Entry-Level Writing Requirement

All students who will enter the University of California as first-year students must demonstrate their command of the English language by satisfying the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR).  Students admitted as transfer students will have satisfied this requirement via the English composition courses completed for transfer admission eligibility.

The UC Entry Level Writing Requirement website provides information on how to satisfy the requirement by one of three options:

• Standardized Exam option: Visit the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement page for acceptable minimum scores on standardized exams.

• English Composition Course option: Visit the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement page for acceptable English Composition courses.

• Berkeley Writing Assessment (BWA) option {formerly known as the Analytical Writing Placement Exam (AWPE)}:

  • Admitted students who have accepted the offer to attend Berkeley may take the Berkeley Writing Assessment in May after they have accepted their offer of admission. 

  • First-year students who have not yet satisfied the requirement prior to fall enrollment may take a make-up BWA their first semester at Berkeley.

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.