San Diego State University logo

SDSU WRITING REQUIREMENTS: FRESHMEN

 

Demonstration of writing competency is satisfied in one of the following ways:

I. Pass one of the following national or state tests at the minimum score* or level identified below:

a. EPT score of 151 total (CSU English Placement Test).

b. SAT I Critical Reading score of 550 if taken after March 1995 (Scholastic Aptitude Test or Scholastic Assessment Test). SAT or SAT I Critical Reading score of 470 if taken before March 1995.

c. Place in the "exempt" category on the Early Assessment of Readiness for College English taken in conjunction with the 11th grade California Standards Test in English Language Arts.

d. ACT English usage score of 24 (American College Test) if taken after October 1989.

e. AP score of 3 on Language and Composition or Literature and Composition (The College Board Advanced Placement Program).

f. Score of 600 on the College Board Achievement Test in English Composition with Essay.

g. Score of 660 on the College Board SAT II Writing Test if taken May 1998 and after. Score of 660 on the College Board SAT II Writing Test if taken between April 1995 and April 1998. Score of 600 on the College Board SAT II Writing Test if taken before March 1995.

*These scores are appropriate only to those students who satisfy the requirement upon matriculation in this catalog year or who take the examinations during this catalog year.

OR

II. Complete BOTH a and b (below)

a. Pass with a C or better a transferable GE English Course

AND

b. Earn credit (Cr) in one the following courses: Rhetoric and Writing Studies 92A, 92B, 94, 97.

OR

III. Complete BOTH a and b.

a. Attempt but fail the EPT (CSU English Placement Test) (score
below 151 total)

AND

b. Earn credit (Cr) in one of the following courses: Rhetoric and Writing Studies 92A, 92B, 94, 97.

Credit earned in Rhetoric and Writing Studies 92A, 92B, 94, or 97 is not applicable to the baccalaureate degree.

REMEDIATION

Students who do not achieve a passing score on the English Placement Test (EPT) must take remedial courses. Students must begin their remediation during the first semester, and must complete all needed remedial courses with a grade of Cr (except 101 which is on a regular A-F grading basis) by the end of their third term of enrollment, including summer. The following chart shows which remedial courses must be taken based on the test scores:

Remedial Courses Based on Test Scores
EPT Score Course Needed
151 or greater No Remedial Courses Needed
146-150 (and essay score of 4 or higher)* Rhetoric and Writing Studies 101* and 98C (concurrently)
*limited space
146-150 (and essay score of 3 or lower)* Rhetoric and Writing Studies 92A or 94
142-145 Rhetoric and Writing Studies 92A or 94.
141 or lower Rhetoric and Writing Studies 97 Learning Community (8 units)

*As of the March 15, 2008 EPT Administration

Satisfactory completion of remedial coursework satisfies the writing requirement.

The English Placement Test will be given at all CSU campuses on the following dates. Students must register at the Test Office by the deadline date. New students are required to take the EPT prior to any registration. Information bulletins and registration materials for the EPT are available in the SDSU Test Office.

CSU EPT Test
Test Date Online/In-Person Reg Deadline Mail-In Reg Deadline Scores Released
June 14, 2008
May 30, 2008
May 28, 2008
July 7, 2008
August 30, 2008
August 15, 2008
August 13, 2008
September 3, 2008

English Placement Test (EPT) Registration Procedures

***Students Requiring Disability Accommodations please read!

Register online for the English Placement Test (or both the EPT and ELM tests)

OR

Print a mail-in registration form for the English Placement Test (or both the EPT and ELM tests)

OR

Come to the SDSU Student Testing, Assessment and Research Office during business hours (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) and register for the test and receive a ticket of admission.