Why Your Professor Ignored Your Email (And How to Write One They'll Actually Answer)

The Email That Goes Into the Void

You sent your professor an email three days ago.

It was important. You needed an answer. You were polite, said "please" and "thank you," checked your spelling.

Still no response.

You send a follow-up. Nothing.

Now you're spiraling: Did I say something wrong? Are they mad? Did it go to spam? Should I show up to office hours?

Here's what actually happened: Your professor saw your email. And decided it wasn't worth responding to.

Not because they're mean. Because you broke one of the unspoken rules of academic email—and they get 50 emails a day from students who break the same rules.

What Professors Won't Tell You About Student Emails

Your professor receives 200-300 emails per week.

From students, administrators, colleagues, journal editors, conference organizers, people asking for recommendation letters, people wanting them to review papers...

Your email is competing with actual work they're trying to finish.

When they see a student email, they're asking:

"Can they figure this out themselves?" (Syllabus/website/Google)
"Is this an emergency or just poor planning?"
"How much time will responding take?"
"Did they even try before emailing?"
"Is this student going to be high-maintenance?"

If any of these answers are bad, your email gets ignored.

Even if you needed help. Even if it was a legitimate question.

The 7 Emails Professors Auto-Ignore

🚫 Email #1: "Hi"

What students send:

Subject: Hi

Hi Professor,

Can I ask you something?

Why it gets ignored:

Wasting their time - They now have to reply asking what you want
Looks lazy - You want them to do more work than you
Seems disrespectful - Their time matters

Professor's thought: "If you can't be bothered to state your question, I can't be bothered to respond."

🚫 Email #2: "Can I Get an Extension?"

What students send:

Subject: Extension?

Hi Professor,

I'm not going to be able to finish the paper by Friday. Can I have an extension until Monday?

Why it gets ignored:

No reason given - Why should they care?
Assumes yes - Demanding, not requesting
Poor planning - Thursday night email for Friday deadline
Sets bad precedent - Say yes to you, say yes to everyone

Professor's thought: "The deadline was on the syllabus for 3 months."

🚫 Email #3: "Can You Explain [Entire Lecture]?"

What students send:

Subject: Class question

Hi Professor,

I missed Tuesday's class. Can you send me your notes? Also, I didn't really understand what we covered. Can you explain it?

Why it gets ignored:

You want them to re-teach class privately to you
You're asking for lecture notes (which they spent hours creating)
No indication you tried to catch up first
This will take 30 minutes to answer

Professor's thought: "I'm not your private tutor. Check with classmates."

🚫 Email #4: "What Did I Miss?"

What students send:

Hi,

I wasn't in class today. Did I miss anything important?

Why it gets ignored:

Implies their class might not be important
Entitled tone
Lazy question - You can ask a classmate
They're not your secretary

Professor's thought: "Yes. I taught a class. That's what you missed."

🚫 Email #5: "I Need a Letter of Recommendation" (From Someone Who Never Came to Office Hours)

What students send:

Hi Professor,

I'm applying for [program] and need a letter of recommendation by next Friday. Can you write me one?

Thanks!

Why it gets ignored:

One week notice - Letters take time
No relationship - They don't know you
No context provided - What should they even write?
You're making them do work for someone they can't vouch for

Professor's thought: "I don't know who this person is."

🚫 Email #6: "Can I Come to Your Office Hours?"

What students send:

Hi Professor,

I have some questions about the essay. Can I come to your office hours on Thursday?

Why it gets ignored:

Office hours are literally for this
You don't need permission
Now they have to respond to tell you to do the thing they already told you to do

Professor's thought: "That's... what office hours are for. Just come."

🚫 Email #7: "Is This Going to Be on the Test?"

What students send:

Quick question - will we need to know the stuff from Chapter 7 for the exam?

Why it gets ignored:

Exam study guide exists
Syllabus lists this
You're asking them to do your studying for you
Answering creates unfair advantage over students who studied everything

Professor's thought: "Study everything. That's how exams work."

What Your Professor Actually Wants in an Email

Professors DO respond to emails. Just not bad ones.

Here's what they want to see:

✅ You Tried First

Show you looked at the syllabus, checked the course website, asked a classmate.

