Welcome to the UC Davis Writing Placement System!
All Aggies must fulfill multiple writing requirements during their time here at Davis, but the most important requirement for first-year students is the Entry Level Writing Requirement (which we call ELWR) because students must complete it within their allotted time (their ELWR Clock) to stay enrolled at UCD.
UC Davis is committed to supporting students as they develop their writing abilities, and we offer a variety of courses to fit the needs of our diverse student population. This survey will help you determine whether or not you have fulfilled this requirement and learn which writing pathway has the best course options for you.
How does the UC Davis Writing Placement System work?
Every student’s writing pathway (the set of courses they complete at UC Davis based upon their Writing Placement System results) is unique. The UC Davis Writing Placement System will help determine which writing pathway is best for you.
The survey asks you to read documents from actual UC Davis writing courses and answer both multiple-choice and short-paragraph responses. It is important for you to answer the questions as accurately as possible to be placed into the writing course that best fits you. Remember, the UC Davis Writing Placement System is not a test, so you won't pass or fail it. When you finish the survey, one of three things will happen:
- You receive an immediate pathway placement. If you agree that the placement is right for you, you leave the survey with your final placement decision.
- You receive an immediate pathway placement but you believe a different placement is better for you. You can then propose a different placement and a UC Davis writing faculty member will review your responses and make a final placement decision. You will receive an email within 2 weeks with your final placement decision.
- Your survey results might be inconclusive and require additional faculty review of your responses. You won’t get an immediate pathway placement; you will receive an email within 2 weeks with your final placement decision.
Who completes the UC Davis Writing Placement System?
All incoming first-year UC Davis students should complete the UC Davis Writing Placement System to determine where to begin their writing education at UCD. Transfer students and continuing students are not eligible to complete the UC Davis Writing Placement System.
When should the UC Davis Writing Placement System be completed?
As soon as possible--and definitely before July 1 so you have your results before fall registration begins.
How long does it take to complete the UC Davis Writing Placement System?
Once you begin the survey, you have seven days to complete it. It will take up to 2-3 hours to complete the survey. Your progress will be saved if you choose to take a break (and you are recommended to!) during the process.
Can I complete the UC Davis Writing Placement System on my phone?
You will need a web browser that allows you to read website content and open links. UC Davis Writing Placement System can be taken on a mobile device, but is much easier on a computer where you can open and move between multiple links at once.
How much does the UC Davis Writing Placement System cost?
It is free for UC Davis students.
How do I access my results?
After you have completed the survey, you will receive an email that directs you back to the UC Davis Writing Placement System portal, where you can monitor and access your results. Your results will be loaded into your student record in OASIS within 3 weeks and can be accessed by going to Academic Record > Exams and Events > looking for the code “WP20” and scrolling to the bottom of the page for ELWR status.
The final placements are coded with a PATH# into the campus records system (Banner). The chart below will help you to understand the code that appears in Oasis.
The Banner code on the left will be displayed in Oasis. The PATH# corresponds to a particular course or set of courses. See the allotted time for ELWR satisfaction as a result of that placement on the far right.
Who should I contact if I need accommodations?
Students who require accommodations should contact the Student Disability Center at UC Davis.
Who should I contact with questions?
Email the Writing Placement team writingplacement@ucdavis.edu for more information.