An award-winning historian and writer, Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D., has published multiple scholarly articles and a book with the University of Chicago Press. She currently works as a writer and consultant. She holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern.
Updated on April 20, 2022 Learn more about our editorial process Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D. Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D. Read Full BioAn award-winning historian and writer, Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D., has published multiple scholarly articles and a book with the University of Chicago Press. She currently works as a writer and consultant. She holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern.
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A few years ago, a student raised his hand with a question about the deadline for submitting final papers in my senior seminar class. "Now, is the paper due midnight East Coast time or midnight West Coast time?" he asked earnestly.
I responded that if he provided proof he was on the West Coast, I'd happily accept papers until midnight Pacific time — I wasn't planning to stay up late to watch the essays roll in either way. That set off a full week of students photoshopping their faces onto images of California beaches and Disneyland. In the end, every student submitted their paper on time.
Most of the time, students ask for more than a three-hour extension. And most of the time, professors happily grant extensions on papers. But how should you ask your professor for an extension on a paper?
Before approaching your professor, read the syllabus or review the assignment. Most professors lay out their policies on extensions in either the instructions for the paper or the course syllabus, which functions as a contract between the instructor and the student.
Policies on extensions vary widely. Some professors refuse to offer extensions for any reason. In those cases, try to avoid missing the deadline or review the late penalty to see whether you're willing to take the hit to your grade.
Policies on extensions vary widely. Some professors refuse to offer extensions for any reason.
Some professors offer extensions on a case-by-case basis, while some may require a doctor's note or other proof that you can't meet the original deadline.
Other instructors set deadlines for papers but do not apply late penalties. Still, don't take that as an invitation to miss the deadline. Even in these cases, students should let their professors know if they need an extension.
In terms of how to ask for an extension, it's generally best to make the request over email. That way you have a paper trail of your request and your professor's response.
Professors will more likely grant an extension if you approach them early on in the term, which requires planning ahead. For example, if you know at the beginning of the semester that you have three papers due the same day, consider approaching your professor to ask for an extension even though the paper isn't due for several weeks.
If, on the other hand, an emergency comes up that requires an extension, reach out to your instructor as soon as possible. Explain the circumstances and be specific about what you need. Are you requesting a one-day extension? A week? Or an indefinite extension?
Understand that professors will more likely grant your request if you ask for a shorter extension.
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. Demonstrate your commitment to the class by including a rough draft of your paper or a description of your topic in your extension request. You can also offer to come to office hours to discuss the extension in person.
Make sure to stay engaged in the class in other ways, too, such as by participating in discussions and meeting all other deadlines.
Emailing a professor can feel intimidating, but using a template can make the process easier. In any email to an instructor, you should always include your name, your class or section number, and a clear question or request. You should also write professionally, and make sure to address your professor at the beginning of the email.
Students often ask for an extension because of deadlines in other classes, exams, work or career development events that overlap with the deadline, and last-minute emergencies. Whatever the reason, you don't need a long explanation of your circumstances — just quickly mention the conflict and request an extension.
The sample emails below should give you a clearer idea on how to ask for an extension on a paper.
Dear Professor Walker,
My name is Kellen Brown, and I'm in your 10 a.m. American politics class. In reading the syllabus, I notice the second paper is due on March 3. I have two other papers due that same day for other courses.
Would it be possible to request a one-week extension on the deadline and turn the paper in on March 10 instead? If you don't grant extensions, could I receive the paper topics early so I can start working on it in advance?