Facts about the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR):
- Undergraduate students must demonstrate a proficiency in English composition.
- If you do not fulfill the requirement before starting classes at UC San Diego, you will not be able to enroll in university-level writing classes.
Submit a score or grade that meets the writing requirement:
You can meet the requirement by achieving one of the following scores:
- 30 or better on the ACT, English Language Arts; or
- 30 or better on the ACT, Combined English/Writing (last administered June 2015); or
- 680 or better on the College Board SAT Reasoning Test, Writing (last administration January 2016); or
- 3 or above on either Advanced Placement Examination in English; or
- 5 or above on an International Baccalaureate Higher Level English A: Literature exam (formerly known as Higher Level English A1 exam); or
- 6 or above on an International Baccalaureate Standard Level English A: Literature exam (formerly known as Standard Level English A1 exam); or
- 5 or above on an International Baccalaureate Higher Level English A: Language and Literature exam; or
- 6 or above on an International Baccalaureate Standard Level English A: Language and Literature exam
The requirement can also be met by earning a grade of "C" or higher in a UC-transferable English composition course from an accredited college or university, prior to enrollment at UC San Diego (see www.assist.org for UC-transferable English courses).
If you can't submit a score before the exam date:
- Take the UC Analytical Writing Placement Exam.
- If you fulfilled the writing requirement, but receive a notice to take the exam in the mail, disregard the letter.
If you don't pass the Analytical Writing Placement Exam:
About Analytical Writing classes:
- Students placed in AWP 1 will have up to 3 consecutive quarters to complete the Entry Level Writing Requirement.
- If a student’s AWPE test indicates a need for more English language support, they will be placed in AWP 2A, the first of a 2-quarter course designed to offer students more time to develop their critical thinking and writing abilities.
- Students who enroll in AWP 2A are required to enroll in AWP 2B in the subsequent quarter. Students who complete AWP 2A and AWP 2B and who do not produce a passing portfolio will be instructed to enroll immediately in AWP 1. These students will have up to 3 more consecutive quarters to pass AWP 1.
- Successful completion of AWP 2B or AWP 1 will satisfy the Entry Level Writing Requirement.