Template]
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).
How To Write an Email For Extension Of Assignment
Explain the assignment you're seeking an extension for, including the due date. Reason for Extension: Clearly and honestly explain why you need an extension. Be specific about the circumstances and provide supporting evidence if available. New Deadline: Propose a realistic new deadline by which you can complete the assignment. Ensure it ...
5 Ways to Write a Letter Asking for an Extension
1. Write the letter as soon as you can. As soon as you know you will need an extension, immediately begin preparing your letter. You need to give the recipient as much time as possible to make a decision about your situation. You also want to appear prepared, despite asking for an adjustment to the schedule. [6] 2.
How to Ask for an Extension on a Paper
Check Circle. Reach out via email with a specific request. Check Circle. Ask for a shorter extension if possible. Check Circle. Demonstrate your commitment to the class. Be sure to show your professor that you aren't asking for an extension simply because you ran out of time — even if that's partly true.
Extensions: What They Mean and When to Ask for Them
An extension on an assignment is exactly what it sounds like. It is when you ask your professor or instructor to accept your work later than the specified deadline, whether or not that deadline appears on your course's syllabus. Though it might not feel like something you can do, you have the right to at least ask.
The Right Way to Ask for a Deadline Extension in College
From here, you'll be able to craft a more targeted and effective extension request. For example, if the policy mentions providing valid reasons for extensions, you can make sure to include compelling reasons in your request. ️. 2. Reach Out to Your Professor as Early as Possible 🗓️
How to Ask for an Extension
Ask as far ahead of the original deadline as possible. Give a specific reason for your request, but don't go crazy with details. Admit it if you need the extension because you planned poorly. Provide new due date. Offer a plan for how you will finish your work. Thank your professor for considering your request.
How to Ask for an Assignment Extension
What to Keep in Mind Before Asking for an Extension. First, understanding your professor's reluctance can be helpful. Hint: It's not because they hate you or want you to fail. "The question ...
How to Ask for an Extension on an assignment
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.
Professor shares secrets on getting an extension (w/ template)
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.
13 No-Fail Ways to Get an Extension on a Paper
8. Ask in person whenever possible. Image via Complex Original. Going to your professor in person is the most professional way to ask for a paper extension. It may actually be to your advantage if ...
Reasons and evidence for requesting a coursework extension or IMC
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 ...
The Best Way To Ask For An Extension On An Assignment
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!
Reasons for requesting an extension
Body Suitable reasons for requesting extensions. Good reasons for coursework extensions are unexpected short-term circumstances which are exceptional for the individual student, beyond that student's control, and which could reasonably be expected to have had an adverse impact on the student's ability to complete the assessment on time.
How To Ask For An Extension On An Assignment
Sample 2: How To Ask For An Extension On An Assignment. Subject: Request for Extension on Assignment. Dear [Professor's Name], I am writing to request an extension on the [Assignment Name] that is currently due on [Due Date]. I have been facing some personal challenges that have made it difficult for me to complete the assignment on time.
How to Ask for an Extension on an Assignment: Understanding and
Reasons for Extensions. ... When asking for an extension on an assignment, it's crucial to respond promptly to any inquiries from your instructor. Stay accessible for further discussion and keep the lines of communication open. ... It is a really good companion for your leisure and entertainment. [Functional Android Tablet] Android 13.0 ...
Don't be afraid to ask for extensions : r/college
Tip: if you're asking for an extension, suggest a reasonable timeline. Let them know you've made progress, something got in the way, and you will be able to get it in within the next day. Don't ask for an extra week to finish something - that's ridiculous, unfair to other students and could put your prof behind on their grading. Usually ...
How to ask for an extension
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 ...
What's a good reason for an extension request on a university assignment?
Let me help you out with your assignments. If you are diagnosed with ADHD just inform your professor of this, and request an accommodation in the form of an extension. Perfectly reasonable. It is understandable that you are hesitant to disclose your mental health struggles, but it is important to remember that universities have resources and ...
Should you give job applicants assignment during interview process
For job seekers, an assignment during the interview process might also help them stand out from the competition. It can also offer a window into what their day-to-day in the new role might entail ...

31 Best Assignment Extension Excuses

The Best Assignment Extension Excuses

1. Your Team Members screwed you Over in a Group Assessment

2. You’ve had Writer’s Block

3. Work called you in for Extra Shifts

4. You’re taking a pre-planned Vacation

5. Computer Issues

6. You’re a Carer

8. There was a Death in the Family

9. You have a Learning Disability

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

The Study Blog :

Are tight deadlines, clashing assignments, and unclear tasks giving you sleepless nights?

What is an Extension Deadline?

How to Ask for Your Extension

Determine Whether You Can Get the Extension

Ask for the Extension

Determine How Long Your Extension Will Be

Provide Evidence

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

Thank Your Tutor

Get Rid of Plagiarism with the Help of Expert Writers

Email Template for Requesting More Time to Complete Your Assignment

Here are more examples:

What to Do If You Do Not Get an Extension

Earn Good Grades Without Breaking a Sweat

Get Urgent Assignment Help today

Popular services

Popular articles

RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU ARE TIRED OF WRITING COLLEGE PAPERS!

Ready to hire a professional essay writer?

How To Write an Email For Extension Of Assignment

What To Do Before Writing the Email

What to Include In the Email

Email Template

Alternative Email Template

How to Write a Letter Asking for an Extension

Tips for Writing an Extension Letter

Sample Letters

Sample Emails

Following Formal Letter Writing Conventions

Crafting the Content of the Letter

Sending the Letter to the Recipient

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

1. Double Check Your Professor’s Extension Policy (If They Have One) 📄

How do you politely ask for a deadline extension in college?

How do you remind a professor about a deadline extension?

How to write an email asking for a deadline extension to a professor?

What are the reasons for deadline extension in college?

Other Readers Loved:

Latest Posts

how to ask for an extension

What Is an Extension?

Why Should You Ask for an Extension?

How to Ask for an Extension: Step by Step

Step 2: Check Your Course Policies

Step 3: Write an Email to Your Professor

Explain why you need the extension.

Keep it professional.

Provide a plan and new deadline.

Accept responsibility when appropriate.

Thank your professor.

How to Increase the Chances of Approval

Sample Emails

Scenario 2 (Illness)

Scenario 3 (A Death in the Family)

Scenario 4 (Procrastination)

What to Do if Your Request Is Denied

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

Assessing the Situation:

Plan Ahead:

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.