Analytical Writing Placement Examination
The Analytical Writing Placement Examination and the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement
Fulfillment of the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement (formerly known as the Subject A Requirement) is a prerequisite to enrollment in all reading and composition courses at UC Berkeley. One way to fulfill that requirement is to pass the Analytical Writing Placement Examination (formerly known as Subject A Examination). The Analytical Writing Placement Examination website provides information on how students may fulfill the requirement. In addition, it provides the examination scoring guide, sample past examinations, and sample student essays.
Students should take the Analytical Writing Placement Examination arranged by the University of California in May of the senior year in high school.
Berkeley Campus Examination
If students have been admitted to UC Berkeley but have not yet fulfilled the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement or taken the Analytical Writing Placement Examination, then they should take the exam their first semester at Berkeley.
In fall 2008, the Berkeley campus Analytical Writing Placement Examination will be given on the following date:
- Saturday, September 13, 2008, 9:00-11:00, in 155 Dwinelle Hall
Results from the exam are usually available two or three weeks after the exam date.
Students can get their results for the Berkeley campus examination by going to the College Writing Programs main office in 112 Wheeler Hall. The main office is open Monday-Friday (8:00-12:00 and 1:00-4:30 p.m.), and students should be prepared to present their student ID when asking for their exam results. Exam results will not be released over the phone.
For more information, please contact Jane Stanley at jstanley@berkeley.edu or phone 642-9491.
Frequently Asked Questions about Satisfying the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement
1. How do I satisfy the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement?
Before you enroll at Berkeley:
After you have enrolled at Berkeley:
2. If I didn't pass the Analytical Writing Placement Examination, what should I do?
Before you enroll at Berkeley:
After you have enrolled at Berkeley:
3. Can I retake the Analytical Writing Placement Examination?
No. You can only take the exam once.
4. Can I satisfy the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement at a California Community College (CCC)?
Yes, but only if you have not already enrolled at Berkeley (See 2 above).
5. Can I satisfy the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement at another UC campus?
Yes, you can go to any UC campus except UCSF.
6. Can I satisfy the Reading & Composition 1A Requirement at a California Community College (CCC)?
Before you enroll at Berkeley:
After you have enrolled at Berkeley:
7. Can I satisfy the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement and the R&C 1A Requirement in one semester?
At Berkeley:
At other UC Campuses:
8. I failed CW R1A. Can I retake the course in the summer at another UC campus?
In order to satisfy both the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement and the R&C 1A Requirement, you would have to take a 2-course sequence. You cannot take the 2 courses concurrently. It is very unlikely that you could complete both courses during the summer term. However you should contact the Summer Session office of the relevant UC campus for details.
9. I failed CW R1A. Can I retake the course in the summer at a California Community College?
No. You must do the coursework at a UC campus.
10. May I write in pencil when I take the Analytical Writing Placement Examination?
No. You must write in pen.
