In this article, we are going to see the answer to the question ‘How to write an Apology letter to professors?.
Introduction
We have all had major and minor slip-ups in school or college. Sometimes, we are held accountable and have to face huge punishments. On other occasions, we get away with insignificant repercussions. No matter the intensity of our mistakes, an apology to our heads is a given. But there is a method to apologize. A lousy apology reflects a lack of commitment and character.
In this article, I will tell you how you can write a sincere apology letter to your professor to gain forgiveness and get back on their good side. So if you have messed up in school and need to gain back the trust of your professor, then keep scrolling!
An apology could be for any purpose. Right from missing a test, being late on submissions, cheating on an exam, or even plagiarism. Sometimes a worded apology is acceptable and seals the deal. But it is always too beneficial to make an official written apology to your teachers and express regret over your actions. To really gain forgiveness, it is important that the apology is sincere and that your willingness to improve is communicated through it. There are certain points to remember and some guidelines to follow when writing an apology letter, like being direct, taking responsibility, being willing to improve in the future, and showing promise. The accumulation of these and certain other tips will result in you getting into your professor’s good books. So, let’s start.
Why is an apology letter written?
As mentioned before, an apology letter could be for various reasons. I am going to point out some situations where an apology letter could be necessary. If you’ve committed any such mistakes, then start taking notes.
Late submissions
When most of us live in a world of multi-tasking, it is possible that we can sometimes miss some of our deadlines. Most students are burdened with multiple submissions, tests, and extra-curricular at once. So, it is normal to make a late submission once in a while. But it is also important to remember that teachers are living the same lifestyle and need to stick to a schedule. You absolutely need to apologize to your professor in such a case where you have turned in your projects, essays, or assignments late and missed the deadline. This not only shows that you regret your actions but also acknowledges that you value your professor’s time and energy. Remember to not make it into a pattern though.
Also note that when you are burdened with a lot of work and can presume that you won’t make the deadline, you can ask for an extension!
Misbehavior
Misbehavior can be of any form right from talking in class to bullying your peers. When in a classroom, you are bound by some rules, and breaking these rules warrants an apology to your superior. In the case of single small misbehavior, a worded apology might suffice but if you have shown a pattern of misbehavior, then it is best that you reflect on your actions and make a written apology.
Plagiarism
Schools and professors take plagiarism very seriously. It is when you take someone else’s writing and pass it off as your own. If your professor calls you out for plagiarism in your essay, you best believe that your best course of action is to profusely apologize for it with a formal letter.
Cheating in an exam
In my opinion, this is a major mistake that professors take very seriously. If you are caught cheating in an exam, make sure that your apology letter is ready at hand. You could lose your grade on that exam or even face suspension. Professors from really bad impressions of students who are caught in such practices. This could very well ruin your rapport with your professor for a long time and might even affect your grades in the future. So a formal letter is a must!
These are just some of the reasons behind writing an apology letter, but you get the idea behind it. Now let us understand how an apology letter must be drafted.
The format
Salutations
It is very important that you begin with a strong and respectful impression. Make sure your tone is formal and that you address your professor courteously. Some important things to remember here are:
- Choose the appropriate salutations. Remember how your professor prefers to be addressed in the classroom. Mr./Mrs./Ms. Etc.
- Do not be informal in your salutations. Do not say “Hey!”
For example-
Dear Mr. White,
Acknowledge your mistake
It is important to acknowledge and apologize first and foremost. Use and spell out the words “I am sorry” This conveys your motives and intentions.
For example,
“I am sorry for the late submission of my essay in your subject.”
Explain your situation
It is possible that your behavior was inadvertent. In this case, explain yourself after apologizing. Remember that whatever the reason was, cannot be passed off as an excuse. You should own your mistakes and summarize the unfortunate circumstances in your explanation.
For example,
“I had bitten off more than I could chew and found myself to be drowning in schoolwork. The late assignment was a result of my faulty decision making and poor time management skills.”
Show promise
An apology is insufficient when you don’t show any willingness to improve. Make sure to point out that you are working on your shortcomings to avoid the same in the future.
For example,
“I am learning how to manage my time better by making and following strict schedules. I have also made sure not to overburden myself. I can assure you that this behavior would not be repeated in the future.”
Appreciate their efforts
It is also important to appreciate and acknowledge your professor’s efforts. This conveys that you respect them and their time and makes it easier to forgive.
For example,
“Thank you for the efforts you take for your students. I really appreciate that you accepted my essay after the deadline. I am glad to be in your class.”
End the letter
Just like the beginning, a good ending is important as well. Apologize again for your actions and assure them that you won’t repeat them. Thank your professor for their time and sign off with your name.
For example,
“I apologize once again for my actions and promise to not repeat them. Thank you for your time.”
Sincerely,
Jesy Edwards.
