First-Year Writing Frequently Asked Questions

The Pre-Orientation helps incoming freshmen:

1. Understand the first-year writing requirements at U of U.
2. Determine whether they have fulfilled WR1 and/or WR2 through transfer credit or qualifying AP, IB, or CLEP exam scores.
3. Become familiar with important writing resources on campus.

If you do not have credit for WR1 or WR2, Writing Pre-Orientation will invite you to complete the First-Year Writing Assessment.

The assessment is a 500-750 word essay that allows you to make your case as to why you would benefit from going directly into a WR2 course. This essay will be reviewed by a team of first-year writing instructors. 

If the team approves your case, you will be eligible to receive transcripted credit for WR1 without taking WRTG 1010: Introduction to College Writing. 

You can find more information and take the Writing Pre-Orientation and Assessment here.

Yes, the pre-orientation is required for all new students. However, you can opt out of the essay if you have an equivalent WR1 credit or if you want to take WRTG 1010.

The pre-orientation and assessment is open all year, but you should take it at least 5 business days prior to your orientation/registration date. Students who fail to complete the assessment prior to orientation can take it any time. 

AP English Language and Composition (LANGC): Score of 3+ 

IB Language A: Language and Literature - Higher Level - English (ENAHL): Score of 4+

CLEP College Composition (CLCMP): Score of 50+

Other test results: Passing the First-Year Writing Assessment (FYWA2) gives WR1 credit

To find out more or look up other scores check the Prior Learning Credit page.

AP Seminar (SEMNR): Score of 3+ (taken Fall 2023 and after)=  WRTG 2010 (WR2) (3hrs)

No, wait for your scores, then register for WR2

First-year writing courses taken at accredited colleges or universities can cover WRTG 1010 or WRTG 2010. Check the Transfer Equivalency Guide for pre-approved transfer courses.

Note: This is not a comprehensive list.

If you do not find your course in the Transfer Equivalency Guide, but think it should count for writing credit, you can submit an appeal. We strongly suggest that you take one of the steps below before sending in the form.

• Your advisor can look at your degree audit with you and help determine if you have taken transferrable courses Campus Advising Solutions
• Or, make a NavU appointment with our Program Manager to discuss your credits. 
• Find out more about transferring Gen Ed and prerequisite courses on this Transfer page

Most universities offer courses that are similar or the same as WRTG 1010 and WRTG 2010; these can be evaluated for credit.

Sample Names of Courses that might count for WR1 credit:

• ENGL 101: English Composition
• ENGL 1A: Composition & Reading
• ENGL 10803: Introductory Composition: Writing as Inquiry
• ENGL 101: Composition 1
• WR 110: Writing 1
• ENGL&101: English Composition 1
• RHE 306: Rhetoric and Writing 1

Sample Names of Courses that might count for WR2 credit:

• ENGL 2010: Intermediate Academic Writing CC
• ENGL 102: Composition 2
• ENGWR 302: Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking
• ENGL 112: English Composition II

Please verify that you have sent your final transcript and wait for it to post. If there are delays or deadlines you can contact us or fill out a permission code request. 

Possibly:

• If you took a WR2 course at the University of Utah prior to Fall 2025, talk to your advisor about having WR1 waived.
• If you took a WR2 equivalent transfer course your WR1 can be waived.
• If you have AP Seminar (SEMNR): Score of 3+ (taken Fall 2023 and after) WR1 should automatically be waived.
• You are ultimately responsible for making sure you have met all of the General Education requirements needed for graduation. So check your degree audit and meet with your advisor if you see any discrepancies. 

Students satisfy the CW requirement by developing advanced writing and speaking skills tailored to academic and professional contexts. They learn to engage with disciplinary conventions, adapt communication for different audiences, and integrate feedback for improvement, fostering ongoing growth in effective communication. You can find a list of courses with this designation in the catalog.

For  WRTG 3011, 3012, 3014, 3015, and 3016 (upper division CW courses in WRS) you must have completed the WR2. If that credit is not posted on your degree audit you should not enroll in your CW.

Other departments may have other prerequisites but most require WR2 or equivalent.

You are ultimately responsible for making sure you have met all of the General Education and Bachelor's Degree requirements needed for graduation. If you have not completed WR2 you should not take the CW. Successful completion of an upper-division writing class does not exempt you from WR2.