FAQs
Return to the Writing Placement Assessment main page.
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Why do I have to take the Writing Placement Assessment (WPA)?
Students are required to take the Writing Placement Assessment if they earned a:
- 22 or lower on the ACT English section
- 19 or lower on the ACT reading section
OR
- 540 or lower on SAT reading and writing section
If you have been selected for the writing placement assessment, you must take the test unless you have:
- Received a 4 or 5 on the English Language and Composition Advanced Placement exam. For more information on credit given for AP courses see the AP Score credit guide.
- Earned transferrable credits (incoming first year students must have earned a B or higher in a course or courses that are equivalent to Loyola’s UCWR 110 course). Typically this means having taken both Composition I and Composition II. Composition I can sometimes work in place of the Writing Placement Assessment. Your academic advisor will let you know what your transfer courses will articulate to at Loyola during your New Student Orientation. If you don’t know your course articulation before orientation, please take the Writing Placement Assessment by the deadline as it may affect your ability to register for needed courses.
What if I believe my AP scores will exempt me from the WPA, but they are not in yet?
Exemptions from the writing placement assessment are made for students who earn a grade of 4 or 5 on the Composition/Writing Advanced Placement exam. You should plan to take the writing placement assessment if your scores are not available prior to your attendance at New Student Orientation; otherwise, you will not be able to register for your writing course at that time.
If I have taken a placement test at another college can I use those results?
No, Loyola's Writing Placement Assessment is specifically designed to place students into a Loyola University Chicago writing course, or appropriate course.
I'm not required to take this test, but can I take it anyway?
No. If you are not required to take the test there is no need for you to do so as you will already have the appropriate writing placement.
How long do I have to take the WPA?
You are allotted two (2) hours to complete the WPA.
How many times can I take the WPA?
You may only take the WPA once.
Is there a fee required to take the test?
No. The Writing Placement Assessment is free.
What are the possible placement results for the WPA?
English 100, UCWR 110, or additional review which tests general English language proficiency.
Why does my Admitted Student Portal tell me that the English department needs additional information and will be in touch with me?
It is possible that there was a technical problem with our systems that delayed the scoring of your WPA. You will be contacted within 1–2 business days if we require any additional information from you to make your writing course placement.