All transfer students are required to take
the Diagnostic Examination in Writing (DEW) before they start
their first semester; exam dates are scheduled in May, June,
and August. The DEW is a 45-minute essay that is used to identify
transfer students with writing problems that may make it difficult
for them to pass the Writing Proficiency Exam. USP requires
this exam because we know that writing standards differ greatly
among the schools from which our transfers have come. If you
get a letter saying that writing problems were found in your
DEW, you should immediately see Dr. Everett, the director
of the Writing Center. If you have been identified as an ESL
student, see Miriam Gilbert, the assistant director of the
Writing Center. You will receive the help that you need to
improve your writing skills.
The Writing Proficiency Exam is a 2-hour essay that all
USP students must pass in order to graduate. It is more challenging
than the DEW. |
