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Fulfilling ELWR before UC Davis

Fulfilling ELWR prior to enrolling in classes at UC Davis

Prior to enrolling in classes at UC Davis, students can fulfill the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR) in several different ways explained below:

UC Davis Writing Placement Survey

Incoming students can satisfy the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR) by receiving a placement in the English Composition Pathway (PATH4) on the UC Davis Writing Placement Survey. 

Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT)

The following standardized test scores fulfill the ELWR used for admissions:

  • 30 or better on the ACT, English Language Arts; or
  • 63 or better on the ACT English exam + the ACT Reading exam; or
  • 680 or better on the SAT, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (beginning with Fall 2018 admits)*

*UC is accepting a score of 680 or better on the SAT, Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing to satisfy the Entry Level Writing Requirement on a pilot basis, beginning with new students entering the UC in Fall 2018. The pilot will remain in effect until a new policy is adopted by the Academic Senate.

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test scores

The following Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test scores fulfill the ELWR:

  • 3 or above on either Advanced Placement Examination in English (Language and Composition or Literature and Composition); or
  • 5 or above on an International Baccalaureate Higher Level English A: Literature exam (formerly known as Higher Level English A1 exam); or
  • 6 or above on an International Baccalaureate Standard Level English A: Literature exam (formerly known as Standard Level English A1 exam); or
  • 5 or above on an International Baccalaureate Higher Level English A: Language and Literature exam; or
  • 6 or above on an International Baccalaureate Standard Level English A: Language and Literature exam

Analytical Writing Placement Exam (AWPE)

Passing the Analytical Writing Placement Exam (AWPE) fulfills the Entry Level Writing Requirement. The UC Office of the President administers the AWPE state-wide in May and many California High School seniors may choose to take it then. However, we recommend that incoming first-year UC Davis students who have not fulfilled ELWR complete the UC Davis Writing Placement Survey instead of taking the AWPE. 

Transferable Courses

Credit earned before entering UCD can be transferred to fulfill the ELWR if there is a grade of C or higher in an acceptable 3 semester-unit or 4 quarter-unit English composition course. If you are transferring credit from a California community college, the course must be listed in Area UC-E under "UC Transfer Admission Eligibility Courses" on http://www.assist.org/ and must be completed before you enter into UCD. English composition courses completed at both in-state and out of-state institutions are evaluated by Admissions for ELWR fulfillment.