❌ "What's the reading for next week?" ✅ "I checked the syllabus and it says Chapter 5, but I wanted to confirm that's still accurate since we adjusted the schedule."

✅ Specific Question

Don't make them guess what you need.

❌ "I'm confused about the essay." ✅ "For the analysis essay, should we focus on one primary source or compare multiple sources?"

✅ Legitimate Reason

If you need something (extension, exception, help), explain why.

❌ "Can I turn the paper in Monday instead?" ✅ "I have a documented illness this week and have been unable to write. Could I turn the paper in Monday with a 10% late penalty?"

✅ Respect for Their Time

Keep it short. Make it easy to answer.

❌ "Can you explain everything we covered this week?" ✅ "I'm struggling with the concept of X from Tuesday's lecture. Which section of the textbook covers this so I can review before office hours?"

✅ Professional Tone

Not too casual, not too formal. No texting abbreviations.

❌ "hey prof, quick q - r we meeting tmrw lol" ✅ "Hi Professor Smith, Quick question about office hours: Are they still at 2pm tomorrow?"

Email Templates That Actually Work

Template 1: Asking for Help with Course Material

❌ DON'T:

I didn't understand anything from today's class. Can you explain it?

✅ DO:

Subject: Question about [specific topic] from Tuesday's lecture

Hi Professor [Name],

I reviewed my notes from Tuesday's lecture on [topic] and I'm having trouble understanding [specific concept].

I read the relevant textbook section (pages X-Y) but I'm still confused about [specific part].

Would you be able to clarify this during office hours on Thursday? Or if there's another resource you'd recommend, I'd appreciate the guidance.

Thank you, [Your name] [Course name/number]

Why this works:

Shows you took notes
Shows you tried the textbook
Asks a specific question
Gives them an easy out (recommend resource)
Includes course info (they teach multiple classes)

Template 2: Requesting an Extension (Legitimate Reason)

❌ DON'T:

I can't finish the paper on time. Can I have more time?

✅ DO:

Subject: Extension request for Essay 2 due Friday

Hi Professor [Name],

I'm writing to request an extension for Essay 2, currently due Friday 10/20.

Situation: I have been in the hospital since Tuesday for [brief, not overly detailed reason].

What I'm requesting: Could I submit the essay on Monday 10/23 instead?

I have: My hospital discharge papers I can provide as documentation.

I understand this is late notice and I take responsibility for communicating this sooner. If Monday doesn't work, please let me know what would be possible.

Thank you for considering this.

[Your name] [Course name/number]

Why this works:

Clear subject line with assignment name
Brief explanation (not a sob story)
Specific alternative deadline
Offers documentation
Acknowledges their flexibility
Takes responsibility
Gives them control ("if Monday doesn't work")

Template 3: Following Up on an Email

❌ DON'T:

Did you get my email?

✅ DO:

Subject: Following up: Question about midterm format

Hi Professor [Name],

I'm following up on an email I sent on Monday (10/15) about the midterm format.

In case it got buried, my question was: [Restate the specific question in 1-2 sentences]

No rush if you're still deciding, but I wanted to make sure it didn't get lost.

Thank you, [Your name] [Course name/number]

Why this works:

Acknowledges their inbox is busy
Restates the question (they don't have to search)
Not demanding or passive-aggressive
Includes date of original email

Template 4: Requesting a Letter of Recommendation (The Right Way)

❌ DON'T:

Can you write me a letter of rec by Friday?

✅ DO:

Subject: Letter of recommendation request for [Program Name]

Hi Professor [Name],

I'm applying for [specific program/position] and I'm reaching out to ask if you would be willing to write me a letter of recommendation.

Why I'm asking you: I really valued your [class name] course and the feedback you gave on my [specific paper/project]. I think you could speak to my [specific skills/qualities relevant to program].

Timeline: The deadline is [date - at least 3-4 weeks out]. I know this is a time commitment and completely understand if you're too busy.

I will provide:

Resume/CV

Personal statement draft

Specific points you could address (if helpful)

All submission instructions

Would you be able to do this? If not, no problem at all—I completely understand.

