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Our Best Answer - What is the Analytical Writing Placement Examination (AWPE)?

Analytical Writing Placement Examination (AWPE)

All students who will enter the University of California as freshmen must demonstrate their command of the English language by fulfilling the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR).

Students can meet this requirement by scoring:

  • 30 or better on the ACT Combined English/Writing test; or
  • 680 or better on the College Board SAT Reasoning Test, Writing section; or
  • 3 or above on either Advanced Placement Examination in English; or
  • 5 or above on an International Baccalaureate Higher Level English A: Literature exam (formerly known as Higher Level English A1 exam)
  • 6 or above on an International Baccalaureate Standard Level English A: Literature exam (formerly known as Standard Level English A1 exam)
  • 5 or above on an International Baccalaureate Higher Level English A: Language and Literature exam
  • 6 or above on an International Baccalaureate Standard Level English A: Language and Literature exam

The requirement can also be met by earning a grade of C or higher in an acceptable English composition course offered by a college or university.

All incoming California students who have not met the Entry Level Writing Requirement must take the UC Analytical Writing Placement Examination. In early April, students who must take the examination will receive a letter directing them to the test center at which they must take the test.

For Fall 2021 you can take UCSB's Collaborative Writing Placement (CWP)which will help us place you in the best writing course to support your success at UCSB. The CWP process involves a survey that asks you to read about your course options and answer several questions; based on your responses, you will receive a placement result. This program is free and will take approximately one hour. 

If you have not satisfied ELWR, you will be contacted via email about registering for this placement program. UCSB's Collaborative Writing Placement will be offered twice during Summer Orientation and once a quarter on campus and a student may fulfill the Entry Level Writing Requirement with an appropriate score. Please contact placement@writing.ucsb.edu with any questions. 

For questions regarding the AWPE, please visit the Student Affairs page.

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