English Course Placement
It’s recommended to complete the required English course in your first year because you need solid reading and writing skills to be successful in college courses— no matter your major.
Most students enroll in ENG 111, but you could start in ENG 112 if you transfer credits for an equivalent writing course.
If you do not meet the placement criteria for ENG 111, you will have to take ENG 099 to develop the skills you’ll need in college-level English courses.
ENG 111 – College Reading and Writing is a 4-credit writing course that’s offered every semester.
WSU recommends students complete this course during their first year.
Most students at WSU fulfill the GEP requirement by completing this class.
ENG 112 – Research Writing is a 1-credit writing course.
This course is designed for:
- Students who have already completed a 3-credit writing course from another institution and transferred those credits to WSU.
- Students who scored a 4 or higher on the Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Composition exam
Your Degree Audit must indicate that the requirement has been met through your transferred course(s).
Students with previously earned credit in college English may enroll in the next appropriate course regardless of ACT or test scores.
Students who are not satisfied with their English placement may take the Accuplacer exam to attempt to improve their English placement level.
| Course Placement | ACT English Score | SAT English Score | Accuplacer Reading Comprehension Score | AP Language & Composition Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English 112 - College Reading and Writing | 18 or higher | 480 on ERW or higher | 250 or higher | 4 or higher |
| English 111 - College Reading and Writing | 18 or higher | 480 on ERW or higher | 250 or higher | 3 |
| English 099 - Introduction to College Writing | 17 or lower | Less than 480 on ERW | Less than 249 | N/A |
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
WSU accepts certain scores form select Advanced Placement (AP) exams which can determine your initial placement for English courses.
Send your AP exam scores to WSU Admissions to earn college credit.
Students who score a 3 on this exam receive 3 general elective credits.
Students who score a 4 or higher on this exam receive 3 credits toward the ENG 111 requirement.
These students must take ENG 112.
Students who score a 3 on this exam receive 3 general elective credits.
Students who score a 4 or higher on this exam receive 3 credits of Goal 6 (The Humanities and Fine Arts).
These students must take ENG 111.