Are you struggling with writing a follow-up email to a professor? Fear not, as I have some excellent examples just for you. Whether you need to follow up on a question, confirmation for a meeting, or simply want to express gratitude, these samples will come in handy.
You’ll find that the examples are easy to customize, making it easy for you to tailor them to your specific needs. With a little editing, you’ll have an email that’s worthy of sending to your professor, and you’ll be able to leave a great impression.
So, go ahead and take a look at the follow-up email sample to professor below, and start writing like Tim Ferriss.
The Best Structure for an Effective Follow-up Email to Your Professor
Sending a follow-up email can sometimes be a challenge, especially when you are communicating with an esteemed professor. Whether you are asking a question, requesting more information, or seeking feedback on an assignment, you want to ensure that your email is clear, courteous, and effective. In this article, I will share with you the best structure for a follow-up email sample to a professor, inspired by the writing style of Tim Ferriss.
The first thing to consider when crafting a follow-up email is the subject line. Your subject line should be clear and concise, and it should indicate the purpose of your email. For example, if you are following up on an assignment, your subject line could be “Follow-Up on Assignment [Class Name and Number].” This way, your professor will know what your email is about even before opening it.
The opening of your email is also crucial. You want to start on a positive note, expressing gratitude for the professor’s time and effort. For instance, you could say something like “Dear Professor [Last Name], I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for your hard work and dedication in teaching [Class Name and Number].” This opening sets a respectful tone and shows that you value your professor’s expertise.
In the body of your email, it’s essential to be clear and concise. Keep your paragraphs short and to the point, and use bullet points or numbered lists to break up long text. Provide the necessary context, and be specific in your requests or questions. Avoid using technical jargon or academic language that your professor may not understand easily. If you are asking for feedback or clarification, make sure to be respectful and ask your questions politely.
The conclusion of your email should also be positive and respectful. Thank your professor for their time and consideration and express your appreciation once again. You could also offer to provide more information or follow up in-person if necessary. This type of courteous gesture demonstrates your willingness to go the extra mile.
In summary, the best structure for an effective follow-up email to a professor includes a clear and concise subject line, a polite and respectful opening, a clear and concise body, and a positive and respectful conclusion. By following this structure, you can enhance your communication with your professor, build a more robust relationship, and achieve your academic goals more effectively.
Follow-Up Email Samples to Professor
Following up on a Research Opportunity
Dear Professor [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on our conversation regarding the research project you mentioned during our last meeting. I am still very interested in the opportunity to work with you and contribute to your research.
I would be grateful if you could provide me with more information about the project and the next steps. I am committed to contributing my skills and knowledge to this project and learning from your expertise.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Following up on a Recommendation Letter
Dear Professor [Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to follow up on my request for a recommendation letter that I sent you two weeks ago. As the deadline for the application is approaching, I am wondering if you have had a chance to write the letter yet.
I would be happy to provide you with any additional information or materials that could be useful in writing the recommendation letter. I understand that your time is valuable and I truly appreciate your help and support in this matter.
Thank you for your kind attention and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Following up on a Course Grade
Dear Professor [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my final grade for your course. I noticed that the grade posted on the portal is lower than I expected and I would like to know if there is a mistake or if there is anything I can do to improve my performance.
I enjoyed your course very much and I learned a lot from it. I would appreciate your feedback on my work and any suggestions you may have for me going forward.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Following up on a Meeting Request
Dear Professor [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my request to meet with you and discuss [topic of the meeting]. I understand that your schedule might be busy, but I would really appreciate a few minutes of your time to go over my ideas with you.
I am available [days and times] next week and I can come to your office at a time that works best for you. If you prefer, we can also meet via phone or video call.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Following up on a Question
Dear Professor [Name],
I hope you are well. I am writing to follow up on a question I asked during your lecture last week. I wasn’t sure about [specific part of the lecture] and I would really appreciate your clarification on the matter.
I value your expertise and I would like to deepen my understanding of the subject. I understand that you have a busy schedule, but I am willing to make time to discuss this further with you if necessary.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Following up on a Job Opportunity
Dear Professor [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on the job opportunity that you mentioned during our conversation last month. I am still very interested in the role and I believe that my skills and experience could be a good fit for the position.
