Essay due soon

Even though they might not have anything productive to say, just hearing yourself say it and make your ideas real helps you 1) engage your material and 2) put words on paper. I wrote a 2500-word essay, and made an 'academic research poster' in 7 hours last night. Anything's possible with desperation and coffee.

The late penalty will vary by professor, but it's usually 2-3% per day. Honestly, it might be best to hand it in late. Yes, you'll be penalized, but the extra day of writing might help take your essay from a C to a B.

Doesn't matter if it the work isn't up to your own standards or expectations just write something.

Professors are understanding if they see you've put in as much effort possible before the deadline, and will usually consider taking a refined version later in the day, or the day after. They know about how tough deadlines can be.