First-Year Writing FAQ
First-Year Writing Pre-Orientation and Assessment
The Pre-Orientation helps incoming freshmen:
- Understand the first-year writing requirements at U of U.
- Determine whether they have fulfilled WR1 and/or WR2 through transfer credit or qualifying AP, IB, or CLEP exam scores.
- 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 Pre-Orientation and Assessment here.
Yes, the pre-orientation is required for all Freshman 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 days prior to your orientation date.
Qualifying Test Scores
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
AP Seminar (SEMNR): Score of 3+ (taken Fall 2023 and after)
No, wait for your scores, then register for WR2
Approved Transfer Credit
First-year writing courses taken at accredited colleges or universities can cover WR1 or WR2. Check Transferology for pre-approved transfer courses.
Note: This is not a comprehensive list.
Sample Names of Courses that count for WR1 credit:
- ENGL 101: English Composition
- ENGL 1A: Composition & Reading
- WR121
- 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 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
No, wait for Admissions to process your transcripts.
No, WRTG 1010 will be waived for graduation.
If you have questions, please contact the Writing Department at writing@utah.edu or call (801) 581-7090