Written Communication Placement
Understanding Your Path to Success in Written Communication
At Cal Poly, we want to ensure that every first-year student is set up for success in their General Education (GE) Written Communication courses. To help you start strong, placement in these courses is based on a combination of your high school GPA, standardized test scores, and senior-year high school coursework.
How Is Writing Placement Determined?
Cal Poly follows CSU placement standards, which consider multiple measures when determining the most suitable course placement for first-year students. For written communication, these measures include:
- CAASPP/Smarter Balanced (SBAC) Achievement Levels
- High School Coursework and Grades
- Overall High School GPA
Remember that these assessments are not part of the admissions process. Instead, they help determine the best level of support students might need to excel in their first year.
What Happens After Placement Is Determined?
Direct Placement into GE Area A2 (ENGL 133 or ENGL 134): If you’ve demonstrated strong writing skills through your high school GPA, you might be placed directly into GE Subarea A2 English courses. For example, a GPA of 3.3 or higher, or a “Standard Exceeded” score on the CAASPP/EAP English test could qualify you.
Supported Instruction for Success (ENGL 131 and ENGL 132): If your high school performance suggest you could benefit from additional support, you’ll be placed in a two-quarter stretch composition course. Supported courses provide you with a slower pace and extra help while you earn credit for GE Area A2. For instance, students with a high school GPA greater or equal to 3.0 with four years of high school English will qualify for the stretch composition.
Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program: All students are invited to participate in Cal Poly's English Summer Start program, which offers the chance to earn one unit of college credit while honing their writing skills during the summer before their first term.
Why Are These Placements Important?
These placements are all about making sure you have the right foundation to succeed. Whether it’s a direct placement or supported instruction, Cal Poly is committed to helping every student start strong, find their voice, and thrive in their academic journey.
For more information about multiple measures placement standards, please visit the Cal Poly Catalog's Academic Placement webpage.
