Students sometime tell me after they’ve taken my exam that they needed a make-up exam because they were sick. I feel bad when that happens because it’s too late after they’ve taken it.

Here’s what goes into a good excuse:

1. You tell your professor as soon as possible that you will not be able to take the test.

2. You provide documentation for why you can’t take it.

3. You express remorse that you can’t take it on time.

4. You express gratitude when your professor tells you that he or she will give you a make-up exam.

Please let me know about your good or bad experiences in handling excuses for exams you’ve had to miss.