Entry Level Writing Requirement
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). 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
See the link above for acceptable minimum scores on standardized exams.
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 of their senior year.
Freshmen who have not yet satisfied the requirement prior to fall enrollment may take a make-up BWA 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 |