First-year college writing courses play a vital role in enhancing the transition into the university by providing an introduction to the critical reading, writing, and inquiry practices of the university. Because these are foundational courses that connect directly to the University Learning Outcomes, all students seeking a baccalaureate degree complete at least six credits in first-year writing. In order to successfully complete the First-Year Writing Requirement, students must complete ENGL 101 and 102 (or their equivalents) with a grade of C- or higher, or demonstrate writing proficiency as outlined below.*
| College First-Year Writing Requirement | |
|---|---|
| ENGL 101 Waived | Satisfactory score to place into ENGL 102 from The Write Class assessment tool. |
| ENGL 101 Credit | AP Language and Composition score of 3 or 4; or Completion of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. |
| ENGL 101 and 102 Credit | AP Language and Composition score of 5; or ACT English score of 31 or higher; SAT Reading score of 37 or higher; or Completion of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and English 1A Language and Literature HL exam score of 5 or higher. |
Note: All students must complete The Write Class, regardless of eligibility for receiving credit based on measures listed above. *To receive credit for ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 based on ACT or SAT scores, students must complete the Receiving Credit for English Composition Based on Test Scores form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office.
Course Selection
Boise State University uses an online assessment tool, The Write Class, to place all students in the appropriate first-year writing course. Before your orientation session (and before you are able to register for a first-year writing course), you need to complete The Write Class. Results take up to 72 hours to process. You may need to access your results during your orientation session.
International Students
If English is not your native language, you need to take the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Language) placement test. To take the ESOL placement test, contact the Testing Center, (208) 426-2762, located in the Simplot Micron Academic Success Hub, Room 213, or see their site https://testing.boisestate.edu. The ESOL placement test will place you into ENGL 121, 122, 123, or 101.
Transfer Students
If you have transferred English composition courses from another institution to Boise State, the Registrar’s Office will determine whether your courses satisfy all or part of the First-Year Writing Course Requirement. If you have further questions about first-year writing transfer equivalencies, the First-Year Writing Program can provide information about options. However, if you have questions about placement or transfer courses that will impact the upcoming semester, please plan accordingly. To ensure appropriate service, all placement and transfer credit issues must be received in the First-Year Writing Program Office at least ten business days prior to the start of the upcoming fall semester, and by the end of fall semester finals week for the upcoming spring semester. Priority deadline for Fall Semester 2017 is August 7, 2017; priority deadline for Spring Semester 2016 is December 8, 2017. For further information on first-year writing courses, transfer issues, placement, or contact the First-Year Writing Program Office, Liberal Arts Building, Room 256.
Preferred contact: fywp@boisestate.edu
Secondary contact: (208) 426-4209