Q: How do I “sign up” for UCSB's Collaborative Writing Placement?

A: If you have not satisfied ELWR, you will automatically receive an invitation at the start of your placement session.

Q: I’m still a little confused about the structure of the CWP. Is it an exam? What are the questions going to look like?

A: The CWP is not an exam but a placement process. You will start by learning about the reading and writing assignments in Writing 1 and Writing 2. Your placement in either course will be determined by a Placement Survey about your writing experiences. A typical question will involve looking at a writing assignment frequently used in our courses and asking about your experience with similar assignments.

Q: What if I think the course I’m placed in isn’t the best fit for me?

A: If you would like your placement to be reconsidered, you can register for the Placement Review in which you’ll provide an academic writing sample from a previous course and explain what you think it demonstrates about your writing abilities.

Q: I'm an Engineering major. Should I take the CWP?

A: Yes, Engineering majors should take the CWP. You will be placed in either Writing 1E or Writing 2E, which are parallel courses satisfying the same requirements as Writing 1 and Writing 2.

Q: Can I take the Analytical Writing Placement Exam (AWPE) to satisfy the Entry Level Writing Requirement? 

A: No, UCSB students and students at several other UC campuses cannot use an AWPE score to satisfy ELWR. Please do not sign up for the AWPE. 

Q: I am an incoming international freshman. Should I take the CWP?

A: Incoming international freshmen should take the online English Language Placement Exam (ELPE) through the EMS Program. 

Q: Will I be able to register for a Writing Program course if I haven’t received a placement before classes start?

A: The summer CWP sessions are for students attending orientation. If you decide not to attend orientation -- or end up missing your CWP dates -- we also offer sessions at the beginning of every quarter, usually a week before the start of classes. Please note that if you're an incoming student, you won't be behind if you don't take your first writing class in the Fall. The hope is that all students will complete their introductory writing courses in their first year, but it is not uncommon for students to be working on them later in their college experience.