How to Ask a Professor for a Paper Extension

Maybe you just broke up with your significant other, have become suddenly ill, or are just completely swamped with other homework. There are a myriad of honest reasons you probably won't have your paper in on time. It can seem intimidating or even embarrassing to ask for an extension, but most professors are willing to hear you out. Asking politely and promptly just might attract your professor's compassion.

EditSteps

EditFormulating Your Reason

1. Double-check your course’s policies. Before you actually ask your professor, read over the class syllabus and any other course policies. Sometimes professors will say if they automatically grant extensions, are willing to consider them in certain circumstances, or have a no-extension policy.^[1]
   
   • Knowing what your professor’s rules are, and what they’re willing to do, will help you phrase your request correctly.
2. Show evidence if you say you are sick. A serious illness, like the flu, is a reasonable cause to ask for an extension. If you say you are sick, however, expect some professors to ask for a doctor’s note or other evidence.^[2]
   
   • If you say you are sick, most professors will understand. You don’t have to go into great detail about your intestinal difficulties or any other problem. Most professors won’t want to hear about this.
   • Something simple will do the trick, like: “Professor Thompson, I came down with a bad flu over the weekend and need a little more time to work on my paper. Could I possibly have an extension? I’d be happy to show you documentation from the University Health Services if you need to see it.”
3. Be honest about personal emergencies. If there is a death or grave illness in the family, or some other unexpected hardship, this is a good reason to ask for a paper extension. Many professors would be willing to grant extensions in genuine cases of personal emergencies, but don’t abuse this possibility.
   
   • 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.
4. Let your professor know if you are swamped with work. Professors understand that you may be taking several classes at once, and have other things going on in your life as well. Sometimes you need an extension because you are overloaded. It’s worth trying to ask for one if this is the case.^[3]
   
   • 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.”
5. Go the strength in numbers route. A group of students could collectively ask a professor for an extension if they all have an exam or other commitment that is taking away from time they need to spend on a paper. If several people all ask a professor for an extension, it can be more convincing than asking on your own.^[4]
   
   • 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?”
6. Keep it simple. Whatever your reason for asking for an extension, don’t wear your professor down with endless explanations. Just get straight to the point, ask why you need an extension, and thank your professor for considering.^[5]
   
   • 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.

EditAsking Politely

1. Ask as soon as possible. Professors are much more likely to grant an extension if you ask before the paper is due. Ask as soon as you think you might need one, rather than the night before the deadline, or afterwards.^[6]
   
2. Approach your professor in-person. Talking one-on-one with your professor will help show them you are being honest in saying you need an extension. When you think you need an extension, visit the professor during office hours or at least ask to talk to them for a minute after class.^[7]
   
3. Email to ask your professor about an extension. If you’re sick, away, or it’s the weekend you might not be able to approach your professor in person. In that case, plan to write a polite email to ask for more time to write the paper.
   
4. Decide how long the extension will be. An extension should give you a reasonable amount of time to complete the paper, based on how long you’ve already had to work on it, and on how much you’ve finished. Think about your professor’s personality when deciding how long of an extension to ask for.^[8]
   
   • 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.

EditTips

• If you have a documented disability or other factor that impacts your schoolwork, talk to your school’s disability services office. You may be granted automatic extensions for papers, or other accommodations to help you perform to the best of your ability.^[9]

EditRelated wikiHows

• Write a Term Paper
• Write a Book Report
• Write a Meeting or Accomplishment Report
• Create and Send Basic Emails With Outlook Express
• Choose an Email Service

EditSources and Citations

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How to Use Text Effects on WhatsApp on Android

This wikiHow teaches you how to make your message text appear in bold, italics, or strikethrough in a WhatsApp chat conversation, using Android.

Edit10 Second Summary

1. Open WhatsApp on your Android.
2. Tap on a chat.
3. Tap Type a message at the bottom.
4. Type a message between two *asterisks* for bold.
5. Type a message between two _underscores_ for italics.
6. Type a message between two ~tilde marks~ for strikethrough.
7. Tap the Send button.

EditSteps

1. Open WhatsApp Messenger on your Android. The WhatsApp icon looks like a green speech bubble with a white telephone in it. WhatsApp will open up to your CHATS tab.
   
   • If WhatsApp opens up to a conversation, tap the back button to go back CHATS.
2. Tap on a contact on your CHATS list. The CHATS tab shows you a list of all your recent personal and group conversations. Selecting a conversation will open the chat in full-screen.
   
   • Alternatively, you can click the green-and-white speech bubble icon in the lower-left corner of your screen. It will bring up your contacts list, and let you select a contact to start a new conversation.
3. Tap the message field. It reads "Type a message" at the bottom of the conversation. Tapping will bring up your keyboard.
   