Thank you for considering, [Your name] [Course name, semester you took it]

Why this works:

Gives 3-4 weeks notice minimum
Explains why you're asking them specifically
Offers to make it easy for them
Acknowledges it's a big ask
Gives them an easy out

Template 5: Asking About Office Hours

❌ DON'T:

Can I come to your office hours?

✅ DO:

Subject: Planning to attend office hours Thursday

Hi Professor [Name],

I'm planning to come to office hours on Thursday at 2pm to discuss [specific topic/question].

Will you be available then, or should I aim for your other office hours on Tuesday?

Thanks, [Your name] [Course name/number]

Why this works:

You're not asking permission (you're giving notice)
Mentions specific time so they can correct you if wrong
States your topic so they can prepare
Offers alternative (their other office hours time)

The Real Reason Your Email Got Ignored

It's not personal. Your professor isn't ignoring you.

They're ignoring the hundreds of students who email them with:

Questions answered in the syllabus
Requests they can't say yes to
Problems that aren't their responsibility to solve
Emails that will take 20 minutes to respond to

Your email got lumped in with those.

Not because you did anything terrible. But because it didn't clearly signal: "This is worth your time."

The 4 Questions Professors Ask About Every Email

Before they respond, they're evaluating:

1. SIGNAL: What exactly is this student asking for?

Is the question specific?
Can I answer this in under 5 minutes?
Or will this become a whole thing?

If unclear: Ignored (too much work to figure out)

2. OPPORTUNITY: Is this a good use of my time?

Could they solve this themselves?
Did they try?
Is this actually my job to answer?

If no: Ignored (not my problem)

3. RISK: What happens if I say yes?

Will this set a bad precedent?
Will every student want the same thing?
Am I enabling poor planning?

If risky: Ignored (or delayed)

4. AFFECT: Is this student going to be difficult?

Do they sound demanding?
Are they being respectful?
Will this turn into a long back-and-forth?

If bad vibes: Ignored (conflict avoidance)

Check Your Email Before Sending

Before you hit send, ask yourself:

1. Did I check the syllabus/course website first? If no → Check there first. Then mention you checked in the email.

2. Is my question specific and answerable in one paragraph? If no → Break it into smaller questions or ask one thing at a time.

3. Am I giving them at least a week's notice for any request? If no → Rethink whether this is an emergency or poor planning on your part.

4. Does this email sound respectful and professional? If no → Remove texting abbreviations, add your full name and course info, use proper grammar.

5. Would I respond to this email if I got 50 others today? If no → Revise to make it easier/faster/more legitimate.

Get Your Email Analyzed Before Sending

Not sure if your professor email will get a response?

Check it free with 4Angles →

Paste your email. See how it scores on:

SIGNAL (is your ask clear?)
OPPORTUNITY (is this worth their time?)
RISK (what could go wrong?)
AFFECT (does this sound demanding?)

Get specific suggestions before you send.

No signup required. Just instant feedback.

The Email That Goes Into the Void

You sent your professor an email three days ago.

It was important. You needed an answer. You were polite, said "please" and "thank you," checked your spelling.

Still no response.

You send a follow-up. Nothing.

Now you're spiraling: Did I say something wrong? Are they mad? Did it go to spam? Should I show up to office hours?

Here's what actually happened: Your professor saw your email. And decided it wasn't worth responding to.

Not because they're mean. Because you broke one of the unspoken rules of academic email—and they get 50 emails a day from students who break the same rules.

What Professors Won't Tell You About Student Emails

Your professor receives 200-300 emails per week.

From students, administrators, colleagues, journal editors, conference organizers, people asking for recommendation letters, people wanting them to review papers...

Your email is competing with actual work they're trying to finish.

When they see a student email, they're asking:

"Can they figure this out themselves?" (Syllabus/website/Google)
"Is this an emergency or just poor planning?"
"How much time will responding take?"
"Did they even try before emailing?"
"Is this student going to be high-maintenance?"

If any of these answers are bad, your email gets ignored.

Even if you needed help. Even if it was a legitimate question.

The 7 Emails Professors Auto-Ignore

🚫 Email #1: "Hi"

What students send:

Subject: Hi

Hi Professor,

Can I ask you something?

Why it gets ignored:

Wasting their time - They now have to reply asking what you want
Looks lazy - You want them to do more work than you
Seems disrespectful - Their time matters

Professor's thought: "If you can't be bothered to state your question, I can't be bothered to respond."

