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 (ELWR) in one of the following ways:

Qualifying Test Scores

• 30 or higher on ACT English Language Arts

• 63 or higher on ACT English + Reading
  Note: The ACT English alone will not fulfill the ELWR. For the ACT English + Reading scores, the combined scores must come from the same exam sitting.

• 680 or higher on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section of the SAT
  Note: The digital SAT Reading and Writing section score has not been approved to meet the ELWR. 

• 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examination in English Literature and Composition

• 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examination in English Literature and Composition

• 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination in Seminar (for students entering Fall 2023 and later)

• 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement assessment in Research (for students entering Fall 2023 and later)

• 5 or higher on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level (IBH) Examination in English A: Literature

• 5 or higher on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level (IBH) Examination in English A: Language and Literature

• 6 or higher on the International Baccalaureate Standard Level Examination in English A: Literature
  Note: The university does not grant unit credit for IB Standard Level exams.

•  6 or higher on the International Baccalaureate Standard Level Examination in English A: Language and Literature
  Note: The university does not grant unit credit for IB Standard Level exams.

Qualifying Transfer Coursework

Prior to enrollment at UCSC, students may satisfy the ELWR requirement by earning a grade of "C" or better in a transferable English composition course worth 3 semester/4 quarter credits or more.

Once enrolled, students who have not satisfied the ELWR via qualifying test score or transfer coursework should plan to complete the ELWR at UCSC as detailed below.

Satisfying the ELWR at UC Santa Cruz

Incoming students who have not satisfied the ELWR via qualifying test score or transfer coursework will follow a directed self-placement process to enroll in an appropriate writing course at UCSC: WRIT 25, WRIT 26, WRIT 1, WRIT 1E, or WRIT 2. Courses are offered in sequence depending on placement. Students who successfully pass WRIT 1 or WRIT 1E or students who place into WRIT 2 will satisfy the ELWR.

All students entering UCSC as frosh in 2020 or later must demonstrate their command of the English language by satisfying the ELWR before enrolling in their fourth quarter. Students placed into WRIT 25 have until the end of their fourth quarter of enrollment to satisfy the ELWR.

Students who are unable to satisfy the ELWR at UCSC before enrolling in their fourth quarter should consult the Writing Program website to identify options for completing the ELWR, including taking qualifying coursework outside of UCSC.

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

Tracking ELWR Completion

Students can confirm completion of the ELWR in their Degree Progress Report (DPR). Students who have completed a qualifying course or received a qualifying test score, but do not see this requirement satisfied in their DPR, can contact the Degree Progress Unit at transfercredit@ucsc.edu to request a review of their student record.