4. Switch to your keyboard's special character keys. Special characters include asterisks, dashes, and various punctuations such as question and exclamation marks. You will need to type your message between two special characters in order to use text effects.
   
   • If you're using a Google keyboard, tap the ?123 button in the lower-left corner of your keyboard to switch to special characters. On other devices, this button may appear as Sym, or another combination of special characters.
5. Hit the button twice for bold. Two asterisk marks on each side will make your message appear in bold text.
   
6. Hit the button twice for italics. Two underscores on each side will make your message text appear in italics.
   
7. Hit the button twice for strikethrough. Two tilde marks on each side will draw a strikethrough line on your message text.
   
   • If you don't see a tilde mark in your special characters, tap the =\< button to check the second page of your special character keyboard. On some devices, this button may appear as 1/2, or a different combination of special characters.
8. Switch back to your standard keyboard letters. You can now type your message using your standard keyboard.
   
   • On most devices, you can switch to your standard keyboard letters by tapping ABC in the lower-left or lower-right corner of your screen.
9. Tap between the special characters in the message field. You will need to type your message between the two special characters you've entered (asterisk, underscore, or tilde) in order to make it bold, italics, or strikethrough.
   
10. Enter your message between the two special characters. Use your keyboard to type a message, or paste text into the message field from your clipboard.
    
11. Tap the Send button. This button looks like a green-and-white paper plane icon next to the message field. It will send your chat message. Your message will appear bold, italics, and/or strikethrough in the chat conversation.
    
    • Special characters you've typed in the message field will not be visible in the chat once you send your message.

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How to Get a Job

Maybe your current job just isn’t working out, or maybe you just graduated and are trying to get employed for the first time. The job market can be hard to crack in either case, no matter your age or experience. You’ll start by networking and searching online for job openings, giving your resume and cover letter an overhaul, and then sending in stand-out applications. The process may seem daunting, but going in with determination and a plan will carry you through until you find the perfect opportunity.

EditSteps

EditFinding Job Opportunities

1. Search online. Many, if not most, companies and organizations advertise open positions on employment websites and on company websites. If you know which company you want to work for, start by checking out their website. You will likely see a tab labeled “Job Openings” or “Career Opportunities”. Click the tab to see what is available.^[1]
   
   • You can also use online job search engines to widen your search. Enter keywords and geographic location on popular sites such as Indeed, Jobs.com, TheLadders, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.^[2]
   • For example, if you are looking for a job as a medical equipment salesperson in Chicago, your search terms might be “sales” and “medical” and your geographic area would be “Chicago, Illinois”.
   • Craigslist is also a good site to search. It is especially helpful if you are looking for immediate employment.
2. Use social media sites. Social networking sites are not just for fun and keeping in touch with old friends. They can also help you find and apply for jobs. If you choose to use social media in your job search, consider setting your social profile to “private” and creating a new, professional profile that you share with potential employers. The following sites are great tools for job hunting:^[3]
   
   • LinkedIn: You can use this site to create a professional online profile. You can post a biography that lets potential employers get to know you. You can also post your current resume for others to view.
   • Twitter: People are increasingly using this tool to find jobs. You can follow companies that you are interested in and see posts advertising jobs. You can also search the site using popular hashtags such as #jobs and #jobhunt.
3. Utilize your state job bank. You can also use the internet to search employment resources in your own state. Each state has an online collection of available jobs known as a job bank. Find the job bank for your state and start searching.^[4]
   
   • Much like other job search engines, the state job banks will allow you to search by keyword and city.
4. Start networking. Networking is a chance to strengthen connections with people in your career field. It’s also a time to meet new people. Put yourself out there and start communicating with people who could be helpful in your job search.You can say something like, “I’m just getting started in marketing, and I wondered if you know of any opportunities that could be right for me.” Consider reaching out to:^[5]
   
   • Former professors
   • Past employers
   • People at the company you want to work for
   • Anyone you know who has a career similar to the one you want
5. Spread the word that you are job hunting. Friends and family can be great resources in your job hunt. They might know of openings that you aren't aware of. They could also have a friend of a friend who is looking to hire. Make sure that everyone in your circle knows that you are looking for a new job.
   
