Entry Level Writing Requirement

Every candidate for a bachelor’s degree must demonstrate an acceptable level of ability in English composition. Prior to enrollment in your fourth quarter, you must fulfill the Entry Level Writing Requirement in one of the following ways:

Test Scores and Credits

30 or better on the ACT, English Language Arts; or
30 or better on the ACT, Combined English/Writing (last administered June 2015); or
680 or better on the SAT, Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing*; or
680 or better on the SAT Reasoning Test, Writing (last administered January 2016); or
scores of 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition exam, AP English Literature and Composition exam, AP Seminar exam, or AP assessment in Research;* or
5 or above on an International Baccalaureate Higher Level English A: Literature exam (formerly known as Higher Level English A1 exam); or
6 or above on an International Baccalaureate Standard Level English A: Literature exam (formerly known as Standard Level English A1 exam); or
5 or above on an International Baccalaureate Higher Level English A: Language and Literature exam; or
6 or above on an International Baccalaureate Standard Level English A: Language and Literature exam.

* Revised: 04/08/24

Transfer work

The Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR) can also be met by earning a grade of C or higher in an acceptable English composition course offered by a college or university.

Satisfying ELWR at UC Santa Cruz

Incoming students who have not satisfied ELWR via test or transfer credits will follow a directed self-placement process to enroll in an appropriate writing course at UCSC: WRIT 25, WRIT 26, WRIT 1, or WRIT 1E. Courses are offered in sequence depending on placement. Students who successfully pass WRIT 1 or WRIT 1E will satisfy Entry Level Writing. For additional information on ELWR, please see the Writing Program website.

* All students who enter UCSC as frosh in 2020 or after must demonstrate their command of the English language by satisfying the ELWR before enrolling in their fourth quarter. However, students placed into Writing 25 have until the end of their fourth quarter of enrollment to satisfy the ELWR.

For additional information on fulfilling UCSC's writing requirements, please visit the Writing Program's website.