Critical Reading and Writing Assessment

In this writing sample, you’ll be given one hour to read a short essay and to write a response to a question about the ideas in the essay. Faculty members will read your essay and evaluate your critical reading and writing abilities. Non–native speakers of English may take an ESL version of this assessment.

If you’re a freshman, this evaluation determines your placement in English Composition as well as a First–Year Seminar, Intermediate Seminar, or Critical Reading and Writing course. If you’re a transfer student, it determines your readiness to complete the Writing Proficiency requirement (WPR) of your college as well as placement in a Critical Reading and Writing course. During your advising and registration session, your advisor will discuss the results and available course options with you.

Newly admitted students who need to complete this writing sample must register in advance.