Undergraduate students must attempt the WPE during the semester in which they complete 65 units. Transfer students must attempt the WPE in their first semester in residence at CSULB. All undergraduate students are expected to satisfy the GWAR within 1 year of their first WPE attempt and must satisfy the requirement to graduate.
Graduate and certificate program students must attempt the WPE during their first semester at CSULB and must satisfy the GWAR before advancement to candidacy. Graduate students who have graduated from a CSU have satisfied the GWAR and are not required to complete additional assessment.
Students who receive a score of 4 or higher on the analytical writing test of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) may submit their score to satisfy the GWAR. A copy of the official score report should be submitted to Enrollment Services (123 Brotman Hall). Students who are off-campus or reside outside the United States may contact the GWAR coordinator for more information.
Under certain circumstances, students may request 2 hours (“extended time”) to complete the WPE. This option is primarily intended for students who are non-native English speakers who will benefit from having more than 75 minutes to complete the exam. To request extended time, download the Extended Time Application Form, complete the form, and submit it to Testing, Evaluation & Assessment (216 Brotman Hall) by the extended time deadline.
Based on their scores on their first WPE attempt, students are required to follow an appropriate GWAR pathway. Students who fail to comply promptly will have registration holds placed on their records. Students whose 1st WPE attempt was prior to Fall 2010 are urged to follow the appropriate pathway based on their highest WPE score.
WPE score notices include instructions to comply with one of the following pathways:
WPE Scores of 11 or Higher
Students with scores of 11 or higher have satisfied the GWAR. No further assessment is required.
WPE Scores of 9 or 10
Students with scores of 9 or 10 should enroll in an appropriate GWAR course in the following semester and submit a portfolio for assessment. Students who have questions about their next step or need help selecting an appropriate GWAR course can schedule an appointment with a GWAR advisor in the University Center for Undergraduate Advising. Students are not permitted to attempt the WPE more than one time.
WPE Scores of 8 or Lower
Students who score 8 or lower are required to enroll in English 301A in the following semester. English 301A is not a GWAR course but will help students improve their writing skills to successfully complete a GWAR course. Following completion of English 301A, students are required to enroll in a GWAR course in the following semester and submit a portfolio for assessment.
Designated sections of English 301A and 301B are offered through the College of Continuing and Professional Education (CCPE) for international students. International students should contact the Center for International Education for course schedules and permits. Designated sections of English 301B are also offered for returning students. Returning students should contact Linda Sarbo, GWAR Coordinator at linda.sarbo@csulb.edu for course schedules and permits.
The GWAR Coordinator and GWAR advisors are located in the University Center for Undergraduate Advising at 103 Horn Center. For more information about the GWAR program or to schedule an appointment with a GWAR advisor, contact gwar@csulb.edu.
