Guided Self-Placement

Your First-Year Writing requirements can be met by:

  • Registering for ENGW 1102, ENGW 1111, or ENGW 1114
  • AP transfer credit
  • Completing ENGW 1111 Honors (placement by the Honors program)

Many students assume that First-Year Writing will be similar to their high school literature or AP English courses. However, it is quite different. While you will expand on some of the skills learned in those courses, you’ll also be learning rhetorical flexibility (how to write for different audiences in different situations) by writing in a variety of genres and media.

You and your academic advisor may have chosen a FYW course already. We want to ensure that each student is aware of their options as early as possible through a process of guided self-placement. 

Self-placement means that you have agency over which course or courses you want to take. 

Guided means the Writing Program directors, your advisors, and your instructors are here to help you make that decision.

On the first or second day of class, you will complete a questionnaire in class to help determine which course is best for you. If a change is recommended, you will receive an email from the Writing Program. It is up to you, in consultation with your advisor, if you want to make this change. You are welcome in whatever First-Year Writing course you choose!