Satisfying the UC Entry-Level Writing Requirement | BWA
What is the UC Entry-Level Writing Requirement?
The UC Entry-Level Writing Requirement is a Universitywide writing requirement. All students entering the University of California as freshmen must demonstrate their command of the English language by fulfilling this requirement. Fulfillment of this requirement is a prerequisite to enrolling in all Reading & Composition courses.
If I didn't pass the Analytical Writing Placement Examination (2022 or before) or the Berkeley Writing Assessment (2023 and after), what should I do?
It depends on whether or not you've started your coursework at Berkeley.
If you have not started coursework at Berkeley: You can satisfy the UC Entry-Level Writing Requirement by earning a grade of C or higher in a college course certified by UC Berkeley as satisfying the Entry-Level Writing Requirement. Make sure the college sends your transcript to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Berkeley.
If you have started coursework at Berkeley: You must satisfy the UC Entry-Level Writing Requirement by earning a grade of C or higher in COLWRIT R1A.
How do I satisfy the UC Entry-Level Writing Requirement?
It depends on whether or not you've started your coursework at Berkeley.
If you have not started coursework at Berkeley: You can meet this requirement by exam or by coursework.
- To satisfy the requirement by exam, please consult the list of exams and scores that are acceptable.
- To satisfy the requirement by coursework, you must earn a grade of C or higher in a college course certified by UC Berkeley as satisfying the Entry-Level Writing Requirement.
If you have started coursework at Berkeley: You can meet this requirement by exam or by coursework.
- To satisfy the requirement by exam, you must score
- 8 or above on the Analytical Writing Placement Examination taken on the Berkeley campus (prior to 2023) or the Berkeley Writing Assessment (2023 and after).
- To satisfy the requirement by coursework, you must earn a grade of C or higher in College Writing R1A.
Can I satisfy the UC Entry-Level Writing Requirement at a California Community College (CCC)?
Yes, but only if you have not already begun coursework at Berkeley.
Can I retake the Berkeley Writing Assessment if my score is below 8?
No. You can take the Assessment only once. If you receive a score below 8, you need to enroll in COLWRIT R1A.
Can I satisfy the UC Entry-Level Writing Requirement at another UC campus?
Yes, prior to your taking classes at UC Berkeley, and only if the course description indicates that it satisfies the Entry-Level Writing Requirement. (Note that the online course, 39A, is not currently accepted at UC Berkeley.)