Do you ever struggle with what to say to a professor in an email? Writing an email to a professor requires more thought than sending a text to a friend.
It’s important to treat interactions with your professors in a mature, competent way. When you do that, your professors will be more inclined to help you. Plus, you’ll demonstrate to them that you can conduct yourself professionally—which will impress them and make them remember you for when opportunities arise, give them positive things to say about you in letters of recommendation and more.
Today’s blog will provide multiple email templates that you can use when emailing your professor in any of these common situations.
Scheduling a Meeting
If you want to schedule a meeting with a professor to go over an assignment, ask clarifying questions from class or questions about an upcoming exam, but can’t attend your professor’s regular office hours, use this template:
Subject: Meeting About _____
Dear Professor (or however your professor address him/herself, i.e. Dr., first name, etc.) _____,
I hope all is well. I started working on my assignment for _____ and I just had a couple of questions to make sure that I am on the right track. I also wanted to ask a question about yesterday’s lesson on _____, as I was a little confused and I want to ensure that I fully understand the content for the test next week. I know on the syllabus you mentioned that you have available office hours at _____ but I am not able to make it. Will you be at your desk at _____ or _____.
Thank you,
_____
Asking How to Improve Your Grade on an Assignment or Exam
If you’re unsatisfied with your grade on a recent assignment or exam, here is a template that will help you ask your professor on how to improve or if there are any extra credit options. Even though you’re probably frustrated with your grade, make sure to email your professor in a kind, professional way.
Subject: Extra Support on _____
Dear Professor _____,
I hope all is well and that you enjoyed your weekend. I saw that you posted the grades for our last reports. I was a little surprised and discouraged by my grade.
I was wondering if you offer any extra credit opportunities, revisions or if you have any advice for me on how to improve on a future assignment. Are you available to meet _____ or _____ to discuss my report and a plan? Let me know what works for you.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Best,
_____
Requesting an Extension
If you’re having a really tough, busy few weeks and you have an important assignment coming up, but you need more time to complete it, here is a template on how to tell your professor what is going on and to kindly ask for an extension.
Be very specific about why you need an extension. Everyone is juggling multiple priorities, so telling your professor only that you’ve been “stressed out, sick or busy” isn’t enough. Explain the specific barriers you’ve faced when trying to complete the assignment. Even better, attach a note from your coach, employer or doctor who can attest to why you need an extension.
Subject: Extension on _____
Dear Professor _____,
I hope all is well. I have been extremely busy and stressed with assignments in other classes and with _____ (sports practice, on-campus job, other commitment, health condition, etc.). I do not think that I will be able to submit my best work to you with all of the other tasks on my agenda. I was wondering if you would consider granting me an extension on our upcoming project/paper and submit it by ______?
Thank you,
Asking for a Letter of Recommendation
If you know of a professor that you are close with or one who enjoys working with you, here is a template on how to ask for a recommendation for a future job or graduate school. Make sure that you give your professor at least two months’ notice so they have time to write a thoughtful recommendation.
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for _____
Dear Professor _____,
I hope all is well and that you had a great _____ (summer, winter break, fall semester, etc…) I am applying for a _____ (summer internship, full-time job, graduate program, summer program, etc…) at _____. I really value and appreciate how you have helped me grow as a student and cultivated my interest in ____. The position requires a letter of recommendation, and I was wondering if you would consider writing one for me?
If you are able to write it, I will follow up with a deadline and any additional information. I have attached a resume and cover letter below as a reference.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Kind Regards,
_____
Information about a Particular Class
If you’re picking classes for the upcoming semester and you have researched a few classes or are unsure what you want to choose, here is a template that will help you ask a professor for more details on a class. If you have never taken a class with this professor before, make sure that you fully introduce yourself.
Subject: Information on _____
Dear Professor _____,
My name is _____ and I am a rising _____. I am trying to narrow down a few classes for the next semester. I am interested in _____ and I am considering majoring in _____. I was doing some research in the course catalog and I found your class. I am emailing you to see if you would consider sharing more details and potentially the syllabus on _____. Or, if you could refer me to a student who took this class who I could contact, that would be very helpful.
Thank you,
_____
Personal Advice
If you developed a close relationship with a professor and you’re having a personal problem, here is a template to help if you feel comfortable enough to reach out to him or her.
Subject: Personal Help With _____
Dear Professor _____,
I hope all is well. I recently encountered/am struggling with _____ and I’d love to talk to you about it. Will you be available _____ or _____ so I can come in and discuss this with you?
Thank you,
_____
