By Claire Wiener > Junior > History and Film Studies > George Washington University

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, right? In college, it’s not that easy. With a paper due every week and a ton of reading every night, there’s little room for anything else. But sometimes, grandparents pass away, boyfriends dump you, swine flu infects you, or you just go ahead and break your arm while doing a keg stand.

In any case, the unexpected bump in the road will often qualify you for an extension on an upcoming paper, test or quiz. However, actually getting an extension is another story, for many students go about it the wrong way. Here are the rules of “Extension Etiquette,” for those who really need it.

1. Be Nice. Don’t run up to your professor and demand that they accommodate you. In fact, you are inconveniencing them. And don’t bother your professor with an endless string of excuses and specifics on the situation. Be polite, explain the situation concisely and honestly, and accept their response, whatever it may be.

2.  Get a doctor’s note. Although it’s really annoying to have to get a doctor’s note when any random person can easily tell that you’re sick, it’s going to help get you that extension. And sometimes it’s easier than you think – if you go to the hospital, save the bracelet they give you; or, if you’ve been taking medication, bring the prescription note.

3. Don’t lie. The worst thing you can do is to trick your professor into giving an extension, because getting caught would, for lack of better words, suck. One Sarah Lawrence College student faked being sick to get out of taking a test that day, but was stunned to see her professor at her doorstep after class had ended, with a bowl of soup in hand. And obviously, lying to your professor will most definitely negatively impact your grade. “Grandma dies only once,” says Jessica, a TA from GW.

4. Don’t e-mail. E-mail is an impersonal and somewhat lazy way of letting your teacher know what’s going on. If you were sick in bed or if it’s an emergency, then e-mail would suffice. But if you’re attending a wedding you knew about three months ago, you should talk to the professor in class, as opposed to letting him know the night before. Professors appreciate both the effort and the proaction. 

5. Only ask for one if you really need it. Never ask for an extension on something because you just don’t feel like doing it. If it’s an easy two-page book report or a breezy two-week take-home test, consider just doing it instead of using up your extension card, because it’s hard to ask for another one later.

6. Have a good reason. As mentioned before, you should have a good reason to get an extension to begin with. Family emergencies, religious holidays and job interviews are all legitimate reasons. In fact, there are hundreds of reasons why someone would need an extension, but remember: If you’re not sick, or in pain or distress, you’re probably going to have to buckle up and write that paper.

7. Ace that test, quiz or paper. You should be able to with all that extra time!