English Department Policies Manual

Introduction
The English Department normally offers credit–by–examination in freshman composition only. Students must apply to attempt credit–by–exam for other departmental courses. The departmental chairperson, the faculty involved, and the departmental Curriculum Committee must approve such applications. application forms may be obtained from the English Department office.

• Score of 3. With a score of 3, the student is exempted from ENGL 101 and placed into a Writing–to–Learn and ENGL 299 course sequence. The student must complete the initial WL class with a grade of C or higher to earn transcript credit for ENGL 101. Enrollment sequence of courses: 1. Writing–to–Learn (WL) and ENGL 101–40; 2. WL; 3. ENGL 299.
• Score of 4. With a score of 4, the student is exempted from ENGL 101 and placed into WL and ENGL 190 course sequence. Enrollment sequence of courses: 1. WL and ENGL 101–40; 2. ENGL 190; 3. WL. The student must complete the initial WL course with a grade of C or higher to earn transcript credit for ENGL 101. Student does not take ENGL 299.
• Score of 5. With a score of 5, the student has 2 options:
  Option 1: Same as score of 4.
  Option 2: Student may prove ability to write a research-based essay. Successful completion of Option 2 exempts student from ENGL 101 and 299 and earns 3 hours of transcript credit for each (grade of A). Enrollment sequence of courses: 1. WL; 2. WL. Student does not take ENGL 101, 190, or 299.

• Score of 27. Same as score of 3, ETS and College Board AP Exams.
• Score of 28 or higher. Same as score of 4, ETS and College Board AP Exams.

• Score of 50%.Same as score of 3, ETS and College Board AP Exams.
• Score of 60%.Same as score of 4, ETS and College Board AP Exams.

PSU Writing Skills Assessment Examination
The PSU Writing Skills Assessment Examination (WSA) is administered by the English Department. It consists of a 60-minute writing sample on an assigned topic and is open to all students. The WSA is administered by appointment through the English Department office, 235-4689.

• Score of 4. Same as score of 3, ETS and College Board AP Exams.
• Score of 5. Same as score of 4, ETS and College Board AP Exams.
• Score of 6. Same as score of 5, ETS and College Board AP Exams.

International Students. International students must earn a score of 3 on the WSA to be exempted from ENGL 100. Enrollment sequence for international students with a score of 3:
1. ENGL 100-30 and ENGL 101;
2. WL;
3. WL;
4. ENGL 299.

Transfer Students. Transfer students who enter PSU with previous credit for ENGL 101 from another accredited school may take the WSA. If the student earns a score of 6, the student may exercise the options described under ETS and College Board AP Examinations: Score of 5 above.

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