This process applies to all students except those transferring into Engineering; Engineering students should contact the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at 314-935-5463.

To view a pdf version of these Guidelines, click here.

First-Year Writing Requirement

All students at Washington University must satisfy a first-year writing requirement; most do so by taking Writing 1: Writing Culture (L13 100).  If you have not taken an equivalent course at your previous college or university, you must take Writing 1: Writing Culture during your first year of study. If you have taken an equivalent course, you may be eligible to submit a Writing Portfolio, which will help us to determine whether or not you are required to take another writing course. Note: Students who transfer in as freshmen are not eligible for portfolio submission.

Portfolio Eligibility

To find out whether you are eligible to submit a portfolio, complete the Portfolio Eligibility Form (which you will find at http://artsci.wustl.edu/~english/writing1/portfolio_eligibility.php). The Writing 1 office will determine your eligibility status and will notify you by email whether you’re eligible to submit a portfolio.

If you are not eligible to submit a portfolio: plan to take Writing 1: Writing Culture in your first year of study.

If you are eligible to submit a portfolio: follow the guidelines below and submit your portfolio by the deadline indicated below.

Deadlines

The following items must be in the Writing 1 office by the dates specified. Students who miss these deadlines will be required to take Writing 1: Writing Culture in their first year of study.

Portfolio Eligibility Forms

Fall Entry: July 31

Spring Entry: January 1

 

Writing Portfolios (if eligible)

Fall Entry: August 1

Spring Entry: January 10

Portfolio Contents

Portfolios should include 3-5 analytical, argumentative essays (minimum of 4 pages each) from previous college coursework, including one researched essay, and a brief description of the original assignment / goals for each essay submitted. Essays should be ones written for college (preferably writing) courses. They should have analytical or argumentative thesis statements; use evidence to support claims; integrate and cite researched sources responsibly; and engage critically with sources. (The following items should not be submitted: responses to essay examinations, personal or creative writing, book reviews, journalism articles, response papers, or writing done during high school.) Where possible, essays should not be marked or graded; grades received in previous courses have no bearing on the portfolio review process.

Portfolio Submission

Portfolios should be sent to the Writing 1 Office, either by email (writing1@artsci.wustl.edu) or by mail:

Washington University
Campus Box 1122
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130-4899

When portfolios arrive, you will receive a confirmation email (at WU accounts if no other email has been given). If you do not receive a confirmation email within a week of submission, you should contact the Writing 1 office to be sure that the portfolio has arrived. It is your responsibility to follow up if you have not received confirmation and/or placement information.

Additional Information

If you do not have a complete portfolio, you should contact the Writing 1 office as soon as possible, by phone at (314) 935-4899 or by email at writing1@artsci.wustl.edu. In most cases, students who do not have complete portfolios are required to take Writing 1: Writing Culture. International students transferring from outside the U.S. will be required to take a Placement Exam in lieu of submitting a portfolio. International students transferring within the U.S. may also be required to take a Placement Exam, in addition to the portfolio review process.