   • You can say, "I'm looking for a new job in publishing. Can you let me know if you hear of any openings in that field?"
6. Attend a job fair. A job or career fair is a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about potential employers. Both cities and universities have job fairs. Sometimes private organizations will also hold job fairs. ^[6]
   
   • Check your city or university website to find information about upcoming job fairs.
   • At a job fair, you can gather brochures and other information from companies that are hiring. You might also be able to speak to recruiters.
7. Stay organized. Having a concrete plan will be one of your best resources. Write down a job search plan. Take some time to create a plan for how you will go about your job search. Make a calendar of weekly or daily activities related to your search. On this calendar you can include tasks like:^[7]
   
   • Look at online postings
   • Reach out to your network
   • Work on resume and cover letter
   • Apply for a certain number of jobs each week

EditTailoring Your Materials

1. Match your resume to the job description. Your resume is a way to list your skills and qualifications. Just as importantly, it can be used to show potential employers that your skills fit their needs. Take the time to tweak your resume to each job that you apply for. Look for keywords and themes in the job description and make sure that your resume highlights those terms.^[8]
   
   • For example, maybe a job requires “outstanding communication skills”. Make sure to list specific examples of how you have used your communication skills in the past.
   • You don’t have to totally revamp your resume each time you post it. Just make sure it emphasizes your skills that are most important for that particular job.
2. Create a personal profile. Start your resume by telling employers a little about yourself. Write a brief paragraph that tells the employer about your skills and lets them know what specific qualifications you can bring to the job. Keep it brief and professional.^[9]
   
   • In a few sentences, describe your most important skills.
   • Stay away from vague skills such as “organized”. Use descriptive terms such as “negotiator”, “decision-making”, and “time management”.^[10]
3. Write a cover letter. A lot of jobs will simply require a resume, but others will ask for a cover letter. Have a draft on hand and be ready to tailor it to the specifics of each job. A good cover letter should explain your experience and qualifications. You should use specific examples to describe why you would be a good fit for the job you’re applying for.^[11]
   
   • Maybe a job description calls for someone who can work as part of a team. You could write about how, as an intern, you were in charge of organizing a project that multiple interns worked on.
   • Try to keep your cover letter to one page in length.
4. Edit carefully. Look over your resume and cover letter and then look them over again. Make sure to fix any spelling or grammatical errors. Ask a friend or family member to give your materials a read. A fresh set of eyes can catch errors that you may have missed.^[12]
   
5. Polish your online presence. The modern job search is conducted largely online. It’s important that you make a good impression online. Take care to create positive, professional social media profiles. You never know when a potential employee might be viewing your information.^[13]
   
   • For example, take care to create an impressive LinkedIn profile. Your headline should be succinct, like “Research Analyst”.
   • Use the space provided to list your qualifications and experience.
   • Don’t forget to edit your profile.
   • Include your contact information and a link to your resume.

EditApplying for Jobs

1. Carefully read the job description. Your first step in applying for a job is to find out what the job entails. Give the job description a thorough read. Focus on what qualifications are required and what the job duties are.^[14]
   
   • Don’t apply for jobs that you are absolutely not qualified for. For example, if you do not speak Spanish, do not respond to an ad that states, “Spanish required.”
2. Highlight keywords. Pay attention to what the description emphasizes. For example, if it is a job in marketing, you might see terms such as “digital marketing”, “SEO”, and “Google Analytics”. Make sure that you mention those terms in both your resume and your cover letter.^[15]
   
3. Look over your materials. Many job search engines and company websites will ask for you to submit your materials online. Before you hit “submit”, take time to proofread everything you have written. This includes your resume and cover letter. You should also look over the fields that ask for your personal information and make sure all of your information is entered correctly.^[16]
   
4. Ace the interview. Hopefully, all of your hard work results in an interview. If you get asked to come in, take time to prepare. Make sure to have examples ready to explain your past accomplishments and how you can help the company. For example, you could say, “I know you’re looking for a fresh take on how to increase sales. I’d love to tell you about my ideas for a direct marketing campaign.”^[17]
   
   • Dress professionally.
   • Make eye contact and speak confidently.
   • Arrive on time.
5. Follow up. If you’ve had an interview, it is proper business etiquette to write a brief thank you note. Typically, this is done by e-mail. You can write, “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I enjoyed learning more about your organization and am excited about the idea of working as part of your team.”^[18]
   
   • You can also follow-up after sending a job application. You might write, “I’m writing to make sure that you received my application materials. I’m happy to provide further examples of my qualifications if you would find that helpful.”

EditTips

• Apply for multiple jobs.
• Always keep your resume updated.
• Be aware of new opportunities in your area.
• Be open to constructive feedback.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Make a Resume
• Land a Job in a Tight Economy
• Prepare for a New Career
• Get Jobs After Being Self Employed
• Get a Job That You Want

EditSources and Citations

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How to Memorize an Essay

Memorizing an essay is a great way to ace tests, rock presentations, and increase your overall knowledge. If you want to memorize an essay word for word, take things slowly by studying short parts one at a time. Memorization techniques such as visualization and physical cues can help you recall this information on demand. Of course, sometimes you don’t need to memorize things exactly. You may find it more useful to memorize the main ideas or important quotes instead.