I would be happy to provide you with my updated resume and any other information that you may need. I understand that the hiring process might take some time, but I would appreciate any update on the status of my application.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Following up on a Paper Feedback
Dear Professor [Name],
I hope you are well. I am writing to follow up on the feedback you provided on my paper. I appreciate the time and effort you put into reviewing my work and I found your comments very helpful.
I am planning to revise my paper over the next few days and I would like to know if you would be available to discuss it with me afterwards. I would like to incorporate your suggestions and have your opinion on the changes I made.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Follow-Up Email Tips for Students to Their Professors
Following up with professors after class or an in-person meeting can be a great way to solidify a connection and receive feedback, but what should you say in your follow-up email? The key is to be concise, respectful, and to-the-point. Here are some tips for students to consider when crafting their follow-up emails to professors:
1. Start with a friendly greeting: It’s important to start your follow-up email with a greeting to show that you value your relationship with your professor. A simple “Dear Professor [lastname],” or “Good afternoon, Professor [lastname],” is a good way to begin.
2. Recap the conversation: If you’re following up after an in-person meeting or class discussion, briefly summarize what was said. This shows that you were engaged during the conversation and that you’re actively seeking to reinforce what you learned.
3. Be specific about your ask: If you’re requesting feedback from your professor or assistance with a specific project, be sure to clearly state what you’re looking for. This makes it easier for your professor to respond and shows that you’ve put thought into your request.
4. Express gratitude: Remember to express gratitude for your professor’s time and consideration. A simple “thank you” or “I appreciate your help” can go a long way in showing your appreciation.
5. Keep it short and sweet: Professors are busy individuals, and they likely receive a lot of emails from students each day. Keep your follow-up email concise and to-the-point to make it easier for your professor to read and respond.
By following these tips, students can craft effective follow-up emails to their professors that reinforce their connection and show their appreciation.
Follow Up Email Sample to Professor FAQs
What is a follow-up email?
A follow-up email is a message sent after the initial communication to remind or inquire about an unanswered email or request/response.
Why should I send a follow-up email to my professor?
Sending a follow-up email to your professor can show your enthusiasm, professionalism, and persistence. It can also ensure that your message was received and give your professor a gentle nudge to reply.
When should I send a follow-up email to my professor?
You should typically wait at least a few days after sending the initial email before sending a follow-up. If it is time-sensitive, follow up after a day or two. It is important to not send too many follow-ups as it can be seen as spam or impatience.
What should I include in my follow-up email?
You should remind your professor of your previous message, express gratitude, briefly restate your request, and inquire about a response. Make sure to keep your email concise and to the point as professors have busy schedules.
How should I address my professor in my follow-up email?
You should address your professor appropriately, depending on their preference. You can also address them as “Dear Professor [Last Name]” or “Hello [Professor’s First Name]”. It is important to be respectful and professional.
What if I don’t receive a reply after sending a follow-up email?
If you do not receive a response after one or two follow-ups, it may be best to visit your professor during their office hours or schedule a meeting. It is important to remain professional and courteous in all forms of communication.
Should I attach my previous email in my follow-up?
It is ideal to add a brief summary of the initial message in your follow-up email rather than simply forwarding the original email. This can help jog your professor’s memory and make your message clearer and concise.
Is it appropriate to send a follow-up email on weekends or holidays?
It is best to avoid sending follow-up emails during weekends or holidays as professors deserve to have their time off. You can send your follow-up during weekdays but be respectful of their schedule and do not expect an immediate reply.
Can I use a follow-up email to ask for a favor or extension?
You can use a follow-up email to request a favor or extension, but be mindful of your language and tone. Express gratitude for their time and effort and be transparent about your situation. Understand that your professor may not always be able to grant your request.
How many follow-up emails can I send?
You should typically send one or two follow-up emails, sometimes three if it is time-sensitive or important. Sending too many follow-ups can be seen as pushy or annoying. Respect your professor’s schedule and communication preferences.
Thanks for checking out this follow up email sample!
I hope this article has given you some ideas on how to write a professional and effective email to your professor. Remember to always proofread, be respectful, and show your appreciation for their time and expertise. Thanks for reading and be sure to check back for more tips and tricks for success. Good luck with your studies!