Q&A for How to Email a Professor

Use their official title and last name. So if they went to medical school, you might say, "Dr. Smith" or something. If you're not sure how to address them, check your syllabus. You can also refer to an old email from them and check how they signed it. Just don't be super casual about it and you should be fine.

First, write a short subject line that gets right to the point of why you're emailing the professor. Then, begin the body of your email with a greeting, followed by your professor's title and surname. Your subject line might say, "Question about today's lecture," and your greeting may be "Dear Doctor Lopez."

Make sure you phrase your desire as a request and acknowledge that your professor is in control of the outcome of the situation. For instance, you may need an extension on a paper because you're very sick. Tell the professor why you need the extension, then politely ask for it. However, make it clear that you understand they might say "no."

Send the email in advance of class. Here's an example of an email you could send with your own details filled in: "Dear Professor Smith, This is Steve Jones from your Communications 101 class that meets at 9am. I will not be in class Thursday, September 1st due to an illness. Sincerely, Steve."

Ask the professor politely when he/she is available for an appointment.

Go to your high school's guidance office instead, and tell them you want your transcripts sent to schools. They will usually have forms for you to fill out detailing the contact information for the schools you wish to apply to, and then they will take care of the rest.

Don't. Just ask how you can improve your grade, and imply you'd be willing to do anything to improve it. If a professor doesn't offer extra credit, don't ask for it.

You may ask for an appointment with your professor by emailing him/her, or waiting until after class to make the appointment.

Very simply. For example: "Hello [whatever you call him], I was wondering if you could clarify something for me. [write your question/explain the problem]. Thanks, [your name]

You could ask for any tips about making your work better, or ask how much work you should do.

Thank the professor and repeat the time of the appointment. "Thank you, Professor, I'll see you (day) (time) (place)."

In the email, ask what you can do to improve your grade.

"Dear Professor [their name], I am writing in response to your request for my class schedule. I am including it below. Please let me know if you require any more information from me." Then write in your schedule, and end with "Sincerely" or "Best" followed by your name. If the professor is doing you a favor or kindness, put a "Thank you" in there somewhere.

Make the phone call to your lecturer or make an office appointment. Explain your reasons behind why you did not submit work on time. They will appreciate the effort of a call or appointment over an email.

It is probably best not to outright challenge a professor's grade. However, if you have a legitimate question about why you were graded in a particular way, first make sure that you completed the assignment as directed, and followed the instructions and/or rubric if any. If that doesn't solve the problem, ask for a meeting with the professor and ask, not that your grade be changed, but how or why you lost points in a given section, and how you could improve in the future. If the feedback given is something you've already done, point out where that is, and work with the professor to see if you can come to a resolution.

I would suggest using "Best" because this is common in both formal and informal correspondence. If you don't want to do that, you'd probably be fine just skipping a sign off and ending the email with your name.

Always have a formal greeting. As an example, "Dear Professor Last name", and if your professor has a PhD, refer to them as "Dear Dr. Last name".

Email your professor again, correcting the mistake that was made. This way the professor knows that you are a serious student.

First, consider the amount of time that has passed since sending your original email. It's appropriate to wait at least a couple days before sending a second email. When crafting your follow-up email, remember to maintain a professional presence. It's not appropriate to use poor grammar or to skip formalities at any time.

Ask if there are any extra credit assignments available you can complete to raise your grade.

Ask your professor if you can speak to them before or after class and explain the situation and how/when you hope to resolve it. If you need to miss class or turn in an assignment late, tell them, and they will more than likely be understanding about it.

If the professor hasn't already made them available, they probably don't plan to. Check your online classroom and with other students for notes. Also, be prepared to explain why you weren't able to take notes on the material. If you still feel the need to email, follow this format: "Dear Professor ____, Although I've looked on ____ and asked classmates for notes, I don't feel that I fully absorbed the information from class on ____. Would you be willing to make the Powerpoint from that lesson available?"

Here is a sample: Dear Professor Smith, I am unable to complete [assignment] due to unforeseen circumstances (write out exactly why you are going to be unable to complete it if you can - for example, going to the funeral of a family member). I would like to be able to make up the assignment later if possible. Could you please advise me what I need to do to achieve this. Thank you in advance, Your Name.

Generally, so long as you have a proper reason for an extension, you should be able to simply email them something along the lines of "Hello Professor Smith, I was wondering if I could get an extension on [assignment] due to being unable to finish it in time. I should be able to have it done and turned in by [time] tomorrow." If you need a longer extension, it's best to talk to your professor in person if possible. Some universities require proof of medical or other issues and expect you to go through a specific process via the administrative staff, so be sure to check if this is the case.

The school hours are when the teacher or school is available during the school, which is most likely available through 7 am and 3-4 pm.

Explain the situation with detail. For example, don't say "I'll be at the doctors". Instead, say "I have a doctor's appointment scheduled for 1:30 and need extra time to complete any assignments."

If the class has a website, check there first. You can also send your professor an email asking about your grade, or just ask for a meeting.

You could write: Dear Professor Jones, This is Richard Smith from English 101 class, I was wondering if you graded my last assignment yet. If you could please let me know at your earliest convenience, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Richard Smith