CWP (Collaborative Writing Placement)
If the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR) has not been satisfied, students are required to take the Collaborative Writing Placement (CWP) or the Entry Level Placement in English (ELPE) if you are an international student whose first language is not English. If you are not sure whether or not you have satisfied ELWR, contact your college (College of Creative Studies, College of Engineering, or College of Letters and Science) advising office. If you think you need to take the ELPE please visit: https://www.ems.ucsb.edu/undergrad/faq
Next CWP:
Summer 2026 CWP session: June 8-15 (for the first six orientation sessions) & July 1-8 (for the remaining six orientation sessions)
CWP FAQ
Who should take the CWP?
If you have not satisfied ELWR, you will receive an invitation for the CWP at the start of the placement session. This placement will help us place you in the best writing course to support your success at UCSB.
International students who have not satisfied ELWR through qualifying grades and/or test scores must take the Entry Level Placement in English (ELPE).
I was informed by UCSB that I have satisfied the ELWR. Do I still need to take the CWP?
No, if you received confirmation from UCSB records that you have satisfied ELWR, you may enroll in Writing 2.
How and when will the CWP be administered this year?
UCSB's CWP will be offered twice during Summer Orientation and once a quarter on campus.
What is the structure of the CWP?
The CWP is conducted online through Qualtrics, an online survey platform. This process involves a survey about your course options and several questions; based on your responses, you will receive a placement result. This program will take about one hour.
Is there a fee to take the CWP?
The fee for the CWP is $68, which will be charged to your BARC account. This fee is waived for students with significant financial need (e.g. PELL grant recipients).
Can I participate in the CWP placement process more than once?
Students are allowed to take complete one CWP Placement Review. Please email placement@writing.ucsb.edu if you would like to complete request the review. You will receive an email invitation.
Please contact placement@writing.ucsb.edu with any questions.