Writing Placement
Regular and ESL Version
Introduction
The University of Utah requires completion of Writing 2010 with a grade of C- or higher
for all native English speakers who receive undergraduate degrees. The
Writing Placement Essay is used to see if a student is ready to take this course, or if they need to take Writing 1010
first. However, even those students who desire to begin with Writing 1010
are required to first take the Writing Placement Essay.
ESL Version
Individuals who speak English as a Second Language have the option of taking the ESL 1050 & 1060 combination as an alternative
to Writing 2010. The ESL Placement Essay is used to see if a student is ready to
begin with these two courses, or if they need to take ESL 1040 first.
However, even those students who desire to begin with ESL 1040 are
required to first take the ESL Placement Essay.
Admissions Index
Most entering native speakers are assigned to a freshman writing course based upon their Admissions Index.
This number is derived from a student's High School grade point average and their ACT or SAT score. The only students who are required to take the Writing Placement Essay
or the ESL Placement Essay are those who were
admitted without being assigned an Admissions Index, those who wish to challenge their placement, or those who wish to take the ESL 1050 & 1060 combination.
Cost
The essay is free to all students who were admitted from Fall Semester 1999 forward, because the
Matriculation Fee they were charged covers the cost of the essay. All others must pay $10.00.
Schedule
The essay is administered on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm and
Thursdays at 9:00 am by appointment.
Location
The essay is administered in the Testing Center, located in Room 498 of the Student Services Building.
In the evening the main lobby entrance is locked. Candidates may enter through the Prometric entrance in Room 490.
Registering
It is recommended that students register for the essay at least a day in advance by going to the Testing Center in
person with photo identification and the money to pay the testing fee. The
Testing Center is open during regular business hours from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is located in Room 498 of the Student Services Building.
Preparing
The essay evaluators take into consideration such things as cohesion, expression, organization, and
grammar. Anything that prepares a candidate in these areas would prove helpful.
Students who speak English as a Second Language, and who wish to take classes to improve their English, may get course
information and advising by contacting:
Department of Linguistics
2300 LNCO
801-581-8047
ESL for Non-Matriculated
Speakers of English as a Second Language who are not yet admitted to the University, and
other interested parties, may take noncredit ESL courses
from:
English Language Institute
2202 Annex
801-581-4600
Procedure
Candidates are assigned a general subject and given 45 minutes to write about it. They are expected to make a point and then support that point with evidence from
their personal experience. Bluebooks, pens, and dictionaries are provided.
Ratings
All regular Writing Placement Essays are rated by the University Writing Program. This is usually done
a few times each semester.
The results are mailed via postcard to each
candidate. Retakes are allowed after one year. Upon receiving the results, students may register for the appropriate Writing class just as they would any
other course.
All ESL Writing Placement Essays are rated by the Department of Linguistics. This
rating is
usually done within two weeks after the essay is taken. Results may
be obtained from the Department of Linguistics at 801-584-8047. Upon receiving the results, students may register for the appropriate
class with the
Department of Linguistics. Retakes are
generally not allowed.
Questions
Individuals with questions about their Admission Index or Writing Placement rating may
contact:
University Writing Program
3700 LNCO
801-581-7090
Individuals with questions about their ESL Placement rating may contact:
Department of Linguistics
2300 LNCO
801-581-8047
Links to More Information
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