Description
University students must satisfy the freshman writing requirement by completing the appropriate coursework. Each new high school student is assigned a placement category in composition based on a predicted performance index. The index score is computed using multiple regression equations relating high school record and admission test scores to performance in introductory courses.

The first-year writing placement index is based on high school English GPA and ACT English or SAT Verbal score. There is no composition placement test.

New High School Students with previous college composition courses
As the index is calculated based only on high school courses and standardized test scores, frequently students who have already received credit for college-level composition courses will receive a placement index placing them into Writ 1301 or even Writ 1201. If the student has credit from advanced placement tests or previous college courses that have been approved to satisfy the writing practice requirement, the placement recommendation should be disregarded.

New Advanced Standing Students
All new students entering CLA fall 1990 or later must fulfill the current composition requirement, regardless of when they began college coursework.

Many NAS students will have transferred courses that will satisfy the freshman writing requirement. Any acceptable course that carried at least 4 quarter or 3 semester credits will satisfy the freshman writing requirement. Only courses that have been approved for inclusion on the composition program’s equivalency list will be automatically accepted for the writing practice requirement.

If a student took a 2-term composition sequence at another institution, it is possible that the second course will count towards the WI requirement. Students with questions about transfer courses counting towards the first year writing requirement and the WI requirement should be referred to Admissions as they are responsible for coding and approving this coursework.

NAS students exempted at another college
Exemptions are not transferable. Advanced standing students who were exempted from freshman composition at their previous school should be given the above information.

Placement for International Students
Students writing in their second language usually have different needs from those of native English speakers. While some may be ready for native-speaker sections, others would benefit from sections designed for nonnative speakers of English. Students who have an AZ hold cannot take any Writ 1201 or 1301 section until they have fulfilled their English proficiency requirement. (Students with an AZ hold should be referred to International Student and Scholar Services, 190 Humphrey Center, 612-626-7100). If students do not have an AZ hold, help is available to determine which composition section best suits students’ needs. They should be referred to the Composition Coordinator for Nonnative Speakers of English (306 Lind Hall, 624-4524). Only students with a MELAB or MNBatt score of 92 or a TOEFL score of 600 or above (written version) should register for a native speaker section without further consultation.

Related Information
Writing Intensive (Liberal Education)

Orientation