EditSteps

EditLearning Each Part of the Essay

1. Make a schedule. Plan out how long you have to memorize the essay. If you have more time, you can study a little each day for twenty or thirty minutes. If you only have a day or two, you can memorize it in thirty-minute chunks with a break of an hour or two in between.^[1]
   
2. Memorize a little bit each day. Start early when you need to memorize something. Give yourself one day for every paragraph or page. Master one section each day. Once you have memorized two sections separately, try putting them together.^[2]
   
3. Break the essay down into parts. Memorization is easiest when done in small chunks. Break the essay down into small sections. Depending on the length of the essay, each section might be a few sentences, one paragraph, or even one page.^[3]
   
4. Read the essay out loud to start learning it. Reading the essay out loud is important because it forces you to read and speak every single word in the essay. This will help you remember it.^[4]
   
5. Test yourself after reading. After you have studied the text for a while, put it down, and recite as much as you can from memory. At first, you may not remember much, but every time you practice, you will recall more and more.^[5]
   
   • Use a partner to test you on what you've memorized. If you miss a word or forget a line, they can prompt you by telling you the next word or two.
6. Start from the end if going from the beginning is not working. If the essay is long, you may find it easier to start at the end. Begin by memorizing the last sentence or paragraph, then move back to the sentence or paragraph right before that one.^[6]
   
7. Break up your study session to memorize quickly. If you only have a short time to learn the essay, you should study it in small doses with breaks in between each session. Use memory boosting techniques, such as visualization and walking back and forth, to help make your memorization more effective.^[7]
   
   • For example, you might study it for fifteen minutes and take a ten-minute break before studying for another fifteen minutes.
   • Try writing out the essay once or twice. This can improve your memory.^[8]
   • Avoid cramming the night before. Memorizing something in one session is not the most effective way to learn it. Repetition in small chunks will help more than cramming the essay all in one long session.

EditRecalling Information

1. Visualize parts of the essay. Associate different parts of the essay with images. You might imagine the essay coming to life as you recite it. When you need to recite the essay, recall the images to help you remember the words.^[9]
   
   • For example, the first part of the essay might be about tiger conservation, so you might visualize tigers as you go through this part. The second part may be about their habitat, so you might think about a jungle.
2. Use memory palace techniques. Imagine a room or building that represents your essay. For every main point, place a piece of furniture inside. Associate each piece of furniture with a point you have to remember.^[10]
   
   • For example, if the main parts of the essay are about family, cooperation, and communication, you might imagine a photograph (family), a table (cooperation), and a telephone (communication).
   • When you need to recall the essay, imagine yourself walking from the photograph to the table and then to the telephone in the proper order.
3. Link passages to physical movement. Gestures can help you memorize parts of the essay by associating words with movements. You might tap out a certain pattern when you start a paragraph, or gesture outwards to emphasize a particular word.^[11]
   
   • Pacing can help improve recall. Some people even find doing a simple dance to be useful as they try to memorize the essay.
4. Give yourself cues if you will present the essay. As you memorize the speech, give yourself a prompt or cue that can remind you which part goes where.^[12]
   
   • Practice hand gestures with your speech. Put certain gestures at specific spots in the essay.
   • If you are allowed to use flashcards, you might write the basic outline on a series of cards. Glance down at these as you go along.
   • You might ask a friend in the audience to give a signal if you are forgetting a line.

EditRemembering the Main Ideas of an Essay

1. Reduce it to an outline to remember the main points. Write an outline of the essay's main ideas, concepts, and arguments. Make sure you only include the most important information, and organize it in the correct order. You might memorize the outline instead of the entire essay.^[13]
   
2. Make flash cards if you want to learn quotes. If you need to recall quotes from literary or academic essays, write the quotes on flash cards. Memorize the quotes one at a time. Make sure you also learn the author, year, and any other information that may be tested.^[14]
   
3. Draw the main ideas of the essay if you are a visual learner. Sketch out a flowchart or map of the main ideas of the essay. Put the thesis in the center of the chart, and draw lines out to its supporting ideas.^[15]
   
   • When you need to remember the essay, you can redraw the chart to help you remember all the different pieces you need to recall.
   • You can also draw images in your chart or sketch out the main events of the essay in comic form.

EditTips

• Sleep and a healthy diet can improve your memory overall.
• If you need to present the essay, try practicing in front of family and friends.

EditWarnings

• Cramming the essay the night before may not help you remember the entire essay. It is better to start early.

EditSources and Citations

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