Drop/Add Email Etiquette
When corresponding online, you are not there in person to represent yourself; always be polite, formal, and respectful.
Organized by Haley Brumberger BA '20, MA '21
General Email Tips
- Keep it as short/brief as possible
- Use formal language
- Address the recipient by the most formal title they have
- Dr.
- Mr., Mrs., or Ms.
- Professor
- Be as succinct as possible in the subject line
- When appropriate, include the course code and name in the subject line AND body of the email
- Sign with a "Thank you" and your full name and class year
- Formatting the email
Subject Line: Course Code & Name
Dear Professor ______,
- Introduce yourself (include class year), and give any relevant background/reminder of who you are (if you have met/talked before)
- If applicable, what you have already done to try to get into the class (i.e. pre-reg rankings, drop/add rankings, etc.)
- Express interest, especially with the notion that you are really excited/passionate about the class and why
- Explain your preparation/what you would bring to the class, or a tangible reason that you want/need to be in the class (i.e. your prospective major requires it, you have background in the subject/course, etc.)
- Sometimes it's appropriate to include an offer to meet with the professor if you would feel comfortable, or an understanding statement about taking it in the future (if applicable)
Best/Sincerely/Thank you so much,
Full Name & Class Year
- Email template
Dear Professor ____,
My name is _______, and I am a ____-year student. I am writing to express my [keen/sincere/enthusiastic (or other adjective here)] interest in your [ title ] course.
I am planning to pursue the ___ major and this course would be an important foundation OR (Language specific) I hope to study abroad in ____ and would like to establish/refine (or other verb here) my language skills. (If applicable) I have studied __ for ___years and I hope to continue my studies as Wesleyan. OR This course aligns with my interests in ______. [Be succinct & clear here]
[Explain what you bring the course... this step is often more relevant sophomore year and beyond or for POI courses, but may be helpful here. Keep it short]
[If applicable, mention that you tried to get into class during pre-registration/adjustment/etc/have ranked it first]
[If true, explain that you plan to visit the first class]
Thank you for your consideration,
[Your full name and class year]
- Email example
Subject Line: ENGL123: Introduction to Poetry
Dear Professor LastName,
Hello! My name is Haley Brumberger; I am a sophomore and a prospective English major. I was enrolled in your American Literature from the War lecture at the beginning of this past semester, and we met briefly about my course dilemmas. Unfortunately, I then had to drop it due to some scheduling tetris.
Now, however, I am reaching out to express interest in your ENGL123: Introduction to Poetry class. I was drawn by the course description, but I also love writing poetic-style prose and want to work more with poetry, not only in my own writing but also in an academic setting. I know it would add to my appreciation for and interest in poetry if I took a class that focused on it, and I would love for that class to be yours!
I have currently ranked it #1 for Drop/Add – I also ranked it #1 during Pre-Registration – but I wanted to reach out as early as possible so as to maximize my chance of getting in should anyone drop it. If you keep a waitlist, please add my name! I plan on attending the first class.
All of that aside, if it doesn't work out next semester, I will definitely be trying again in the future. Thank you so much for your time! I hope work with you soon.
Best,
Haley Brumberger '20