Undergraduate students must attempt to satisfy the GWAR during the semester in which they complete 65 units. Transfer students must attempt the GWAR in their first semester in residence at CSULB. All undergraduate students must satisfy the GWAR in order to graduate.
Graduate students must attempt the GWAR during their first semester at CSULB and must satisfy the GWAR before advancement to candidacy.
Students who have satisfied the GWAR at another CSU must submit evidence of satisfying the GWAR, usually a transcript or letter.
To satisfy the GWAR, students must first attempt the WPE or the analytic writing portion of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). If unsuccessful, students may re-take any of these assessments or enroll in an approved GWAR Course.
Attempt the Writing Proficiency Exam( WPE) or the analytic writing portion of the GRE or GMAT during the semester in which you complete 65 units. If you're a transfer or graduate student, attempt one of these tests during your first semester of enrollment at CSULB. To prepare for the WPE, attend a free three-hour WPE Workshop during the 2-week period prior to each test date.
If you need to improve your English language proficiency or if you're unsuccessful in your first attempt to satisfy the GWAR, immediately get tutoring, enroll in an appropriate course, or do both.Use the following resources:
After attempting the WPE once,you may satisfy the GWAR by successfully completing assessments connected with approved GWAR courses. Currently,the following GWAR courses are offered:
If you are no longer enrolled at CSULB or if you don't have access to on-campus resources, you can enroll in English Writing Proficiency, an online course offered through University College Extension Services designed to help you develop the skills you need to pass the WPE or the analytic writing portion of the GRE or GMAT.
You may attempt the WPE a second time, and you may also request extended time or other test accommodations.
If you fail the WPE two times, you may not attempt the WPE for a third time until you obtain a diagnostic assessment of your writing skills from an advisor in the LAC and follow the advisor's recommendations.
Failure to satisfy the GWAR will prevent you from receiving your degree, even if you have satisfied all other degree requirements. Therefore, you should act promptly to seek appropriate instruction, tutoring, or both to develop the English writing skills you need to satisfy the GWAR. Repeated attempts to pass the WPE, GRE, or GMAT are likely to be unsuccessful without appropriate assistance.