🚫 Email #2: "Can I Get an Extension?"

What students send:

Subject: Extension?

Hi Professor,

I'm not going to be able to finish the paper by Friday. Can I have an extension until Monday?

Why it gets ignored:

No reason given - Why should they care?
Assumes yes - Demanding, not requesting
Poor planning - Thursday night email for Friday deadline
Sets bad precedent - Say yes to you, say yes to everyone

Professor's thought: "The deadline was on the syllabus for 3 months."

🚫 Email #3: "Can You Explain [Entire Lecture]?"

What students send:

Subject: Class question

Hi Professor,

I missed Tuesday's class. Can you send me your notes? Also, I didn't really understand what we covered. Can you explain it?

Why it gets ignored:

You want them to re-teach class privately to you
You're asking for lecture notes (which they spent hours creating)
No indication you tried to catch up first
This will take 30 minutes to answer

Professor's thought: "I'm not your private tutor. Check with classmates."

🚫 Email #4: "What Did I Miss?"

What students send:

Hi,

I wasn't in class today. Did I miss anything important?

Why it gets ignored:

Implies their class might not be important
Entitled tone
Lazy question - You can ask a classmate
They're not your secretary

Professor's thought: "Yes. I taught a class. That's what you missed."

🚫 Email #5: "I Need a Letter of Recommendation" (From Someone Who Never Came to Office Hours)

What students send:

Hi Professor,

I'm applying for [program] and need a letter of recommendation by next Friday. Can you write me one?

Thanks!

Why it gets ignored:

One week notice - Letters take time
No relationship - They don't know you
No context provided - What should they even write?
You're making them do work for someone they can't vouch for

Professor's thought: "I don't know who this person is."

🚫 Email #6: "Can I Come to Your Office Hours?"

What students send:

Hi Professor,

I have some questions about the essay. Can I come to your office hours on Thursday?

Why it gets ignored:

Office hours are literally for this
You don't need permission
Now they have to respond to tell you to do the thing they already told you to do

Professor's thought: "That's... what office hours are for. Just come."

🚫 Email #7: "Is This Going to Be on the Test?"

What students send:

Quick question - will we need to know the stuff from Chapter 7 for the exam?

Why it gets ignored:

Exam study guide exists
Syllabus lists this
You're asking them to do your studying for you
Answering creates unfair advantage over students who studied everything

Professor's thought: "Study everything. That's how exams work."

What Your Professor Actually Wants in an Email

Professors DO respond to emails. Just not bad ones.

Here's what they want to see:

✅ You Tried First

Show you looked at the syllabus, checked the course website, asked a classmate.

❌ "What's the reading for next week?" ✅ "I checked the syllabus and it says Chapter 5, but I wanted to confirm that's still accurate since we adjusted the schedule."

✅ Specific Question

Don't make them guess what you need.

❌ "I'm confused about the essay." ✅ "For the analysis essay, should we focus on one primary source or compare multiple sources?"

✅ Legitimate Reason

If you need something (extension, exception, help), explain why.

❌ "Can I turn the paper in Monday instead?" ✅ "I have a documented illness this week and have been unable to write. Could I turn the paper in Monday with a 10% late penalty?"

✅ Respect for Their Time

Keep it short. Make it easy to answer.

✅ Professional Tone

Not too casual, not too formal. No texting abbreviations.

❌ "hey prof, quick q - r we meeting tmrw lol" ✅ "Hi Professor Smith, Quick question about office hours: Are they still at 2pm tomorrow?"

Email Templates That Actually Work

Template 1: Asking for Help with Course Material

❌ DON'T:

I didn't understand anything from today's class. Can you explain it?

✅ DO:

Subject: Question about [specific topic] from Tuesday's lecture

Hi Professor [Name],

I reviewed my notes from Tuesday's lecture on [topic] and I'm having trouble understanding [specific concept].

I read the relevant textbook section (pages X-Y) but I'm still confused about [specific part].

Would you be able to clarify this during office hours on Thursday? Or if there's another resource you'd recommend, I'd appreciate the guidance.

