First-Year Writing

Guided Self-Placement

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.