All students who will enter the University of California as freshmen must demonstrate their command of the English language by satisfying the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR).
The UC Entry Level Writing Requirement website provides information on how to satisfy the requirement by one of three options:
Standardized Exam option
See the link above for acceptable minimum scores on standardized exams.
Advanced Writing Placement Examination (AWPE) option
High school students planning to attend a UC campus may take the Analytical Writing Placement Examination in May of their senior year. (Students selected for the May exam are sent the test notification letter in April.)
Admitted students who have not yet satisfied the requirement may take the AWPE their first semester at Berkeley.
English Composition Course option
Admitted students may opt to complete a course articulated to the ENGLISH R1A course, as published in ASSIST, provided the course is completed by the start of the term of admission to Berkeley. A grade of C or higher will satisfy both Entry Level Writing and Part A of the Reading and Composition requirement.
Once an Admitted student begins courses at Berkeley, and the requirement has not otherwise been met, students must complete COLWRIT R1A. A grade of C or higher is will satisfy both Entry Level Writing and Part A of the Reading and Composition requirement.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| COLWRIT R1A | Accelerated Reading and Composition | |
| XCOLWRI R1A | Accelerated Reading and Composition |