Writing Requirement

As a UC undergraduate, you must demonstrate a proficiency in writing. You may meet the Entry Level Writing Requirement (previously known as the Subject A Requirement) in any of the following ways:

• Score 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination in English (Language or Literature).
• Score 5 or higher on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examination or 6 or higher on the Standard Level Examination in English (Language A only).
• Score 30 or higher on the ACT Combined English/Writing test, or 680 or higher on the Writing section of the SAT Reasoning Test.
• Complete with a grade of C or better an acceptable college course in English composition worth four quarter or three semester units.
• Achieve a passing score on the UC Analytical Writing Placement Examination (previously the Subject A Examination), given in the spring every year. If you are admitted to the University, you will receive detailed information in April about the exam. If you are not a resident of California, you may take the exam in the fall after you enroll at the University.
• Complete an appropriate English course at the University with a grade of C or better.

The University offers the Analytical Writing Placement Examination each spring on the second Saturday in May at test centers throughout the state for students who plan to enroll in the University the following fall. California residents who will enter the University as freshmen must take the exam if they have not satisfied the requirement by the first or second method above.

Students must pay a nonrefundable fee of $65 to cover test administration costs. They may pay by credit card, check or money order. Those students who received admission application fee waivers will automatically have the fee waived for the Analytical Writing Placement Examination. Students will receive detailed information about the exam in April.

Students who are not from California may take the exam in the fall after enrolling at the University.

Entry Level Writing Requirement | Comprehensive information about the Entry Level Writing Requirement and examination is available online.