What to Reply When Asking About a Grade You Think Is Wrong
Questioning a grade can feel uncomfortable, but a calm, specific email is far more effective than a frustrated one. Focus on facts, not feelings.
Use these when
- You believe a grade was calculated incorrectly
- You want clarification on how points were deducted
- You need to request a regrade respectfully
- You disagree with feedback tied to the grade
Skip these if
- Don't email while still upset, wait until you're calm
- Don't accuse the teacher of unfairness outright
- Don't demand a specific new grade, ask for a review instead
- Don't skip referencing the specific question or section in doubt
14 replies to choose from
Dear Professor [Name], I was reviewing my grade for [assignment] and had a question about how points were allocated on [section]. Could you help clarify?
Standard professional query
Hi Professor [Name], I noticed a discrepancy in my grade for [assignment] — would you be able to take another look when you have time?
Polite regrade request
Dear Professor [Name], based on the rubric, I believe [section] may have been graded incorrectly. Could we review it together?
References the rubric directly
Hi Professor [Name], could you clarify the grading on [assignment]? A few points seem off.
Brief and direct
Hi Professor [Name], I hope this isn't an inconvenience, but I wanted to ask about the grading on [section] of [assignment].
Softer approach
Dear Professor [Name], I'd like to formally request a review of my grade for [assignment], specifically regarding [section].
Formal regrade request
Hi Professor [Name], I'm a bit confused about the deduction on question [number] — could you walk me through the reasoning?
Focuses on understanding, not disputing
Dear Professor [Name], I've reviewed the feedback and rubric closely, and I believe there may be a scoring error on [section]. Happy to discuss further.
Confident but collaborative
Hi Professor [Name], quick question about my grade on [assignment] — could we go over it briefly?
Simple opener to a conversation
Dear Professor [Name], thank you for grading [assignment]. I wanted to ask for clarification on the scoring for [section] to better understand my areas for improvement.
Frames it as learning-focused
Hi Professor [Name], I don't want to make assumptions, but the score on [section] seemed inconsistent with the rubric — could you clarify?
Non-confrontational framing
Hi Professor [Name], sorry to bring this up again, but I still have questions about the grading on [assignment] if you have a moment.
For a second follow-up
Dear Professor [Name], I respect your grading process and just want to make sure I understand where the points were lost on [section].
Respectful but firm
Dear Professor [Name], thank you for reviewing my grade — I appreciate you taking the time to look into it, regardless of the outcome.
Thank-you after a review, either outcome
Make it fit your exact message
Common questions
- How do I ask for a regrade without sounding entitled?
- Focus on specific points, like 'could you clarify why points were deducted on question 3,' rather than a general complaint about the grade.
- Is it okay to disagree with a grade?
- Yes, respectfully questioning a grade is normal and most teachers are open to explaining their reasoning or reviewing it.
- What if the regrade doesn't change anything?
- Thank them for reviewing it either way — asking shows you care about your work, even if the outcome doesn't change.
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