Writing and Learning

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Academic Preparation and Transitions

Academic Preparation

The Early Assessment Program (EAP) is a collaborative effort among the State Board of Education, the California Department of Education and the California State University (CSU). The program was established to provide opportunities for students to measure their readiness for college-level English and mathematics in their junior year of high school and to facilitate opportunities for them to improve their skills during their senior year. The goal of the EAP program is to help California high school graduates enter the CSU fully prepared to begin college-level study. For more information, click here.

Academic Placement and Transitions

The CSU has established procedures regarding first-year enrollment in General Education written communication and mathematics courses, including the assessments used to inform academic placement and support. First-year written communication and math placement at Cal Poly is based on multiple measures of academic preparation and proficiency, including junior-level Smarter Balanced Assessment/Early Assessment Program scores; high school grade point averages; high school and college coursework; Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and/or ACT/SAT exam scores. Note: while ACT and SAT scores are not required for CSU admissions, they are used for English and Math placement if the scores are submitted. For more information, click here.

Any first-time, first-year student identified through CSU placement measures as ready for success with support in English and/or Math will be invited to participate in supplemental learning opportunities throughout the academic year, including summer. More information on the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program will be available soon.

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Big News!

Our offices have relocated as a result of the temporary Library closure. Come visit us in our new space in the Graphic Arts Building (26), Room 110A.

We look forward to supporting your learning!
Connect. Collaborate. Achieve.

Academic Preparation and Transitions

The Academic Preparation and Transitions Department plays an integral role in help incoming first-year students prepare for a successful college experience through the Early Assessment Program and the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students program. More information is available on the Academic Preparation and Transitions webpage

Learning Support Programs

The Learning Support Programs department offers a comprehensive menu of programs and resources designed to help you navigate course expectations and achieve your learning goals: free tutoring for subjects across the curriculum, peer-led supplemental workshops and study sessions provide support for STEM-specific courses, and an online study strategies library. More information is available on the Learning Support Programs webpage. 

Graduation Writing Requirement

All undergraduate students who are seeking a Cal Poly degree must fulfill the GWR before a diploma can be awarded. Students must have upp division standing (completed 90 units) before they can attempt to fulfill the requirement and should do so before the senior year. The two pathways to GWR completion are 1) in an approved upper-division course and 2) via the GWR Portfolio. More information is available on the GWR webpage