Thank you, [Your name] [Course name/number]

Why this works:

Shows you took notes
Shows you tried the textbook
Asks a specific question
Gives them an easy out (recommend resource)
Includes course info (they teach multiple classes)

Template 2: Requesting an Extension (Legitimate Reason)

❌ DON'T:

I can't finish the paper on time. Can I have more time?

✅ DO:

Subject: Extension request for Essay 2 due Friday

Hi Professor [Name],

I'm writing to request an extension for Essay 2, currently due Friday 10/20.

Situation: I have been in the hospital since Tuesday for [brief, not overly detailed reason].

What I'm requesting: Could I submit the essay on Monday 10/23 instead?

I have: My hospital discharge papers I can provide as documentation.

I understand this is late notice and I take responsibility for communicating this sooner. If Monday doesn't work, please let me know what would be possible.

Thank you for considering this.

[Your name] [Course name/number]

Why this works:

Clear subject line with assignment name
Brief explanation (not a sob story)
Specific alternative deadline
Offers documentation
Acknowledges their flexibility
Takes responsibility
Gives them control ("if Monday doesn't work")

Template 3: Following Up on an Email

❌ DON'T:

Did you get my email?

✅ DO:

Subject: Following up: Question about midterm format

Hi Professor [Name],

I'm following up on an email I sent on Monday (10/15) about the midterm format.

In case it got buried, my question was: [Restate the specific question in 1-2 sentences]

No rush if you're still deciding, but I wanted to make sure it didn't get lost.

Thank you, [Your name] [Course name/number]

Why this works:

Acknowledges their inbox is busy
Restates the question (they don't have to search)
Not demanding or passive-aggressive
Includes date of original email

Template 4: Requesting a Letter of Recommendation (The Right Way)

❌ DON'T:

Can you write me a letter of rec by Friday?

✅ DO:

Subject: Letter of recommendation request for [Program Name]

Hi Professor [Name],

I'm applying for [specific program/position] and I'm reaching out to ask if you would be willing to write me a letter of recommendation.

Why I'm asking you: I really valued your [class name] course and the feedback you gave on my [specific paper/project]. I think you could speak to my [specific skills/qualities relevant to program].

Timeline: The deadline is [date - at least 3-4 weeks out]. I know this is a time commitment and completely understand if you're too busy.

I will provide:

Resume/CV

Personal statement draft

Specific points you could address (if helpful)

All submission instructions

Would you be able to do this? If not, no problem at all—I completely understand.

Thank you for considering, [Your name] [Course name, semester you took it]

Why this works:

Gives 3-4 weeks notice minimum
Explains why you're asking them specifically
Offers to make it easy for them
Acknowledges it's a big ask
Gives them an easy out

Template 5: Asking About Office Hours

❌ DON'T:

Can I come to your office hours?

✅ DO:

Subject: Planning to attend office hours Thursday

Hi Professor [Name],

I'm planning to come to office hours on Thursday at 2pm to discuss [specific topic/question].

Will you be available then, or should I aim for your other office hours on Tuesday?

Thanks, [Your name] [Course name/number]

Why this works:

You're not asking permission (you're giving notice)
Mentions specific time so they can correct you if wrong
States your topic so they can prepare
Offers alternative (their other office hours time)

The Real Reason Your Email Got Ignored

It's not personal. Your professor isn't ignoring you.

They're ignoring the hundreds of students who email them with:

Questions answered in the syllabus
Requests they can't say yes to
Problems that aren't their responsibility to solve
Emails that will take 20 minutes to respond to

Your email got lumped in with those.

Not because you did anything terrible. But because it didn't clearly signal: "This is worth your time."

The 4 Questions Professors Ask About Every Email

Before they respond, they're evaluating:

1. SIGNAL: What exactly is this student asking for?

Is the question specific?
Can I answer this in under 5 minutes?
Or will this become a whole thing?

If unclear: Ignored (too much work to figure out)

2. OPPORTUNITY: Is this a good use of my time?

Could they solve this themselves?
Did they try?
Is this actually my job to answer?

If no: Ignored (not my problem)

3. RISK: What happens if I say yes?

Will this set a bad precedent?
Will every student want the same thing?
Am I enabling poor planning?

