Washington University encourages students to develop an intellectual identity through the cultivation of effective writing practices, and thus, requires all first-year students in the schools of Arts and Sciences, Art, Architecture, and Business to satisfy a university writing requirement. This requirement ensures that all students are exposed to a sequence of assignments culminating in a research paper. These assignments introduce the skills needed to write for this new academic community.

This writing requirement can be satisfied by successfully completing L13-100 during the fall or spring semester of the first year, or by completing the preparatory course sequence and 100 by the end of the sophomore year (if required). (Please note: “successfully completing” L13-100 means that students pass the course with a C+ or higher.)

Students transferring to Washington University may satisfy the requirement by submitting a transfer portfolio. Follow the links on the left for more information.

Students in the Engineering School should consult the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences website.