UC Analytical Writing Placement Exam

Upon entrance to the University, every undergraduate must demonstrate an acceptable level of ability in English composition. One way this requirement can be met after admission is by passing the University of California Analytical Writing Placement Exam. All students are required to take the Analytical Writing exam unless they have satisfied the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement in another way (see "Who is exempt?" below). The exam places students into one of three categories:

• Entry Level Writing Requirement satisfied — placement into Writing 39B or Humanities 1A
• Entry Level Writing course required — placement into Writing 37, 39A, 39AP with LAB, or Humanities 1A (S/A)
• Academic English Test required. Depending on the results of this test, Academic English (AE) courses may be required before the student is eligible to enroll in any entry level writing course.

Detailed information about the exam may be found at www.ucop.edu/sas/awpe.  If you have been admitted to UCI for fall quarter 2008 and have not met the Entry Level Writing Requirement by April 1, you will receive correspondence directing you to a test center near your home or high school.  If you do not receive such notification by May 1, please call Pearson at (800) 839-8507.  Note:  The Analytical Writing Placement Exam is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2008.

You are strongly advised to take the Analytical Writing Exam in May.  However, if you are unable to do so, then you make take it at UCI during summer or during Welcome Week. If you take the test during Welcome Week, you should plan to enroll in your first writing course in winter quarter rather than fall quarter, since Writing 39A and 39B courses are usually filled by Welcome Week. This exam may not be repeated.

You must complete the Entry Level Requirement before the beginning of your fourth quarter at UCI and before taking courses to satisfy the UCI lower-division breadth requirement in Writing (Category I). Students placed into an Academic English writing course must satisfy the Entry Level Writing Requirement immediately following the satisfactory completion of Humanities 20C (the final Academic English writing course).

Who is exempt?

You may complete the Entry Level Writing requirement before entrance to UCI and be exempted from the test if you have completed one of the options listed below:

• 30 or better on the ACT Combined English/Writing test; or
• 680 or better on the College Board SAT-II Writing Test;or
• 680 or better on the College Board SAT Reasoning Test, Writing Section; or
• 3, 4, or 5 on either Advanced Placement (AP) Examination in English; or
• 5 or above on an International Baccalaureate High Level English A exam, or
• Completed an acceptable one-quarter (three-unit) course in English composition with a grade of “C” or better at another college or university or the UCI summer session. (For more information on composition courses that satisfy the Analytical Writing requirement, contact the UCI Admissions Office at (949) 824-6703.)
• 6 or above on an International Baccalaureate Standard Level English A exam

Note: High school English courses, and scores from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and TSWE (Test of Standard Written English) do not exempt students from this examination.

Am I charged for this test?

Yes. There is a $65 non refundable administrative fee associated with this examination which you must pay to Pearson. Fee payment cards will be provided at the exam and should be mailed to Pearson Government Solutions.

What happens after the exam?

If you have taken the exam in May, you will receive a letter from the UC Office of the President in June indicating whether or not you have passed the test. By late June, students can check their precise course placement through the Academic Testing Center web site (click on "Check Results"). Some students who have not passed the test may receive a second letter indicating they must take the Academic English Placement Test. Results from the July test dates will be available online by early August. If you take the writing exam in September, results will be available online by the middle of the first week of classes. If you have questions regarding the May exam, please contact Pearson at (800) 839-8507.

How long are the test results valid?

The results are valid for your entire academic career at UCI. You may take the test only once. Please be advised that if you take the test more often than allowed, your new results will not be reported.

Are sample items available?

Yes. The Office of the President of the University of California produces an information booklet which includes essay test questions from previous years. If you have not already received this booklet, you should contact Student Academic Services of the Office of the President, telephone (510) 987-9592 or access the online version at www.ucop.edu/sas/awpe.