Knowing what your professor’s rules are, and what they’re willing to do, will help you phrase your request correctly.
Keep it simple. For example: “Professor Thompson, I came down with a bad flu over the weekend and need more time to work on my paper. Could I have an extension please? I’d be happy to show you documentation from the University Health Services. "
Try something like “Dear Professor Thompson, I’m sorry to say that last night my great Aunt Maude passed away. I’m with my family right now and will be attending the funeral. I was planning on completing my paper for your class tomorrow, but given the circumstances, could I ask for a two-day extension?” A professor may or may not ask for some kind of documentation of the emergency, so don’t go this route if you’re unable to back up your story.
Stress that you need this kind of extension to write a good paper, e. g. “I’m requesting an extension because I’m overloaded with three exams all taking place on the day the paper is due. I want to do well on this paper and give it the attention it deserves, and another day or two would really help. ”
Say something like “Professor Thompson, 7 of us in your class are also enrolled in CHEM 220, and we have an exam on the same day the paper is due. Could we have a one-day extension so we can have enough time to write strong papers?”
If you need an extension because you caused yourself to get behind in your schoolwork, accept responsibility and ask for the extension anyway. Most professors will appreciate the honesty.
The exception to this, of course, is an unexpected emergency, such as a family death or being rushed to the hospital.
Your professor likely teaches multiple classes. Write your class and time in the subject. If you’ve already done some of the work, show your professor what you’ve completed so far. This will show them that you’ve made an effort to get the assignment done, and you’re not just blowing it off. [8] X Expert Source Alexander Ruiz, M. Ed. Educational Consultant Expert Interview. 4 August 2020.
If your professor seems strict, leave it entirely up to them to decide how long of an extension to grant. You may just have to take what you can get. If your professor is more lenient, and you think you can get the paper done within a certain time (such as two more days), ask for a specific extension. If your professor seems like the type to negotiate, aim high. If you think you can get the paper done in two days, ask for a four-day extension at first, and expect your professor to negotiate down.