Points to remember
Be sincere
It is of utmost importance that you be sincere in your apologies and truly understands your mistake. Teachers deal with hundreds of students and can figure out when a student is being insincere. If your apology is not from the heart then don’t bother making it because then you would likely repeat the mistake again.
Be direct
Make your apology clear and short. Do not beat around the bush or stray away from the topic at hand. Get to the point immediately and show that you respect your teacher’s time.
No If’s or But’s
When you are apologizing, you are expressing regret over YOUR actions. Do not use words like If or But because it conveys a lack of responsibility. Sentences like “I’m sorry if my behavior in class bothered you” or “I was late in submitting my essay but it was because of the math quiz.” Do not belong in your apology.
Take responsibility
Even if your mistake was unintentional, you were at fault. So take responsibility for your actions. There is no point in playing the blame game. Saying things like “I was only talking in your class because Jess was asking me a doubt” will make a stale impression on your professor. If you are not ready to take responsibility for your actions then you aren’t ready to write an apology letter.
Do not make excuses
There is no benefit in writing an apology if you are going to make excuses for your mistake. A mistake has been made and that is all that matters to your professor. Also note that there is a thin line in making an excuse and explaining the situation, so tread that path lightly.
Show promise
You have to convey how you are making amends for your mistake and changing your behavior. Explain the improvements you have made/planning to make. This shows promise to your professor and they might find it easy to trust you again.
Explain why it matters to you
Tell your professor how it matters to you that you do not repeat your mistake. Do this by talking about how this isn’t your nature or that you are ashamed of your behavior. If the professor sees that you aren’t a student who gets in trouble too often, they might forgive you easily.
Now that I have explained the steps and important key points of writing an apology letter, let’s look at some samples to get a clear coherent idea.
Apology letter for late submission
Dear Mr. White,
Please accept this letter as my apology for the late submission of my essay for your class. I am truly sorry for missing the deadline and adding to your trouble.
I had been struggling with schoolwork for a while due to my lack of dedication. I had bitten off more than I could chew and this resulted in a series of pending work. The late submission was a result of my faulty decision-making and poor time management. I am really embarrassed about my actions.
I am learning how to manage my time better by making and following strict schedules. I have also made sure not to overburden myself. I can assure you that this behavior would not be repeated in the future.
I would also like to thank you for your efforts in making the class so interesting and easy for us to understand. I am really grateful to be in your class. I also appreciate that you accepted my essay after the deadline.
I am once again sorry for my mistake and promise to do better in the future. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Lane Kim.
Apology letter for plagiarism
Dear Mr. Medina,
Please accept this letter as my apology for submitting a plagiarized report on your subject. I am truly sorry for my behavior and wish to make amends for it.
I had submitted a report on July 25, 2021, and was surprised to get back a notice that it had 20% plagiarism. I had failed to check the plagiarism and originality of the content which led to these circumstances. I have always submitted original reports and essays and can assure you that this is a secluded incident that won’t be repeated.
I understand that you have zero plagiarism tolerance. I will make sure to thoroughly check my reports from henceforth and avoid plagiarism at any cost. I am embarrassed by my actions.
I also want to take this opportunity to appreciate your efforts in making this class so interesting and informative. I am grateful to be learning from you and would not want to lose this opportunity. I am really thankful that you gave me a chance to correct my mistake and resubmit my report even after the deadline.
I am once again sorry for this incident and assure you that it won’t be repeated. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
April Danes.
Apology letter for misbehavior in class
Dear Ms. Gilmore,
Please accept this letter as my apology for misbehaving in your class. I am truly sorry for my behavior and wish to make amends for the trouble I have caused you.
I was completely out of bounds when I talked back to you and showed aggressive behavior in class last week. I am sorry for being a nuisance and for hurting you. My behavior was uncalled for and completely unacceptable. I am glad you asked me to leave the class and sent me to the principal’s office because I deserved punishment for my mistake.
I have taken the past few days to reflect on my actions and have come to truly regret my behavior. I have also been asked to attend counseling sessions with the school counselor and I plan to take these sessions seriously. I am going to take this as an opportunity to make myself better and get in control of my emotions.
I also want to take this opportunity to appreciate your efforts in making this class so interesting and informative. I am grateful to be learning from you and would not want to lose this opportunity. I am going to be a better student.
I am once again sorry for my behavior and can assure you that I won’t repeat it. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Jess Mariano.
I hope these few sample letters would prove to be helpful. Draft letters for other reasons in the same way. Take a look at the “points to remember” section of this article to make your letter better. Most importantly, remember to be sincere!
Conclusion
Mistakes happen. Nobody is perfect, right? But what values is that you take responsibility for your mistakes. This builds character and conveys a sense of respect for your superiors. So the next time you make a mistake, do not shy away from apologizing through a formal letter. You certainly know how to write one now!