If risky: Ignored (or delayed)

4. AFFECT: Is this student going to be difficult?

Do they sound demanding?
Are they being respectful?
Will this turn into a long back-and-forth?

If bad vibes: Ignored (conflict avoidance)

Check Your Email Before Sending

Before you hit send, ask yourself:

1. Did I check the syllabus/course website first? If no → Check there first. Then mention you checked in the email.

2. Is my question specific and answerable in one paragraph? If no → Break it into smaller questions or ask one thing at a time.

3. Am I giving them at least a week's notice for any request? If no → Rethink whether this is an emergency or poor planning on your part.

4. Does this email sound respectful and professional? If no → Remove texting abbreviations, add your full name and course info, use proper grammar.

5. Would I respond to this email if I got 50 others today? If no → Revise to make it easier/faster/more legitimate.

Get Your Email Analyzed Before Sending

Not sure if your professor email will get a response?

Check it free with 4Angles →

Paste your email. See how it scores on:

SIGNAL (is your ask clear?)
OPPORTUNITY (is this worth their time?)
RISK (what could go wrong?)
AFFECT (does this sound demanding?)

Get specific suggestions before you send.

No signup required. Just instant feedback.

Why Your Professor Ignored Your Email (And How to Write One They'll Actually Answer)

The Email That Goes Into the Void

What Professors Won't Tell You About Student Emails

The 7 Emails Professors Auto-Ignore

🚫 Email #1: "Hi"

🚫 Email #2: "Can I Get an Extension?"

🚫 Email #3: "Can You Explain [Entire Lecture]?"

🚫 Email #4: "What Did I Miss?"

🚫 Email #5: "I Need a Letter of Recommendation" (From Someone Who Never Came to Office Hours)

🚫 Email #6: "Can I Come to Your Office Hours?"

🚫 Email #7: "Is This Going to Be on the Test?"

What Your Professor Actually Wants in an Email

✅ You Tried First

✅ Specific Question

✅ Legitimate Reason

✅ Respect for Their Time

✅ Professional Tone

Email Templates That Actually Work

Template 1: Asking for Help with Course Material

Template 2: Requesting an Extension (Legitimate Reason)

Template 3: Following Up on an Email

Template 4: Requesting a Letter of Recommendation (The Right Way)

Template 5: Asking About Office Hours

The Real Reason Your Email Got Ignored

The 4 Questions Professors Ask About Every Email

1. SIGNAL: What exactly is this student asking for?

2. OPPORTUNITY: Is this a good use of my time?

3. RISK: What happens if I say yes?

4. AFFECT: Is this student going to be difficult?

Check Your Email Before Sending

Get Your Email Analyzed Before Sending

Related Reading

Ready to Analyze Your Message?

Why Your Professor Ignored Your Email (And How to Write One They'll Actually Answer)

The Email That Goes Into the Void

What Professors Won't Tell You About Student Emails

The 7 Emails Professors Auto-Ignore

🚫 Email #1: "Hi"

🚫 Email #2: "Can I Get an Extension?"

🚫 Email #3: "Can You Explain [Entire Lecture]?"

🚫 Email #4: "What Did I Miss?"

🚫 Email #5: "I Need a Letter of Recommendation" (From Someone Who Never Came to Office Hours)

🚫 Email #6: "Can I Come to Your Office Hours?"

🚫 Email #7: "Is This Going to Be on the Test?"

What Your Professor Actually Wants in an Email

✅ You Tried First

✅ Specific Question

✅ Legitimate Reason

✅ Respect for Their Time

✅ Professional Tone

Email Templates That Actually Work

Template 1: Asking for Help with Course Material

Template 2: Requesting an Extension (Legitimate Reason)

Template 3: Following Up on an Email

Template 4: Requesting a Letter of Recommendation (The Right Way)

Template 5: Asking About Office Hours

The Real Reason Your Email Got Ignored

The 4 Questions Professors Ask About Every Email

1. SIGNAL: What exactly is this student asking for?

2. OPPORTUNITY: Is this a good use of my time?

3. RISK: What happens if I say yes?

4. AFFECT: Is this student going to be difficult?

Check Your Email Before Sending

Get Your Email Analyzed Before Sending

Related Reading

Ready to Analyze Your Message?