10 Most Frequently
Asked Questions about the WCE
1. Do I have to
take the Writing Competence Exam (WCE)?
Albion
College believes that continuous development as a writer is a
central part of a liberal arts education. In order to graduate from
Albion, ALL students must pass the Writing Competence Examination
unless they received a 4 or 5 on the CEEB Advanced Placement test in
English (see
Registrar's page for details). Do not confuse the Writing
Competence Exam with the SOAR English Placement Test: these are
separate tests, and your results on one have no bearing on the
other.
2. When should I
take the WCE?
The
Academic Catalog states that the exam must be taken before
the middle of the sophomore year. Students who do not pass on their
first attempt must try the examination a second time before the end
of their sophomore year. In addition, students planning to study off
campus must pass the WCE by the time they participate in their
program.
3. What happens if
I have not passed by the end of my sophomore year?
Students with 14.00+ units who have not taken and passed the Writing
Competence Exam will be required to register for subsequent
semesters with the sophomore class until they have passed the
examination. The only exception to this rule is for those students
who have
made specific
arrangements with the Writing Center to improve their writing
skills, as outlined in the
Academic Catalog.
4. Where do I go
to sign up and is there a deadline?
Students must sign up using the
online form. Sign-up deadline is 7 days prior the
scheduled exam. Absolutely no late sign-ups—please, don't
ask!
5. Is there a
review session before each test?
Review
Sessions are offered two days before each exam in Mudd 210 @ 6:30 PM—see
schedule.
6. Where do I go
to take the WCE?
See the
schedule for specific locations and dates.
7. What do I bring
with me to the WCE?
Your
I.D. Card IS REQUIRED. Be sure to bring it with you. Please
bring ball-point or fountain pens. PENCIL IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. You may
bring your own dictionary, but no other books or papers.
8. When are
students notified of their test results?
Students are usually sent their test results within three weeks.
This time frame could change if a larger or smaller group of students takes
the WCE on a given date.
9. Where do I get
more information?
For more information, review the English Department
web page and
the
Academic Catalog. If you still have questions AFTER
reviewing all of this information, contact the English Dept. (x0232)
or the Writing Center (x0828).
10. What are the
WCE dates for the academic year?
The Writing Competence Exam is offered three times each semester—see
schedule.
