Frequently Asked Questions about
the Universitywide Analytical Writing Placement Examination

Q: Why is the Universitywide Analytical Writing Placement Examination given in May?
A: The Universitywide Analytical Writing Placement Examination is given in May so that your essay can be scored and your results returned to your UC campus in time for you to select your fall classes in one of your campus' orientation sessions, which typically begin in June or early July. The timing also allows you to demonstrate your writing ability at what should be the peak of your high school training.

Q: I'm taking an AP English exam in May. Do I have to take the Universitywide Analytical Writing Placement Examination, too?
A: Yes. The only UC freshmen from California who won't receive tickets of admission to take the examination are those who have test scores that satisfy the Entry Level Writing requirement recorded in the University's admissions system on or before April 1, 2008.

By taking both the Universitywide Analytical Writing Placement Examination and an AP English exam you have two ways to meet the Entry Level Writing Requirement (formerly known as Subject A requirement). In addition, a score of 3 or better on either AP English exam awards you 8 quarter or 6 semester units; on most campuses a score of 4 or better will also award you exemption from one or more courses subsequent to the Entry Level Writing Requirement.

Q: Will the date of the AWPE change for 2008?
A: The date of the AWPE will be May 10, 2008. We do not have plans to change the date.

Q: Is there a fee for the Universitywide Analytical Writing Placement Examination?
A: Yes, there is a $65 fee for Analytical Writing Placement Examination. You will receive a fee card in the E-mail or in the mail. You will also be able to go on-line and pay your fee with a credit card. This fee will be waived if you have already received a waiver of your UC application fees.

Q: How should I prepare for the Universitywide Analytical Writing Placement Examination?
A: You've been preparing for the Universitywide Analytical Writing Placement Examination throughout your high school career. All the reading and writing you've done — in classes across the curriculum — should help you succeed on the Universitywide Analytical Writing Placement Examination.

It is important that you understand the differences between the sample essays scored 4, 5, and 6 and the ones scored lower, especially the 3's. You might outline a response to one of the earlier exams, or even write a practice essay. (If many students in your English class will be taking the Universitywide Analytical Writing Placement Examination, your teacher may ask you to do this as a class activity.)

Get a good night's sleep the night before, and come to the test center early. Then relax and do your best.

Q: May I write a draft of my essay?
A: You will have the reverse side of an information sheet on which to plan your essay. If you wish, the test center supervisor will give you scratch paper. You should remember, though, that the readers of your essay will see only what you write in your essay booklet.

Since you have two hours to read and write, it is possible to write a full draft and then recopy it — if you're a fast writer. But you shouldn't feel obligated to do so. It is perfectly fine to make corrections and revisions on an essay first drafted in the essay booklet itself, as long as they're legible.

Q: What if I finish early? May I leave before the two hours are over?
A: Yes. You should remember, though, that the readers who score your essay will assume that it is the product of two hours' work.

Q: How will I find out how I did on the Universitywide Analytical Writing Placement Examination?
A: About a month after you take the examination you'll receive a letter telling you whether your essay did or did not satisfy the Entry Level Writing requirement.

Q: What if my essay doesn't satisfy the requirement?
A: If your examination essay doesn't satisfy the Entry Level Writing requirement, you can still satisfy the requirement before you arrive at your UC campus by achieving one of the test scores that satisfy the Entry Level Writing requirement, most commonly an AP English score of 3. Also, the letter informing you that your essay did not satisfy the requirement will include campus-by-campus instructions for enrolling in courses that will satisfy the Entry Level Writing requirement.

Remember that the regulations of the University's Academic Senate require you to satisfy the Entry Level Writing requirement within your first year of residence.