Fulfilling ELWR before UC Davis

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Fulfilling ELWR before entering UC Davis

Prior to matriculating into UC Davis, students can fulfill the Entry Level Writing Requirement in a number of ways. This includes receiving an ELWR-fulfilling test score, passing the Analytical Writing Placement Exam, or completing a transferable course.

Standardized test scores

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

  • 30 or better on the ACT, English Language Arts; or
  • 30 or better on the ACT, Combined English/Writing (last administered June 2015); or
  • 680 or better on the SAT, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (beginning with Fall 2018 admits)*; or
  • 680 or better on the College Board SAT Reasoning Test, Writing (last administered January 2016)

*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. Many California High School seniors take the AWPE May of their Senior year. 

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.