Analytical Writing Placement Examination

ALL STUDENTS who will enter the University of California as freshmen must demonstrate their command of the English language by fulfilling the Entry Level Writing Requirement (formerly known as Subject A requirement). Those students from California high schools who have not satisfied the requirement by April 1, 2009, must take the Analytical Writing Placement Examination (AWPE - formerly known as Subject A Examination) on May 9, 2009 , at one of the testing centers throughout the state.

Students who have been admitted to the University of California for fall 2009 and who have not met the Entry Level Writing Requirement by April 1, will receive an e-mail or letter directing them to the test center near their home or school. Students could have satisfied the Entry Level Writing Requirement by either scoring:

During the examination, students will be required to read a passage and then write an essay responding to a single topic based on the content.

Results of the University wide Analytical Writing Placement Examination will not affect a student's admission to the University. Those who do not pass the examination in May can still satisfy the Entry Level Writing requirement before enrolling in the University or during their first term at the University.

AWPE: Measuring Competence

THE FACULTY of the University of California intends this uniform Universitywide Analytical Writing Placement Examination procedure to publicize the standard and kind of writing competence necessary for success in the University's introductory courses. The examinations themselves and the standards for scoring responses are developed by faculty representatives of the University's general campuses.

This on-line version of the Universitywide Analytical Writing Placement Examination information booklet explains the process and the place of the Entry Level Writing requirement in the University curriculum and reproduces examinations administered in 1987, 1989, 1992 and 1994. It also provides the scoring guide used to evaluate the essays, as well as a set of 18 essays responding to the 1987 Examination. Comments following the essays explain why they do or do not meet the Entry Level Writing standard of competence. The University particularly encourages teachers to duplicate the Examinations and the sample essays for their students and colleagues.


Entry Level Writing Requirement Process, Standards & Scoring Sample Examinations Frequently Asked Questions Student Test Data Exam Fee Payment Home	Analytical Writing Placement Examination ALL STUDENTS who will enter the University of California as freshmen must demonstrate their command of the English language by fulfilling the Entry Level Writing Requirement (formerly known as Subject A requirement). Those students from California high schools who have not satisfied the requirement by April 1, 2009, must take the Analytical Writing Placement Examination (AWPE - formerly known as Subject A Examination) on May 9, 2009 , at one of the testing centers throughout the state. Students who have been admitted to the University of California for fall 2009 and who have not met the Entry Level Writing Requirement by April 1, will receive an e-mail or letter directing them to the test center near their home or school. Students could have satisfied the Entry Level Writing Requirement by either scoring: 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 6 or above on an International Baccalaureate Standard Level English A exam During the examination, students will be required to read a passage and then write an essay responding to a single topic based on the content. Results of the University wide Analytical Writing Placement Examination will not affect a student's admission to the University. Those who do not pass the examination in May can still satisfy the Entry Level Writing requirement before enrolling in the University or during their first term at the University. AWPE: Measuring Competence THE FACULTY of the University of California intends this uniform Universitywide Analytical Writing Placement Examination procedure to publicize the standard and kind of writing competence necessary for success in the University's introductory courses. The examinations themselves and the standards for scoring responses are developed by faculty representatives of the University's general campuses. This on-line version of the Universitywide Analytical Writing Placement Examination information booklet explains the process and the place of the Entry Level Writing requirement in the University curriculum and reproduces examinations administered in 1987, 1989, 1992 and 1994. It also provides the scoring guide used to evaluate the essays, as well as a set of 18 essays responding to the 1987 Examination. Comments following the essays explain why they do or do not meet the Entry Level Writing standard of competence. The University particularly encourages teachers to duplicate the Examinations and the sample essays for their students and colleagues. Contact AWPE Customer Service — (800) 839-8507 E-mail — awpe@ucop.edu

Copyright 1998-99, The Regents of the University of California. Last modified November 30, 2004.

Analytical Writing Placement Examination

AWPE: Measuring Competence

Contact AWPE